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Crispy Cheddar Herb Zucchini Fritters Recipe with Easy Garlic Aioli Dip

crispy cheddar herb zucchini fritters - featured image

These crispy cheddar herb zucchini fritters are a quick and easy snack or side dish featuring shredded zucchini, sharp cheddar, and fresh herbs, served with a flavorful garlic aioli dip.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 medium zucchinis, shredded (about 3 cups or 450g)
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 100g)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour (60g) or almond flour for gluten-free
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Olive oil or vegetable oil for frying (enough to cover pan bottom)
  • For garlic aioli dip:
  • ½ cup mayonnaise (120ml), preferably full-fat
  • 1 clove fresh garlic, finely minced
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Shred the zucchini and cheese using a box grater or food processor. You want about 3 cups (450g) shredded zucchini and 1 cup (100g) cheddar cheese. This takes about 5 minutes.
  2. Squeeze out the moisture from the shredded zucchini using a fine mesh strainer, cheesecloth, or clean kitchen towel. Twist and press firmly to remove as much water as possible. This takes 2-3 minutes.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the dried zucchini, shredded cheddar, fresh parsley, fresh chives, 2 large eggs, ½ cup flour, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until evenly mixed and sticky but holding together. Takes about 3 minutes.
  4. Heat 2-3 tablespoons of olive or vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat until hot (about 3-4 minutes).
  5. Form batter into 2-3 inch (5-7 cm) patties using a heaping tablespoon. Place patties in hot oil without overcrowding the pan.
  6. Cook fritters for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp. Flip carefully with a spatula. Cooking about 6 fritters per batch takes 12-15 minutes total.
  7. Transfer cooked fritters to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Keep warm in a low oven (200°F / 90°C) if cooking in batches.
  8. While fritters cook, whisk together mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Let rest for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
  9. Serve fritters hot with a dollop of garlic aioli on the side and garnish with extra fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

Make sure to squeeze out all excess moisture from zucchini to avoid soggy fritters. Use sharp cheddar for best flavor. Maintain medium heat to get a crispy crust without burning. Do not overcrowd the pan. Keep cooked fritters warm in a low oven. Batter consistency should be sticky but hold shape; add flour or milk as needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: zucchini fritters, cheddar fritters, herb fritters, garlic aioli, crispy zucchini, vegetarian snack, gluten-free option