Zucchini Fritters are crispy baked zucchini rounds coated in taco-seasoned breadcrumbs and served with a creamy salsa dipping sauce — an easy way to get your family to eat more veggies!

Summer is all about produce and finding delicious ways to use it. Dinner can be super simple, of just throwing a protein on the grill and using up whatever produce is readily available. Zucchini is one of those summer vegetables that always seems to be more than enough of.

 

I love baking with zucchini. Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread is our all time favorite and we make it on repeat all summer long. But getting my family to eat it, not in dessert form can be tougher. But these zucchini fritters are a definite hit.

Getting vegetables into kids and adults can be tough sometimes. So you have to find new ways that everyone enjoys. I for one love zucchini, and will just eat Grilled Zucchini with anything. But my family is a different story. But if you get it in a crispy coating with a delicious dipping sauce, they are all over it.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Buttermilk
• Egg
• Breadcrumbs (a mix of panko and regular)
• Taco Seasoning
• Zucchini

The dipping sauce is optional, but it is what will really get your picky eaters to enjoy it.

• Sour Cream
• Salsa
• Ranch Dressing

If you want to make this a little better for you, Homemade Taco Seasoning and Homemade Ranch Dressing are great alternatives to have in your pantry at all times. You know exactly what is in them and can control the sodium and sugar levels.

How To Make Zucchini Fritters

1. Get the oven nice and hot and prep your baking sheet. You want to place a wire rack over a baking sheet and spray it with non-stick spray. This will allow the air to circulate and get all sides of the zucchini nice and crispy.
2. Slice zucchini into about 1/4 inch slices.
3. In a bowl combine buttermilk and egg. In another bowl mix together panko, breadcrumbs, and taco seasoning.
4. Dip each slice of zucchini in the egg mixture, then coat in breadcrumbs and place on prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake for about 20 minutes, until golden brown.
6. Meanwhile mix together sour cream, salsa, and ranch for the dipping sauce. You can store in fridge until ready to serve.
7. Remove zucchini fritters from the oven. Serve immediately with dipping sauce.

Recipe Variations

• Swap the seasoning: Trade the taco seasoning for another favorite blend, like Italian seasoning or ranch seasoning, for a different flavor.
• Add parmesan: Mix a couple tablespoons of grated parmesan cheese into the breadcrumb mixture for an extra savory, cheesy crust.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover zucchini fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

To reheat and keep them crispy, warm them in a 350ºF oven or in the air fryer for a few minutes, until heated through. Both methods bring back the crispy coating better than the microwave.

Can I Use An Air Fryer

Yes, you absolutely can. I have been making this recipe since before air fryers existed, so out of habit I still use the oven. But you can arrange the fritters in an even layer in your air fryer basket and cook at 390º F for 8-10 minutes, flipping half way.

If you don’t want to make the dipping sauce, you can use plain ranch dressing, ketchup or our favorite Cane’s Sauce is delicious on these as well

More Tasty Side Dish Recipes

• Tomato Mozzarella Salad
• Fruit Skewers
• Caprese Pasta Salad
• Corn Fritters
• Grilled Potato Packs