If you’re looking for a light yet satisfying recipe that works for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, these Crispy Zucchini Fritters with Lemon Yogurt Sauce are exactly what you need. They’re golden and crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with fresh zucchini flavor. The cool, tangy lemon yogurt sauce takes them to the next level and balances the fritters perfectly.
This recipe is simple, budget friendly, and a great way to use up extra zucchini. Whether you serve them as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, they feel fresh, comforting, and homemade without being heavy.
Best of all, these fritters come together with pantry staples and can be pan fried, baked, or air fried depending on your preference
Zucchini Fritters with Lemon Herb Yogurt
What Are Zucchini Fritters?
Zucchini fritters are small savory patties made from grated zucchini, eggs, flour, and seasonings, then cooked until golden and crisp. They’re popular in many cuisines because zucchini is mild, affordable, and absorbs flavor well.
What makes this version special is:
- Extra crispy texture
- Balanced seasoning
- A fresh lemon yogurt sauce for dipping
Unlike soggy fritters, these hold together well and stay crisp when cooked correctly.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy without being greasy
- A great way to use summer zucchini
- Kid-friendly and veggie packed
- Can be made gluten free or baked
- Works as a snack, side, or main dish
- Pairs perfectly with lemon yogurt sauce
This is one of those recipes you’ll keep coming back to whenever zucchini is in season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Zucchini Fritters
- 3 medium zucchini, grated
- 1 tsp salt (for drawing out moisture)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup all purpose flour
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika (optional)
- 2–3 tbsp olive oil, for frying
For the Lemon Yogurt Sauce
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small garlic clove, grated
- Salt, to taste
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
- Zucchini: Medium zucchini work best. Avoid very large ones, which hold more water.
- Flour: Use whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour if needed.
- Parmesan: Adds flavor and helps with crispiness.
- Greek Yogurt: Full-fat gives the best texture, but low fat works too.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic gives better flavor than powder.
How to Make Crispy Zucchini Fritters
Step 1: Grate and Drain the Zucchini
Grate zucchini using a box grater and place it in a colander. Sprinkle with salt and let sit for 10 minutes.
After resting, squeeze out as much liquid as possible using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. This step is critical for crispy fritters.
Step 2: Make the Batter
Transfer drained zucchini to a large bowl. Add eggs, flour, Parmesan cheese, garlic, pepper, and paprika.
Mix until just combined. The mixture should be thick but scoopable.
Step 3: Heat the Pan
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Make sure the oil is hot before adding the batter.
Step 4: Cook the Fritters
Scoop about 2 tablespoons of batter per fritter into the pan. Gently flatten with a spatula.
Cook for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Do not overcrowd the pan.
Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels.
How to Make the Lemon Yogurt Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, garlic, and salt.
Taste and adjust seasoning. Chill for 10–15 minutes for best flavor.
Alternative Cooking Methods
Baked Zucchini Fritters
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C)
- Line a baking sheet with parchment
- Brush fritters lightly with oil
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway
Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C)
- Spray basket lightly with oil
- Cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway
Recipe Tips for Extra Crispiness
- Always squeeze out zucchini moisture
- Don’t overcrowd the pan
- Use medium heat, not high
- Let fritters rest on a wire rack if possible
- Avoid adding too much flour
These small details make a big difference.
Variations You Can Try
Cheesy Zucchini Fritters
Add shredded mozzarella or cheddar for extra richness.
Herb Zucchini Fritters
Mix in fresh dill, parsley, or basil.
Spicy Zucchini Fritters
Add chili flakes or chopped jalapeños.
Gluten Free Version
Use almond flour or gluten free all purpose flour.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve as an appetizer with lemon yogurt sauce
- Pair with grilled chicken or fish
- Add to a brunch spread with eggs
- Serve with salad for a light meal
- Use as a vegetarian burger patty
They’re versatile and work for almost any meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container
- Refrigerate for up to 3 days
Reheating
- Reheat in a skillet for best crispiness
- Air fry at 350°F for 5 minutes
- Avoid microwaving if possible
Freezing Tip
Freeze cooked fritters in a single layer. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven or air fryer.
Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)
- Calories: 220–250
- Protein: 10–12g
- Fat: 14–16g
- Carbs: 14–18g
Values vary depending on oil and cheese used.
Common Problems & Fixes
Fritters are soggy:
Zucchini wasn’t drained enough.
Fritters fall apart:
Add 1–2 tablespoons more flour or another egg.
Too bland:
Increase salt, garlic, or Parmesan slightly.
FAQs About Zucchini Fritters
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes. Cook and refrigerate, then reheat before serving.
Can I use yellow squash instead?
Yes, but drain it well.
Can I make them dairy-free?
Skip Parmesan and use dairy-free yogurt for sauce.
Are zucchini fritters healthy?
Yes. They’re veggie-based, moderate in calories, and filling.
Can kids eat these?
Absolutely. They’re mild and easy to dip.
Why This Recipe Works
- Balanced batter ratio
- Proper moisture removal
- Simple, fresh ingredients
- Flexible cooking methods
- Creamy, tangy sauce for contrast
It’s a reliable recipe with consistent results.
Conclusion
These Crispy Zucchini Fritters with Lemon Yogurt Sauce are the perfect combination of crunchy, tender, and refreshing. They’re easy to make, full of flavor, and versatile enough for any meal of the day.
Whether you’re cooking for family, guests, or meal prep, this recipe delivers every time. Once you try them, zucchini will never feel boring again.
Crispy Zucchini Fritters with Lemon Yogurt
Ingredients
For the Zucchini Fritters
- 3 medium zucchini grated
- 1 tsp salt for drawing out moisture
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika optional
- 2 –3 tbsp olive oil for frying
For the Lemon Yogurt Sauce
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small garlic clove grated
- Salt to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Grate and Drain the Zucchini
- Grate zucchini using a box grater and place it in a colander. Sprinkle with salt and let sit for 10 minutes.
- After resting, squeeze out as much liquid as possible using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. This step is critical for crispy fritters.
Step 2: Make the Batter
- Transfer drained zucchini to a large bowl. Add eggs, flour, Parmesan cheese, garlic, pepper, and paprika.
- Mix until just combined. The mixture should be thick but scoopable.
Step 3: Heat the Pan
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Make sure the oil is hot before adding the batter.
Step 4: Cook the Fritters
- Scoop about 2 tablespoons of batter per fritter into the pan. Gently flatten with a spatula.
- Cook for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Do not overcrowd the pan.
- Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels.
How to Make the Lemon Yogurt Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, garlic, and salt.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Chill for 10–15 minutes for best flavor.
Alternative Cooking Methods
Baked Zucchini Fritters
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C)
- Line a baking sheet with parchment
- Brush fritters lightly with oil
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway
Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C)
- Spray basket lightly with oil
- Cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway
Video
Notes
📝 Notes
- Use firm, fresh zucchini for best texture and crispiness.
- Grate zucchini and squeeze out excess moisture to prevent soggy fritters.
- All-purpose flour works best, but gluten-free flour can be substituted.
- Mix herbs and garlic into the batter for extra flavor.
- Cook fritters in a hot skillet with a little oil for even browning.
- Serve immediately with lemon yogurt sauce for the best taste.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheat in a skillet or oven to retain crispiness.
🍽️ Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: 180Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 3g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 55mg
Sodium: 220mg
Potassium: 320mg
Calcium: 60mg
Iron: 1.2mg
