These Crispy Parmesan Yellow Squash Fritters are a tasty treat! Made with fresh yellow squash, crispy breadcrumbs, and plenty of cheese, they are perfect as a snack or side dish.
Plus, they’re so easy to make! I love to whip these up when I have some extra squash. They disappear quickly, so make sure to save a few for yourself! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yellow Squash: Fresh yellow squash is the star here. If you can’t find it, zucchini works well too! Just remember to squeeze out as much moisture as possible. I always opt for medium-sized squash for the best texture.
Parmesan Cheese: For a rich flavor, Parmesan is my favorite, but you can use Pecorino Romano for a bolder taste. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast which adds a similar umami flavor.
Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are preferred for their extra crunch. If you’re out, regular breadcrumbs can work, but you might miss that crispy texture. You can also use crushed crackers in a pinch!
Fresh Parsley: This adds a nice pop of color and flavor. If you don’t have parsley, feel free to use other herbs like basil or chives. Dried herbs also work, just use less since they’re more concentrated.
How Can I Ensure My Fritters Are Extra Crispy?
The key to crispy fritters is all in the moisture removal. After grating the squash, squeeze out as much water as you can using a clean dish towel. Letting it sit with salt helps draw out more moisture. Remember, the drier the squash, the crunchier the fritters!
- Grate squash, sprinkle with salt, and let sit for 10 minutes before squeezing.
- Use enough oil in the skillet. Too little can lead to soggy fritters.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; fry in batches to maintain the oil’s temperature.
Crispy Parmesan Yellow Squash Fritters
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fritters:
- 3 medium yellow squash, grated
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (Panko recommended for extra crispiness)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20 minutes to prepare and another 10-15 minutes to cook, depending on how many fritters you fry at once. In total, plan for about 30-40 minutes from start to finish. You’ll love how quickly these fritters come together for a delicious snack or side!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Grate and Squeeze the Squash:
Start by grating the yellow squash using a box grater. Then, take the grated squash and place it in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Squeeze out as much moisture as you can, as this is the secret to achieving crispy fritters!
2. Mix Ingredients:
Move the squeezed squash into a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle the salt over it and toss to combine. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to allow any excess moisture to drain out again, then squeeze once more to ensure it’s dry.
3. Make the Batter:
Add the flour, grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, beaten eggs, minced garlic, black pepper, and chopped parsley (if using) to the bowl with the squash. Mix everything together until you have a thick batter that holds together well.
4. Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet, heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You want it hot enough that the fritters will sizzle when added, but not so hot that they burn.
5. Fry the Fritters:
Using a tablespoon or a small ice cream scoop, drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil. Flatten them slightly with the back of the spoon to form fritters. Be careful not to overcrowd the skillet; fry them in batches if needed.
6. Cook Until Golden:
Fry the fritters for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. You can adjust the cooking time based on your stove’s heat, just keep an eye on them!
7. Drain and Serve:
Once they’re cooked, remove the fritters from the oil and let them drain on paper towels to absorb any excess oil. This will keep them crispy!
8. Enjoy!
Serve the fritters warm, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs if you like. They’re delicious on their own or paired with sour cream or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Enjoy your delicious, crispy Parmesan yellow squash fritters!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Yellow Squash for This Recipe?
While fresh yellow squash is preferred for the best texture, you can use frozen yellow squash in a pinch. Just make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out excess moisture, as frozen squash tends to retain more water.
How Can I Make These Fritters Gluten-Free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and be sure to use gluten-free breadcrumbs, such as ground almonds or crushed gluten-free crackers. The texture may vary slightly but they’ll still be delicious!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Fritters?
Store any leftover fritters in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to regain their crispiness. Microwaving may make them a bit soggy.
Can I Add Other Vegetables or Ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in other grated vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or even finely chopped bell peppers. Just remember to squeeze out any excess moisture, as with the squash, to maintain that crispy texture!
