These crispy Parmesan yellow squash fritters are a tasty treat! With tender squash mixed with cheese and herbs, they make the perfect snack or side dish.
They’re so easy to whip up! Just grate the squash, mix in the other goodies, and fry until golden brown. I love serving them with a dollop of sour cream! Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yellow Squash: This is the star of the dish! Look for firm, fresh yellow squash. If you can’t find it, zucchini can be a good alternative for similar flavor and texture.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan gives a nice flavor boost. If you need a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor without cheese. For a different taste, Pecorino Romano works well too!
Flour: All-purpose flour is standard, but you can swap it with gluten-free flour if needed. Almond flour or coconut flour are also great options, but you might need to adjust the quantity slightly.
Green Onions: They add a fresh crunch. If you don’t have them, shallots or regular onions can be a suitable substitute, though they have a stronger flavor.
How Do I Get the Fritters Crispy?
The key to crispy fritters is removing excess moisture from the squash. Here’s how you do it:
- After grating the squash, sprinkle it with salt and let it sit in a colander for about 10 minutes. This draws out water.
- Squeeze the grated squash in a clean towel to remove as much moisture as you can. The drier, the better!
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the patties to the skillet—this helps them crisp up.
With these tips, your fritters will be deliciously crispy every time! Enjoy making them!
How to Make Crispy Parmesan Yellow Squash Fritters
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Fritters:
- 3 medium yellow squash, grated
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Olive oil or vegetable oil, for frying
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep and 20-25 minutes to cook, resulting in a total of approximately 35 minutes from start to finish. You’ll have a delicious batch of crispy fritters in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Squash:
Start by grating the yellow squash and placing it in a colander. Sprinkle the grated squash with salt and let it sit for about 10 minutes. This helps draw out excess water, which is crucial for crispy fritters.
2. Squeeze Out the Moisture:
After the 10 minutes are up, grab a clean kitchen towel or some cheesecloth. Squeeze the grated squash tightly to remove as much moisture as possible. Remember, the drier the squash, the crispier your fritters will be!
3. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the drained squash, flour, grated Parmesan, eggs, chopped green onions, minced garlic, black pepper, paprika (if using), and parsley. Stir everything together until well combined.
4. Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet, heat about 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Make sure the oil is hot enough for frying (you can test this by dropping a small bit of the batter into the oil; it should sizzle).
5. Form the Fritters:
Using a scoop or tablespoon, take about 2 tablespoons of the batter and gently flatten it into a small patty. Place it in the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. You can cook several fritters at once, but leave some space between them for even cooking.
6. Fry Until Golden:
Fry each fritter for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Adjust the heat as necessary to keep the fritters from burning.
7. Drain the Fritters:
Once cooked, remove the fritters from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. This helps keep them crispy!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Enjoy your crispy Parmesan yellow squash fritters warm, served with sour cream or your favorite dipping sauce. They make for a great snack or side dish!
This recipe yields approximately 12-15 fritters. Happy cooking!
FAQ for Crispy Parmesan Yellow Squash Fritters
Can I Use Zucchini Instead of Yellow Squash?
Yes, zucchini is a great substitute for yellow squash! It will provide a similar texture and taste, making your fritters just as delicious. Just remember to remove the excess moisture in the same way!
What Can I Use Instead of Parmesan Cheese?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor. Alternatively, you can use other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or even a vegan cheese that melts well.
How Do I Store Leftover Fritters?
Store any leftover fritters in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in a toaster oven or pan over medium heat until warmed through. This will help maintain their crispiness!
Can I Freeze These Fritters?
Absolutely! You can freeze the uncooked fritters. Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to cook, no need to thaw—just fry them directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
