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Zucchini Breakfast Fritters

Zucchini Breakfast Fritters

These crispy zucchini fritters are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a light snack. Salting and squeezing the shredded zucchini ensures a tender interior with golden, crunchy edges. Quick to prepare, pantry-friendly, and kid-approved, they pair beautifully with yogurt, eggs, or a bright sauce.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course: Breakfast, Brunch
Cuisine: Vegetable, Vegetarian
Calories: 422

Ingredients
  

  • 2 medium zucchini shredded
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 2 green onions or chives chopped
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 2 –3 tbsp olive oil for frying
  • Optional: 1/4 cup shredded cheddar mozzarella, or crumbled feta
  • Optional: 2 tbsp breadcrumbs or panko for firmer texture
  • Optional: fresh herbs like dill basil, or chives
  • Lemon wedges yogurt, or sour cream for serving

Method
 

  1. Shred the zucchini using a box grater or food processor.
  2. Sprinkle the shredded zucchini with salt and let sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess water.
  3. Gather the zucchini shreds in a clean towel and squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
  4. In a large bowl, combine the drained zucchini with eggs, flour, baking powder, green onions, and pepper.
  5. If desired, fold in cheese, herbs, or breadcrumbs for extra richness or firmer texture.
  6. Preheat a skillet over medium heat until a drop of batter sizzles gently.
  7. Add a thin layer of olive oil to coat the pan.
  8. Scoop about 1/4 cup of batter per fritter and flatten slightly in the skillet.
  9. Cook 3–5 minutes per side until the edges are deep golden brown and the center is set.
  10. Adjust heat as needed: lower if edges brown too quickly, raise if they aren’t sizzling.
  11. Transfer cooked fritters to a wire rack or paper towel to drain excess oil.
  12. Keep finished fritters warm in a 200°F oven while cooking remaining batches.
  13. Serve warm with a spoonful of Greek yogurt, sour cream, or a fried/poached egg.
  14. Garnish with extra herbs and a squeeze of lemon if desired.
  15. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 5 days or freeze up to 3 months.
  16. Reheat in a skillet with a teaspoon of oil, in the oven at 350°F, or microwave then crisp in a skillet for best results.

Notes

Use medium zucchini for tender skin and small seeds; yellow summer squash works as a substitute. Eggs are essential for binding; for a vegan version, try flax or chia “eggs.” Flour provides structure and lift; gluten-free or whole-grain flours can be used with the same results. Baking powder gives a light, airy center—don’t skip it. Squeeze the zucchini thoroughly after salting to remove excess moisture; this prevents soggy fritters.