Looking to jazz up your zucchini game? These Zucchini Fritters with Spicy Sriracha Mayo are a crispy, savory delight that pack a little kick. Perfect for summer when zucchini is abundant, they make a great appetizer or side dish for any meal.
Zucchinis are the star here, providing a mild, slightly sweet base that pairs beautifully with savory flavors. Be sure to squeeze out as much moisture as possible to keep the fritters crispy.
All-purpose flour acts as a binder, helping hold everything together while maintaining a light texture.
Grated Parmesan cheese contributes a salty, umami punch that elevates the fritters.
Egg provides structure and helps bind the ingredients, ensuring the fritters don't fall apart.
Salt and black pepper are your basic seasonings, enhancing the overall flavor without overpowering.
Fresh chives add a subtle oniony note and a pop of color, rounding out the flavor profile.
Vegetable oil is used for frying, giving the fritters a golden, crispy exterior.
Mayonnaise creates a creamy base for the dipping sauce, while sriracha sauce adds heat and tang.
These fritters are perfect alongside a fresh garden salad or as a side dish to grilled chicken or fish. They're also fantastic as a party appetizer, especially when served with a selection of dipping sauces like tzatziki or garlic aioli.
Start by grating the zucchinis using a box grater. This is a bit of an arm workout, but the finer the grate, the better the texture. Once grated, gather the zucchini in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much liquid as you can. This step is crucial for achieving those crispy edges we all love.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated zucchini with the flour, Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, pepper, and chives. Mix everything until well combined; the mixture should be moist but not too wet.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You want the oil hot, but not smoking. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the batter for each fritter into the skillet. Use a spatula to gently flatten each one — this helps them cook evenly and get that nice crispy layer.
Cook the fritters for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on the heat and adjust as needed to avoid burning.
While the fritters are cooking, mix the mayonnaise and sriracha sauce in a small bowl to make the dipping sauce. Adjust the amount of sriracha to your taste — more if you like it fiery!
Once the fritters are done, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Serve them hot with the spicy sriracha mayo on the side for dipping.