These crispy parmesan yellow squash fritters are a fun and tasty way to enjoy veggies! With melty cheese and a nice crunch, they’re perfect as a snack or side dish.
I love how simple they are to whip up! Just mix, form, and fry—easy peasy. Plus, they disappear fast at my house! Who could resist a golden brown fritter? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yellow Squash: This is the star of the dish! Any fresh yellow squash works well. If you can’t find yellow squash, zucchini is a fantastic substitute that will give you a similar texture and flavor.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts beautifully and adds great flavor. If you’re looking for a different option, Pecorino Romano is a sharper choice, or for a dairy-free substitute, try nutritional yeast.
Flour: All-purpose flour is standard here, but if you’re gluten-free, you can use almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend. I’ve found that rice flour also gives a nice crispiness!
Herbs: I love adding fresh parsley for color and flavor. You can swap it with other herbs like chives or basil based on your taste preferences, or leave it out if you’re in a pinch!
How Do I Make the Perfect Fritters That Aren’t Soggy?
Getting crispy fritters is all about removing moisture from the squash. After grating, make sure to salt it and let it drain. This step is crucial. Use your hands to squeeze out as much moisture as possible; the dryer the squash, the crispier the fritters!
- Set a colander over a bowl, add the grated squash with salt, and wait about 10 minutes.
- Use a towel or cheesecloth to squeeze out any remaining liquid.
When frying, don’t overcrowd the pan; give each fritter space to get that golden-brown crust. Frying in batches helps prevent steaming and keeps them crispy!
How to Make Crispy Parmesan Yellow Squash Fritters
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fritters:
- 3 medium yellow squash, grated
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 10 minutes for cooking, so you’re looking at about 25 minutes total. It’s a quick and tasty treat that’s ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Drain the Squash:
First, grate the yellow squash and place it in a colander. Sprinkle the salt over the squash and let it drain for about 10 minutes. This helps to reduce moisture, ensuring crispy fritters. After draining, use a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth to squeeze out any extra liquid from the squash.
2. Prepare the Fritter Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained squash with Parmesan cheese, flour, eggs, minced garlic, black pepper, paprika, baking powder, and parsley if you’re using it. Stir everything together until a thick batter forms. Don’t worry if it seems a little lumpy; that’s perfectly fine!
3. Heat the Oil:
Next, heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You want the oil hot but not smoking, so keep an eye on it!
4. Fry the Fritters:
Once the oil is ready, scoop about 2 tablespoons of the batter for each fritter, carefully placing them into the hot oil. Flatten each fritter slightly with the back of a spoon to form small patties. Don’t overcrowd the pan; you can fry in batches if needed.
5. Get Them Golden:
Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until the fritters are golden brown and crispy. It’s okay to flip them a couple of times to ensure they cook evenly.
6. Drain and Serve:
Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove the fritters from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil. This will keep them nice and crispy.
7. Enjoy!
Serve your crispy Parmesan yellow squash fritters warm, either as a delicious snack or as a delightful appetizer or side dish. Enjoy every crunchy bite!
Can I Use Other Types of Squash?
Absolutely! While yellow squash is great, zucchini works wonderfully as a substitute, maintaining similar flavors and textures. You can even mix different types of squash for a colorful variation!
Can I Make These Fritters Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the fritter mixture in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just make sure to fry them right before serving for the best crispiness.
How Do I Store Leftover Fritters?
Store leftover fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a hot skillet for a few minutes until warmed through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving them as they may become soggy.
What Can I Serve with the Fritters?
These fritters are delicious on their own but pair well with dips like sour cream, yogurt sauce, or marinara. You can also serve them as a side with grilled meats or salads for a complete meal!
