These Crispy Parmesan Yellow Squash Fritters are a tasty way to enjoy veggies! Made with fresh yellow squash, golden-brown and cheesy, they make a fantastic snack or side dish.
I love how easy they are to whip up. Just mix, fry, and enjoy! They’re perfect for when you want something crunchy and delicious that’s also good for you. Who says veggies can’t be fun? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yellow Squash: The star here is yellow squash. It’s mild and absorbs flavors well! If you can’t find yellow squash, zucchini works as a great substitute.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan gives the best taste and texture. If you’re looking for alternatives, try Pecorino Romano or any hard cheese you prefer.
Flour: All-purpose flour holds the fritters together. For gluten-free options, you can use almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend. My personal favorite is using a mix of both!
Fresh Parsley: This adds a nice pop of color and flavor! If you don’t have fresh parsley, dried herbs like oregano or basil can work, but use less since they’re more concentrated.
How Do I Get My Fritters Extra Crispy?
Achieving that crispy texture is essential for delicious fritters! Here are some tips to help you out:
- Make sure to squeeze out as much moisture from the grated squash as you can. This prevents sogginess and helps them fry up crispy.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying. Fry in batches to maintain the oil’s temperature and promote even cooking.
- Use a good amount of oil and ensure it’s hot before adding the batter. This helps create that golden-brown crust!
- Let the fritters rest on paper towels after frying to absorb any excess oil.
With these tips, you’ll have fritters that are perfectly crispy and oh-so-delicious!
Crispy Parmesan Yellow Squash Fritters Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fritters:
- 3 medium yellow squash, grated (about 3 cups)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time and around 15 minutes for cooking, making the total time around 30 minutes. It’s a quick and fun recipe to make, perfect for a snack or side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Squash:
Start by grating the yellow squash using a box grater or food processor. Place the grated squash in a colander, sprinkle it with salt, and let it sit for about 10 minutes. This helps draw out the extra moisture, which is key for crispy fritters!
2. Squeeze Out the Liquid:
After letting the squash sit, grab a clean kitchen towel or some cheesecloth. Place the grated squash in it and twist to squeeze out as much liquid as you can. The drier, the better for frying!
3. Mix The Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the dry grated squash with flour, grated Parmesan cheese, eggs, minced garlic, black pepper, baking powder, and parsley if you’re using it. Stir this mixture until everything is nicely mixed together.
4. Heat the Oil:
Pour about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil into a large skillet and heat it over medium heat. You want it hot enough so that the fritters will sizzle as soon as they hit the oil—this helps them become crispy!
5. Fry the Fritters:
Using a spoon or a small ice cream scoop, scoop out about 2 tablespoons of the fritter mixture and gently drop it into the hot oil. Flatten them slightly with the back of your spoon. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and crispy.
6. Drain and Serve:
Once crispy, remove the fritters from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to help absorb any excess oil. Serve them warm! You can sprinkle a little extra Parmesan on top or add a dollop of sour cream or your favorite dipping sauce for an extra tasty treat.
Enjoy your crispy and savory yellow squash fritters! They’re perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish—who knew veggies could be so delicious?
Can I Use Different Types of Squash?
Yes, you can! While yellow squash is ideal for this recipe, zucchini works great as a substitute. Just make sure to follow the same steps of salting and squeezing out excess moisture to ensure they remain crispy!
How Can I Make These Fritters Gluten-Free?
To make your fritters gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or use almond flour. Both options will work well and still give you a nice texture!
Can I Store Leftover Fritters?
Absolutely! Store any leftover fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until crispy again.
What Dipping Sauces Pair Well with These Fritters?
These fritters taste fantastic with a variety of dipping sauces! You can opt for a creamy ranch, garlic aioli, or a simple sour cream and chive dip. Even a marinara sauce would be a delicious match!
