Golden and crispy on the outside with a tender, flavorful interior, these savory carrot zucchini fritters are a wholesome and vibrant addition to any meal. Packed with shredded vegetables, eggs, and cheese, they’re simple to prepare and ideal for breakfast, lunchboxes, snacks, or a light dinner. These fritters offer a colorful, nutrient-rich alternative to traditional sides or appetizers.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These fritters are as versatile as they are delicious. The combination of zucchini and carrot provides a fresh and subtly sweet base, enhanced with savory cheese, green onions, and a hint of garlic. Whether served warm with a dollop of yogurt or packed cold for lunch, they remain crisp and satisfying. The recipe comes together quickly with minimal ingredients, and it’s easy to adapt to different dietary preferences. Perfect for using up leftover vegetables, they’re also a great way to sneak extra nutrition into your meals.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 medium zucchini, grated
- 1 medium carrot, grated
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour or oat flour
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- Olive oil, for cooking
Directions
- Place the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. This prevents soggy fritters and ensures a crisp texture.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the squeezed zucchini, grated carrot, shredded cheese, eggs, green onions, flour, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix thoroughly until a cohesive batter forms.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and drizzle with olive oil.
- Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture for each fritter into the skillet, flattening them slightly with the back of a spoon.
- Cook each fritter for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crisp. Adjust heat as needed to avoid burning.
- Transfer the cooked fritters to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Serve warm with a dollop of Greek yogurt, sour cream, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Servings and timing
Servings: 8 fritters
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Calories per serving: 120 kcal
Variations
- Gluten-Free Option: Use oat flour or almond flour in place of all-purpose flour.
- Add Herbs: Fresh parsley, dill, or chives add a burst of flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the batter.
- Different Cheeses: Try feta, parmesan, or goat cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Baked Option: Bake fritters at 400°F (200°C) on a parchment-lined tray for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to regain crispness, or warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes. These fritters can also be frozen: place in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat directly from frozen in a skillet or oven.
FAQs
How do I keep the fritters from falling apart?
Ensure the zucchini is well-drained and that the batter holds together before cooking. Adding a bit more flour can help if the mixture is too wet.
Can I make these fritters in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the batter a few hours ahead or cook and store the fritters to reheat later.
What dip pairs well with these fritters?
Greek yogurt, sour cream, tzatziki, or a garlic aioli all make excellent accompaniments.
Can I use other vegetables in place of zucchini and carrot?
Yes, grated sweet potato, parsnip, or beet can be used in combination or as substitutes.
Are these fritters suitable for toddlers?
Yes, they’re kid-friendly and make a great finger food. Just ensure they’re fully cooked and cool before serving.
Can I air-fry these fritters?
Yes, air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.
Do I need to peel the zucchini or carrot?
Peeling is optional. Leaving the skin on adds texture and nutrients.
How do I keep the fritters crispy after cooking?
Place them on a wire rack instead of a plate to prevent steaming and preserve their crispiness.
Can I use frozen zucchini?
Yes, but thaw and squeeze out all the excess moisture before using.
Is it necessary to use cheese?
No, the cheese adds flavor and helps bind the fritters, but you can omit it or use a dairy-free substitute.
Conclusion
Savory Carrot Zucchini Fritters are a delicious and practical way to enjoy more vegetables in your daily meals. With their golden, crispy exterior and soft, flavorful center, they’re perfect for any time of day. Easy to customize and quick to prepare, these fritters are sure to become a staple in your kitchen—great for busy mornings, lunchbox additions, or healthy side dishes that don’t compromise on taste.
PrintSavory Carrot Zucchini Fritters
These Savory Carrot Zucchini Fritters are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, packed with colorful veggies and melty cheese. A quick, wholesome recipe ideal for breakfast, lunchboxes, or a healthy snack. Kid-friendly, easy to prep, and pan-fried to golden perfection.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 fritters
- Category: 120 kcal per fritter
- Method: Snack, Side Dish, Breakfast
- Cuisine: Pan-Fried
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
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1 medium zucchini, grated
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1 medium carrot, grated
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1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
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2 eggs
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2 tablespoons chopped green onions
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1/4 cup all-purpose flour or oat flour
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1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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Salt, to taste
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Olive oil, for cooking
Instructions
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Place the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much moisture as possible.
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In a mixing bowl, combine the zucchini, carrot, shredded cheese, eggs, green onions, flour, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
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Stir until everything is well combined and the batter holds together.
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Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat and drizzle in a bit of olive oil.
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Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture per fritter into the skillet, flattening slightly with a spatula.
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Cook for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
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Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels.
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Serve warm, optionally topped with a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream.
Notes
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For gluten-free fritters, use oat flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend.
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These reheat well and are great for meal prep—store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Add fresh herbs like parsley or dill for extra flavor.