These crispy parmesan yellow squash fritters are a tasty way to use up your summer squash. They’re golden, cheesy, and oh-so-crispy—perfect for snacking or as a side!
Making these fritters is simple and fun! Just mix grated squash with parmesan, form them into patties, and fry until golden. I can’t resist sneaking a few right off the skillet! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yellow Squash: This is the star of the dish! You can use zucchini if you can’t find yellow squash. Grate it and make sure to squeeze out the moisture to keep your fritters crispy.
Parmesan Cheese: Aged Parmesan gives a rich flavor to the fritters. If you want a milder taste, try using Pecorino Romano or even a vegetarian Parmesan alternative. Just make sure it’s grated for easy mixing!
Flour: All-purpose flour works great, but you can substitute with gluten-free flour if needed. Just keep in mind that it might change the texture a bit, but they’ll still be yummy!
Egg: The egg binds everything together. If you’re looking for an egg-free option, you could use a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) for a similar binding effect.
How Do I Prevent My Fritters from Being Soggy?
The key to crispy fritters is removing moisture from the squash. Here’s how:
- Grate the squash and place it in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth.
- Twist the towel to squeeze out as much liquid as you can—this step is crucial for texture!
- After mixing your ingredients, ensure your oil is hot before adding the fritters. This helps them fry rather than steam.
Frying for too long can also make them greasy, so adjust your cooking time as necessary to ensure they remain crisp. Enjoy your cooking!
Crispy Parmesan Yellow Squash Fritters
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fritters:
- 3 medium yellow squash (about 2 cups grated)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- Vegetable oil, for frying
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes for preparation and around 10-15 minutes for cooking. In total, plan for about 25-30 minutes from start to finish, so you can enjoy these delicious fritters in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Squash:
Grate the yellow squash with a box grater. After you’ve grated it, place the squash in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Squeeze tightly to eliminate as much moisture as possible. This will help your fritters become nice and crispy!
2. Mix the Fritter Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated and drained squash with the grated Parmesan cheese, flour, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley (if you’re using it), salt, pepper, and baking powder. Stir everything together until well mixed and combined.
3. Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet, pour in about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil and heat it over medium heat. You’ll know it’s ready when a small drop of batter sizzles upon contact with the oil.
4. Form the Fritters:
Using about 2 tablespoons of the mixture for each fritter, scoop the batter and gently flatten it into a patty shape. Carefully place the patties into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. You can fry in batches if necessary.
5. Fry Until Golden:
Fry the fritters for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them and adjust the heat as needed to avoid burning.
6. Drain Excess Oil:
Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove the fritters from the skillet and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the fritters warm, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired. They’re delightful on their own or paired with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt!
Enjoy your crispy Parmesan yellow squash fritters—perfect for snacking or as a delicious side dish!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Other Types of Squash?
Yes, you can substitute yellow squash with zucchini or even a mix of different squashes. Just remember to grate and thoroughly drain them to maintain the crispiness of your fritters!
What Can I Use Instead of Parmesan Cheese?
If you don’t have Parmesan on hand, you can use Pecorino Romano for a similar taste. For a dairy-free option, try a vegan Parmesan cheese, but ensure it’s finely grated to mix well.
How Do I Store Leftover Fritters?
To store leftovers, let the fritters cool completely and place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay good for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes or warm them in the oven for best results.
Can I Freeze the Fritters?
Absolutely! You can freeze cooked fritters. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for about 2 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) until heated through and crispy.
