These Crispy Parmesan Yellow Squash Fritters are a tasty way to enjoy your veggies! Packed with golden squash and a sprinkle of parmesan, they are crunchy on the outside and soft inside.
These fritters are perfect as a snack or side dish. I love to dip them in some ranch dressing—it makes them even better! Plus, they’re super easy to whip up on a busy day.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yellow Squash: This is the star of the fritters. Feel free to use zucchini instead if that’s what you have. Both will add flavor and texture!
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan gives the best flavor. If you have a dairy allergy, try using nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
Flour: All-purpose flour works great, but you can use gluten-free flour as a substitute if needed. Just make sure to choose a blend meant for baking.
Fresh Garlic: I love using fresh garlic for its aromatic qualities. You can use garlic powder in a pinch, but fresh will always elevate the dish.
How Do I Ensure My Fritters are Crispy?
The key to crispy fritters lies in removing excess moisture from the squash. After salting, let the squash sit and then squeeze out as much liquid as possible. This helps the batter stick together and fry up nicely.
- Grate the squash and place it in a colander with salt for 10 minutes.
- Squeeze with a towel or cheesecloth to get rid of extra moisture.
- Fry in hot oil, giving enough space between fritters to avoid steaming.
- Flip only once or twice for even, crispy edges!
How to Make Crispy Parmesan Yellow Squash Fritters
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 medium yellow squash, grated
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 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 takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 15 minutes to cook. Overall, you’ll need approximately 30 minutes to make these delicious fritters from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Squash:
Grate the yellow squash using a box grater or a food processor. Place the grated squash in a colander and sprinkle it evenly with salt. Let it sit for about 10 minutes. This step helps draw out excess moisture, making your fritters crispy.
2. Squeeze Out the Liquid:
After the squash has rested, take a clean kitchen towel or some cheesecloth and gather the squash up in it. Twist the towel to squeeze out as much liquid as possible. This is important for achieving that nice crispiness!
3. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the drained squash, grated Parmesan cheese, flour, beaten eggs, minced garlic, black pepper, baking powder, and parsley if you’re using it. Mix everything together until it’s well blended.
4. Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet, heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil over medium heat. You want the oil to be hot enough that a small drop of the batter sizzles when added.
5. Form and Fry the Fritters:
Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the batter for each fritter and carefully drop it into the hot oil. Flatten each fritter slightly with the back of a spoon to form small patties. Do not overcrowd the pan—fry only a few at a time!
6. Cook Until Golden Brown:
Fry the fritters for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a spatula to flip them carefully.
7. Drain and Serve:
Once cooked, remove the fritters from the skillet and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve the fritters warm with your favorite dipping sauce or a dollop of sour cream. Enjoy!
Now, you can savor your crispy, cheesy yellow squash fritters, perfect for a snack or as a side dish!
FAQ for Crispy Parmesan Yellow Squash Fritters
Can I Use Zucchini Instead of Yellow Squash?
Absolutely! Zucchini works great as a substitute. Just follow the recipe as you would with yellow squash—your fritters will still turn out deliciously crispy!
What If I Don’t Have Parmesan Cheese?
No problem! You can substitute it with any grated cheese you have on hand, like Pecorino Romano or cheddar. For a dairy-free option, try using nutritional yeast to add that cheesy flavor.
Can I Make These Fritters Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can easily make these fritters gluten-free by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. It should work just as well in holding the ingredients together and giving you that crispy texture!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, place the fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, crisp them up again in a skillet over medium heat or in an oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot. This will help restore their original crunch!
