If you're looking to elevate your appetizer game, look no further than these delectable French Style Zucchini Fritters, also known as Croquettes de Courgettes! Bursting with flavor and a delightful crunch, these fritters are not only a fantastic way to use up those garden-fresh zucchinis, but they also promise to impress your family and friends at any gathering. With a golden, crispy exterior and a tender, cheesy interior, these fritters are the perfect blend of comfort and sophistication. Dive into this recipe and discover how easy it is to create a French culinary masterpiece right in your own kitchen!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchinis, grated
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Grate the zucchinis using a box grater or a food processor. Place the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out excess moisture. This step is crucial to ensure your fritters are not soggy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated zucchini, all-purpose flour, eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped fresh parsley. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together until well combined, ensuring that the flour and eggs are evenly distributed throughout the zucchini.
- Heat a generous amount of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You want enough oil to cover the bottom of the skillet, about 1/4 inch deep. To test if the oil is hot enough, drop a small amount of the zucchini mixture into the oil; it should sizzle upon contact.
- Once the oil is hot, take about 2 tablespoons of the zucchini mixture and form it into a small patty. Carefully place the patty into the hot oil. Repeat this process, making sure not to overcrowd the skillet. You can typically fit 3-4 fritters in a standard skillet at a time.
- Fry the fritters for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a spatula to gently flip them over halfway through cooking. If the fritters are browning too quickly, reduce the heat slightly to ensure they cook through without burning.
- Once cooked, transfer the fritters to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. This will help keep them crispy. Continue frying the remaining zucchini mixture, adding more oil to the skillet as needed.
- Serve the French-style zucchini fritters warm, garnished with additional chopped parsley if desired. They can be enjoyed on their own or with a dipping sauce of your choice, such as a yogurt sauce or a simple aioli.
Tips
- Squeeze Out Excess Moisture: After grating the zucchinis, be sure to squeeze out as much moisture as possible. This crucial step prevents your fritters from becoming soggy and helps them achieve that perfect crispy texture.
- Oil Temperature Matters: To achieve golden-brown fritters, make sure your oil is hot enough before frying. A quick test is to drop a small amount of the zucchini mixture into the oil; it should sizzle immediately. If it doesn’t, wait a moment longer before adding the fritters.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet: Fry the fritters in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can lower the oil temperature and result in uneven cooking. Aim for 3-4 fritters per batch for best results.
- Adjust Cooking Time as Needed: Keep an eye on the fritters while they cook. If they’re browning too quickly, reduce the heat slightly to allow them to cook through without burning.
- Serve Warm: These fritters are best enjoyed fresh and warm. Consider serving them with a refreshing yogurt sauce or a tangy aioli to complement their rich flavors.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 95mg
