These crispy Parmesan yellow squash fritters are a yummy way to use up summer squash! They are golden, cheesy, and full of flavor, making them a perfect snack or side dish.
Honestly, what’s not to love about fried goodness? I like to pair them with a little dipping sauce for extra fun! You’ll be making these every week, trust me!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yellow Squash: This is the star of the dish! Medium yellow squash works best for a good texture. If you can’t find yellow squash, zucchini is a great substitute. Both have a similar flavor and cook well.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds creaminess and depth of flavor. For a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy, or use vegan Parmesan substitutes available in stores.
All-Purpose Flour: This helps bind the fritters together. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, almond flour or chickpea flour can work well. Just be aware that the texture may vary a bit.
Eggs: They help hold everything together. If you’re vegan or allergic, you can use flaxseed meal as an egg substitute (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water = 1 egg).
What’s the Secret to Keeping Fritters Crispy?
The key to crispy fritters starts with removing excess moisture. After grating the squash, it’s vital to squeeze out all the moisture. This prevents them from steaming instead of frying.
- Use a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth to wrap the grated squash. Squeeze tightly until you see water come out.
- For frying, ensure the oil is hot (around 350°F/175°C). If it’s not hot enough, the fritters can absorb oil and turn soggy.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet. Fry in batches, giving each fritter space to crisp up nicely.
How to Make Crispy Parmesan Yellow Squash Fritters
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fritters:
- 3 medium yellow squash
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 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 20 minutes of prep time and another 15-20 minutes for cooking. In total, you’ll have crispy, delicious fritters ready in around 40 minutes, perfect for a snack or side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Squash:
Begin by washing the yellow squash and trimming the ends. Use a box grater or food processor to grate the squash until you have a nice pile of shreds. This is the foundation of your fritters!
2. Squeeze Out Moisture:
Place the grated squash in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much moisture as you can. This is a crucial step because getting rid of extra moisture will help your fritters stay crispy instead of soggy.
3. Combine Ingredients:
Transfer the drained squash to a large mixing bowl. Add in the grated Parmesan cheese, flour, eggs, minced garlic, chopped parsley (if using), salt, pepper, and baking powder. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. You should have a thick batter-like mixture.
4. Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet, pour in about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil and heat it over medium heat. You want the oil hot enough that a small drop of batter sizzles when added.
5. Fry the Fritters:
Using a scoop or tablespoon, take about 2 tablespoons of the batter for each fritter and carefully place it in the hot oil. Flatten each fritter slightly with the back of a spoon to help it cook evenly.
6. Get Them Golden Brown:
Fry the fritters for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they turn a lovely golden brown and become crispy. Don’t rush this part; let them get nice and crunchy!
7. Drain Excess Oil:
Once cooked, transfer the fritters to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. This keeps them crispy!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
These fritters are best served warm. You can enjoy them on their own or with a dollop of sour cream or your favorite dipping sauce for added flavor.
Enjoy your crispy Parmesan yellow squash fritters!
FAQ for Crispy Parmesan Yellow Squash Fritters
Can I Use Zucchini Instead of Yellow Squash?
Yes, absolutely! Zucchini works just as well as yellow squash in this recipe. Just remember to squeeze out the moisture after grating, just like you would with yellow squash.
Can I Make These Fritters Gluten-Free?
Sure! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour. Just keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different, but they will still be delicious!
How Do I Store Leftover Fritters?
Store any leftover fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a hot skillet for a few minutes to get them crispy again, or pop them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes.
Can I Add Other Vegetables or Ingredients to the Fritters?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in grated carrots, chopped spinach, or even herbs like basil or dill for added flavor. Just ensure any additional ingredients don’t add excessive moisture.
