Baked Parmesan Zucchini Fritters

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Crisp, golden fritters made with grated zucchini, Parmesan, and fresh herbs for a savory appetizer. This italian-inspired vegetarian ready in about 30 minutes pairs zucchini, egg, grated Parmesan for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 145 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.0 (15 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 145 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Grate 2 medium zucchini using a box grater; place in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze firmly to remove excess liquid (about 1 minute).
  2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine squeezed zucchini, 1 large egg, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, 1/4 cup flour, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; mix until evenly distributed.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering (about 1 minute).
  4. Step 4: Scoop 1/4 cup zucchini mixture per fritter and flatten into 1/2-inch thick patties.
  5. Step 5: Place patties in skillet and cook for 3 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp.
  6. Step 6: Transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Baked Parmesan Zucchini Fritters take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Baked Parmesan Zucchini Fritters?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep zucchini from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Parmesan Zucchini Fritters?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Baked Parmesan Zucchini Fritters for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Baked Parmesan Zucchini Fritters?

Italian vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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