These Crispy Parmesan Yellow Squash Fritters are a tasty way to enjoy summer squash! They are golden, crunchy, and packed with cheesy flavor. Perfect as a snack or a side!
Making these fritters is a breeze! I love serving them with a dip for extra fun. You can’t help but pop these crispy bites into your mouth! It’s impossible to have just one! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yellow Squash: This is the star of the show! Fresh yellow squash adds moisture and flavor. If you’re in a pinch, zucchini works well too.
Parmesan Cheese: This cheese gives the fritters a lovely, nutty taste. If you want a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese substitute.
Flour: All-purpose flour is the go-to, but you can use gluten-free flour if needed. Almond flour can also add a nice flavor and texture!
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a nice punch. If you don’t have fresh garlic, garlic powder can be a quick substitute—use about 1/2 teaspoon.
How Do You Achieve Crispy Fritters?
Getting the perfect crispiness is key! First, salting the squash helps remove excess moisture which is crucial for crunchy fritters. Here’s how:
- Grate the squash and sprinkle with salt. Let it sit for about 10 minutes.
- Squeeze out as much liquid as possible. The drier your mixture, the crispier the fritters!
- Fry in hot oil. Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the fritters; otherwise, they’ll soak up oil instead of frying.
For extra crunch, you can add a bit of panko breadcrumbs to the mixture!
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
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Olive oil or vegetable oil, for frying
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty recipe takes approximately 15 minutes to prepare and another 15-20 minutes to cook, making it a quick and delightful dish to whip up, perfect for any occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Squash:
Start by grating the yellow squash. Place the grated squash in a colander and sprinkle it with salt. Toss it around a bit so the salt is evenly distributed. Let it sit for about 10 minutes; this helps draw out excess moisture, making your fritters crispy!
2. Squeeze Out the Liquid:
After 10 minutes, use a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth to squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the squash. The drier your mixture, the crispier your fritters will be!
3. Mix the Ingredients:
In a mixing bowl, add the drained squash, grated Parmesan cheese, flour, egg, minced garlic, black pepper, baking powder, and parsley (if you’re using it). Stir everything together until it’s well combined and you have a thick mixture.
4. Heat the Oil:
Pour about 2 tablespoons of oil into a large skillet and heat it over medium heat. You want the oil to be hot enough to fry but not smoking!
5. Form and Fry the Fritters:
Take about 2 tablespoons of the squash mixture and flatten it slightly into a patty shape. Carefully place it into the hot oil. Repeat this, but make sure not to overcrowd the pan—leave some space for the fritters to cook evenly.
6. Cook Until Crispy:
Fry each fritter for about 3-4 minutes on one side until it turns a beautiful golden brown. Gently flip them over and cook the other side for another 3-4 minutes until crispy as well.
7. Drain Excess Oil:
Once they’re crispy and golden, remove the fritters from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
8. Serve and Enjoy!
These fritters are best served warm! Try them with your favorite dipping sauce like sour cream, ranch, or a spicy aioli. Yum!
Enjoy your crispy, cheesy yellow squash fritters! 💛
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I Use Frozen Squash for This Recipe?
It’s best to use fresh squash for the best texture and flavor. If using frozen squash, make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out as much moisture as possible before mixing. This will help achieve that crispy finish!
2. How Do I Store Leftover Fritters?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side to get them crispy again.
3. Can I Add Other Ingredients or Spices?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other veggies like grated carrots or zucchini, or spices like paprika or Italian seasoning for extra flavor. Just be sure to balance the moisture if adding water-rich ingredients!
4. What Can I Serve with These Fritters?
These fritters are versatile! They make a great appetizer or snack on their own, and pair wonderfully with dips like sour cream, tzatziki, or a marinara sauce. You can also serve them as a side with grilled meats or salads!
