These Crispy Parmesan Yellow Squash Fritters are golden bites of yum! Made with fresh yellow squash and a sprinkle of Parmesan, they’re perfect as a snack or side dish.
Making these fritters is so much fun! I love watching them get all crispy in the pan. They’re great with a little dip, and I can never eat just one! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yellow Squash: Fresh yellow squash gives these fritters their unique taste. If you can’t find yellow squash, zucchini works great as a substitute!
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a rich flavor. Pecorino Romano can be used if you’re looking for something a bit sharper. Just remember, don’t use the powdered stuff for this recipe—it won’t melt well!
Flour: All-purpose flour is the go-to here, but you can use whole wheat flour for added nutrition, or gluten-free flour if needed. Each will slightly change the texture, but they’ll still be delicious!
Egg: The egg helps bind everything together. If you’re looking for an egg substitute, try 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water).
Garlic: Fresh garlic really brings out the flavor. If you don’t have fresh, garlic powder works in a pinch—just use a teaspoon.
How Do You Get the Right Texture in Fritters?
The key to crispy fritters is removing as much moisture as possible from the squash. Grating the squash and squeezing it in a towel is essential. Letting it sit with salt also helps draw out excess liquid.
- Grate your squash and squeeze out moisture well.
- Mix all ingredients but avoid over-mixing; this keeps fritters light.
- Heat the oil to the right temperature before frying — it should be hot enough that a small drop of batter sizzles when you add it.
With these tips, your fritters will be perfectly golden and crispy. Enjoy making them! Plus, they’re fantastic dipped in a bit of sour cream or ranch dressing. 😋
Crispy Parmesan Yellow Squash Fritters
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 medium yellow squash, grated
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Vegetable oil for frying
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation and about 15 minutes of cooking, so you’ll have these delicious fritters ready in about 30 minutes total. Perfect for a quick snack or side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Grate and Drain the Squash:
Start by grating the yellow squash using a box grater. Once grated, place the squash in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth, and squeeze out as much excess moisture as you can. This step is really important to ensure your fritters come out crispy!
2. Season and Sit:
Transfer the drained squash to a bowl and sprinkle it with salt. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to allow any remaining moisture to escape. Afterward, give it another squeeze to ensure it’s nice and dry.
3. Mix the Ingredients:
In a mixing bowl, add the drained squash, Parmesan cheese, flour, egg, minced garlic, black pepper, baking powder, and parsley if you’re using it. Stir everything together until it is well combined. You want to make sure all ingredients are evenly mixed!
4. Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet, heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil over medium heat. You want the oil hot enough that when you drop a little batter in, it sizzles!
5. Form and Fry the Fritters:
Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and form small patties. Carefully place them into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy.
6. Drain and Serve:
Use a slotted spoon to remove the fritters from the oil, placing them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Serve them warm as a snack or side dish with a dip like sour cream or ranch.
Enjoy your crispy, cheesy yellow squash fritters! They’re sure to be a hit!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Other Types of Squash?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for yellow squash, zucchini works great as a substitute. Just make sure to follow the same draining process to remove excess moisture.
How Can I Make These Fritters Gluten-Free?
You can easily make these fritters gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or even almond flour. They’ll still be delicious!
Can I Store Leftovers?
Yes! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through, which will help retain some crispiness.
Can I Prep the Mixture Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the fritter mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Make sure to fry them just before serving for the best texture!
