Half-Moon Zucchini Fritters

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

Crisp zucchini fritters with lemon and dill, featuring zucchini cut into elegant half-moon slices for perfect texture. This american-inspired vegetarian ready in about 35 minutes pairs zucchini, all-purpose flour, egg for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 260 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.

★ 4.5 (10 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 260 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 2 medium zucchinis (about 1 lb), cut into 1/4-inch half-moon slices, in a colander; sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt and let sit for 10 minutes to draw out moisture, then pat dry with paper towels.
  2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the dried zucchini slices, 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1 large beaten egg, 1 tbsp lemon zest, 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, mixing until evenly coated.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat until shimmering; add half the zucchini mixture in a single layer and press gently to form patties.
  4. Step 4: Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy, then transfer to a wire rack; add 1 more tbsp olive oil to the skillet and cook the remaining mixture in the same manner.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Half-Moon Zucchini Fritters take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 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 Half-Moon 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 Half-Moon 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 Half-Moon 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 Half-Moon Zucchini Fritters?

American 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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