Gluten-Free Crispy Parmesan Zucchini Fritters w/ Creamy Dill Dip
How to make Crispy Parmesan Zucchini Fritters in an air fryer or a frying pan. Includes a creamy cottage cheese, greek yogurt, dill, and parsley dip. This makes a fun, flavorful snack or side dish and a great way to use up zucchini!
Could you use some new delicious, healthy, and creative ways to use up zucchini? I’m excited to show you how to easily and quickly cook up some Gluten-Free Crispy Parmesan Zucchini Fritters in an air fryer or frying pan. You can shred them into fun, hand-held zucchini fritters that make a perfect snack, appetizer, or side dish.
Fresh zucchini is shredded, combined with gluten-free almond flour, egg, parmesan cheese, and garlic, and cooked to crispy perfection in a frying pan or air fryer. They are bursting with flavor and taste even better, dipped in my simple, creamy cottage cheese and greek yogurt dill dip.
Why You’ll Love My Crispy Parmesan Zucchini Fritters Recipe
- It’s easy to prep and only takes 13 minutes to cook.
- They are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
- They are much healthier than french fries.
- All the simple ingredients are easily digestible for a gentle tummy.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here is everything you need to make the best-tasting gluten-free crispy parmesan zucchini fritters w/ creamy dill dip recipe:
Zucchini: If you don’t have zucchini, you can use other types of summer squash like yellow squash or pattypan squash.
Almond Flour: To replace almond flour, you can use other gluten-free flours like coconut flour, chickpea flour, or a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
Parmesan Cheese: You can substitute parmesan cheese with a dairy-free alternative like nutritional yeast or vegan parmesan for a dairy-free version. Keep in mind that the flavor may vary slightly.
Green Onion: If you don’t have green onions, you can use chives, leeks, or finely diced red or white onions as a replacement.
For the Creamy Dip:
Cottage Cheese: If you prefer a dairy-free or vegan option, you can replace cottage cheese with silken tofu or a dairy-free yogurt alternative like almond yogurt or coconut yogurt.
Greek Yogurt: Substitute Greek yogurt with dairy-free yogurt, such as coconut or almond yogurt, for a vegan version.
Lemon Juice: You can use lime juice or white wine vinegar as a replacement for lemon juice if you prefer a different acidity.
Dill and Parsley: If you don’t have dried dill and parsley, you can use fresh dill and parsley in equal amounts. The fresh herbs will add a vibrant flavor to the dip.
Salt and Garlic Powder: Adjust the salt and garlic powder quantities to your taste preferences or use fresh minced garlic for a stronger garlic flavor.
How to Make My Parmesan Zucchini Crispy Fritters Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Zucchini
Shred one medium zucchini into a mesh strainer bag, cheesecloth, or towel. Twist and squeeze all the excess liquid from the zucchini. Then discard the liquid.
Step 2: Prep the Cheese and Green Onion
Grate the parmesan cheese and dice the bottom half of the green onion.
Step 3: Prepare the Fritters
Combine the egg, almond flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in a bowl. Whisk until well combined.
Add the green onion, zucchini, and parmesan cheese and mix with a spatula until well combined.
Step 4: Cook the Fritters
Frying Pan Method:
Bring a frying pan to medium/high heat and spray with non-stick spray or add a teaspoon of oil. Scoop out the fritter batter and form fritters in a fry pan. Allow to cook until brown underneath. Flip the fritters over until brown. Remove from heat and allow to cool on a paper towel-lined plate.
Air Fryer Method:
Spray the bottom of the air fryer basket or tray with a non-aerosol non-stick spray. Scoop out the batter and form a small patty in the palm of your hand. Drop the patty onto the tray. Place the fritters at least .5″ apart to allow the air to circulate.
Cook for 8-9 minutes at 380°F. Remove the basket from the air fryer and carefully flip the fritters over using a spatula or fork.
Cook for 4 more minutes at 380°F. Then remove and allow to cool on a paper towel-lined plate.
Step 5: Make the Dip
Combine the cottage cheese, greek yogurt, lemon juice, dill, parsley, salt, and garlic powder to a small blender or chopper cup with an immersion blender. Blend until well combined.
Crispy Zucchini Parmesan Fritters Recipe Notes
Drain the Zucchini: After shredding the zucchini, it’s crucial to squeeze out as much liquid as possible to prevent the fritters from becoming too wet. You can use a mesh strainer, cheesecloth, or a clean kitchen towel for this purpose.
Zucchini Varieties: Feel free to experiment with different types of zucchini or summer squash, but be mindful of variations in water content and adjust accordingly. Some zucchini varieties may release more or less liquid.
Cooking Methods:
Frying Pan vs. Air Fryer: The air fryer method typically results in a slightly crispier texture due to less oil usage.
Frying Pan Method:
Pan Temperature: When using a frying pan, preheat it to medium-high heat before adding the fritter batter. Use a non-stick spray or a small amount of oil to prevent sticking.
Shaping Fritters: Form the fritters in the pan, allowing them to cook until they’re browned underneath before flipping. This method may require more attention to prevent burning.
Air Fryer Method:
Air Fryer Preparations: Ensure you spray the air fryer basket or tray with a non-aerosol non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
Hot or Cold: These fritters are delicious served either hot or cold. Enjoy them as a snack or side dish with the creamy dip.
Serving Suggestions:
Feel free to add extra seasonings or herbs to the fritter batter, such as fresh herbs like basil or cilantro, for additional flavor.
Check out more of my popular zucchini recipes:
Gluten-Free Crispy Parmesan Zucchini Fritters
Ingredients
Zucchini Fritters:
- 1 zucchini
- 1 egg
- 1/3 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- dash pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 green onion
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
Creamy Dip:
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese
- 1/4 cup greek yogurt
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Air fry 380° for 9 minutes, flip then 4 minutes
- Shred one medium zucchini into a mesh strainer bag, cheesecloth, or towel. Twist and squeeze all the excess liquid from the zucchini. Then discard the liquid.
- Grate the parmesan cheese and dice the bottom half of the green onion.
- Combine the egg, almond flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in a bowl. Whisk until well combined. Add the green onion, zucchini, and parmesan cheese and mix with a spatula until well combined.
- Frying Pan Method:Bring a frying pan to medium/high heat and spray with non-stick spray or add a teaspoon of oil. Scoop out the fritter batter and form fritters in a fry pan. Allow to cook until brown underneath. Flip the fritters over until brown. Remove from heat and allow to cool on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Air Fryer Method:Spray the bottom of the air fryer basket or tray with a non-aerosol non-stick spray. Scoop out the batter and form a small patty in the palm of your hand. Drop the patty onto the tray. Place the fritters at least .5" apart to allow the air to circulate.Cook for 8-9 minutes at 380°F. Remove the basket from the air fryer and carefully flip the fritters over using a spatula or fork.Cook for 4 more minutes at 380°F. Then remove and allow to cool on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Combine the cottage cheese, greek yogurt, lemon juice, dill, parsley, salt, and garlic powder in a small blender or chopper cup with an immersion blender. Blend until well combined.
Video
This worked exactly as written, thanks!