Golden, crispy zucchini fritter stacks layered with creamy toppings—perfect as an appetizer or light lunch that bursts with fresh, savory flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role, working together to ensure your Crispy Zucchini Fritter Stacks turn out irresistible. From the humble zucchini to the zingy homemade aioli, you’ll be amazed at how just a handful of simple ingredients create so much flavor and texture.
- Zucchini: Provides the juicy, slightly sweet base that makes every bite tender within and crispy at the edges.
- Salt: Essential for drawing out extra moisture from the zucchini, which is key for a crunchy fritter.
- Eggs: Help bind the mixture together so you get that perfect stackable texture.
- All-purpose flour: Gives the fritters structure while allowing them to fry up crisp and light.
- Grated Parmesan: Adds a rich umami kick and golden color to the fritters.
- Green onions: Bring freshness and a pop of subtle, peppery flavor.
- Black pepper: Seasons the mixture, brightening the flavor without overpowering the zucchini.
- Vegetable oil: Perfect for shallow frying, it ensures each fritter turns beautifully golden and crispy.
- Mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base of the quick, luscious aioli topping.
- Garlic: Infuses the aioli with bold, aromatic depth.
- Lemon juice: Wakes everything up with a tangy, citrusy finish that cuts through the richness.
How to Make Crispy Zucchini Fritter Stacks
Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini
Start by grating the zucchini and tossing it with salt. Letting it sit for about 10 minutes allows the salt to draw out a surprising amount of water. After resting, wrap the zucchini in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. This single step is the secret to fritters that fry up gloriously crisp instead of soggy.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, flour, grated Parmesan, green onions, and a touch of black pepper until just combined. Then, fold in the squeezed zucchini. The batter should be thick and scoopable—if it looks runny, don’t be afraid to add another tablespoon of flour until it holds together nicely.
Step 3: Fry to Perfection
Heat your vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Drop generous spoonfuls of batter into the pan, gently flattening them with the back of your spatula. Give them 2 to 3 minutes on each side, watching as they transform into golden, crispy rounds. Once done, transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain off any excess oil—they’ll stay crisp as they cool slightly.
Step 4: Make the Garlic-Lemon Aioli
Whipping up your aioli couldn’t be easier: Stir together mayonnaise, minced garlic, and a splash of lemon juice until smooth and fragrant. This simple sauce adds a zesty, creamy layer that takes your Crispy Zucchini Fritter Stacks from really good to absolutely heavenly.
Step 5: Stack and Serve
Now comes the fun part! Arrange the fritters in neat stacks (three high is stunning), then drizzle or dollop your homemade aioli over the top. Serve while still warm for the best crunch and flavor—everyone will be hovering around the plate for a taste.
How to Serve Crispy Zucchini Fritter Stacks
Garnishes
A scatter of finely chopped herbs like chives, parsley, or dill not only brightens up the stacks visually but adds a delicate freshness that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the fritters and aioli.
Side Dishes
Pair these Crispy Zucchini Fritter Stacks with a simply dressed green salad for a lovely light meal, or set them alongside grilled or roasted meats for a heartier spread. They shine at brunch alongside poached eggs, or as a stylish starter for dinner parties.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, try stacking them mini-style on skewers and serving as finger food, or layer them with thinly sliced tomatoes and extra Parmesan for a garden-inspired tower. You can even serve individual fritters topped with a tiny spoonful of aioli as elegant hors d’oeuvres.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Crispy Zucchini Fritter Stacks store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Let them cool to room temperature first to prevent sogginess, and keep the aioli in a separate container.
Freezing
These fritters freeze quite well! Arrange cooled fritters in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to two months and are a lifesaver for quick snacks or appetizers.
Reheating
For the best crunch, warm the fritters in a hot oven or in a dry skillet over medium heat until heated through. Avoid the microwave, as it tends to soften the crispy edges. Spoon the aioli over just before serving so every bite is freshly delicious.
FAQs
Can I make the batter in advance?
Absolutely! You can mix the batter (without the zucchini) a few hours ahead and store it in the fridge. For the best results, squeeze and add the zucchini just before frying to maintain the fritters’ crispness.
What other vegetables can I add?
Feel free to experiment—shredded carrots, corn kernels, or finely chopped bell peppers work beautifully alongside or in place of some zucchini, giving your Crispy Zucchini Fritter Stacks even more color and sweetness.
Are these gluten-free?
With a simple swap to a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, this recipe becomes completely gluten-free without missing a beat. Just check that your Parmesan and mayonnaise are certified gluten-free as well.
Can I bake instead of fry these fritters?
Yes! While the true magic is in frying, you can certainly bake them on a well-oiled parchment-lined baking sheet at 425°F (220°C) for about 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through. They’ll be a touch less crispy, but still tasty and easier to make in big batches.
How do I keep the stacks crispy if serving for a crowd?
Place finished fritters on a wire rack over a sheet pan in a warm oven (around 200°F or 95°C) as you cook the rest. This way, each stack stays perfectly crunchy until you’re ready to garnish and serve.
Final Thoughts
If you love discovering those recipes you’ll want to make again and again, these Crispy Zucchini Fritter Stacks are one to add to your repertoire. Bursting with flavor, fun to personalize, and guaranteed to please any crowd, I hope you’ll give them a try and share your delicious results with friends and family!
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Crispy Zucchini Fritter Stacks Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Golden, crispy zucchini fritter stacks layered with creamy toppings—perfect as an appetizer or light lunch that bursts with fresh, savory flavor.
Ingredients
For the Zucchini Fritters
- 2 medium zucchini, grated
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Garlic-Lemon Aioli
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the Zucchini: Toss the grated zucchini with salt in a large bowl and let it sit for 10 minutes to draw out the moisture. After resting, wrap the zucchini in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much liquid as possible, which helps ensure the fritters turn out crispy rather than soggy.
- Mix the Batter: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the eggs, all-purpose flour, grated Parmesan, chopped green onions, and black pepper. Add the well-drained zucchini and stir until the mixture becomes a thick batter. This step ensures the vegetables and seasonings are evenly distributed throughout each fritter.
- Fry the Fritters: In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Using a spoon, drop portions of the batter into the pan, spacing them so they’re not crowded. Flatten each dollop slightly with a spatula. Fry for about 2–3 minutes on each side, until the fritters are golden brown and crisp. Remove them from the pan and set on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Make the Aioli: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Stir until smooth and well mixed. This tangy aioli will add a creamy, garlicky finish to the dish.
- Assemble and Serve: Stack the fritters in pairs or small towers on serving plates. Spoon a generous dollop of the garlic-lemon aioli on top of each stack. Serve immediately, while the fritters are hot and crisp, for maximum flavor and texture.
Notes
- Be sure to squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the zucchini for extra-crispy fritters.
- If you like heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne to the batter.
- Feel free to substitute gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
- These fritters pair beautifully with fresh herbs like dill or parsley sprinkled on top.
- Leftover fritters can be reheated in a toaster oven or skillet for best results.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stack (1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 80mg