This Italian Zucchini Fritters Recipe is the best! It features pan-fried zucchini without bread crumbs in a simple batter of flour, eggs and seasonings. Don't miss this family favorite from Naples handed down from my Nonna!
I'll never forget the day Mom and I nailed down Nonna's Italian Zucchini Fritters Recipe. It had never been written anywhere, of course, but has always been one of my favorite Italian Appetizers.
Mom had watched Nonna make these enough times to be able to whip them out, just by look and feel. But, I needed more details, something concrete.
So, let's peek behind the scenes of that day in 2014 when I attempted to document this legendary family recipe.
Me, talking to Mom on the phone: "So how much flour do you put in the batter?"
Mom, relatively calm: "I don't know, maybe two cups."
Me: "How many eggs?"
Mom: "Maybe two. It has to look like it's not enough."
Me, slightly confused but pressing on: "So how should the zucchini be sliced?"
Mom, starting to get impatient: "They have to be thin."
Me: "So, would you say half an inch wide?"
Mom: "HOW THE HECK WOULD I KNOW? WHY DO YOU ASK ME THESE THINGS?"
Me, holding the phone six inches away from my ear: "Because I have a food blog?"
Recipe ingredients
So we hung up, and I attempted to make the Italian Zucchini Fritters from my sketchy notes.
Except it wasn't enough. The batter, I mean.
My fritters were falling apart. They tasted okay, but something was definitely off.
So, I called Mom again.
Me: "The ratio is off. There's too much zucchini and not enough batter."
Mom: "Maybe I use three eggs."
Me, to myself: "I'm not trying this again without her."
So Mom and Dad came over for a cooking session. Of course, Mom brought the vegetables, eggs, oil, her own pans, and paper towels, just in case I didn't have any. #italianmothers
Type of oil to use
Mom uses corn oil for frying, but I prefer canola. Vegetable oil or avocado oil also would work, since they have high heat points. Don't use olive oil for frying, because it will burn.
How to make zucchini fritters
Mom and I made these batter-fried zucchini together, and I took notes as we went. It was a little stressful, since Mom would "forget" I needed to measure everything first. Ha!
But then...oh my goodness, there they were -- Nonna's Italian Zucchini Fritters, made just like in Naples, coming out of my kitchen for the first time! Dad and I couldn't wait for them to cool, so we were shoving them in our mouths while they were still hot and crispy.
I added more salt to mine at that point, because when they're that hot, you can't fully taste the depth of flavors yet. When they cool off and soften, your taste buds will be greeted with the best battered zucchini of your life.
To die for!
What to serve with them
We always eat these plain, as an appetizer or Italian side dish. If you'd like a dipping sauce, try marinara or Ranch dressing.
The leftovers are great for breakfast, packed lunches or just an anytime snack.
Just make these at some point in your life. I want you to know what you've been missing!
Can you make these in the oven?
I tried making these zucchini fritters in the oven, but they just weren't the same. They really need to be fried in a pan (affiliate link) for authentic Italian texture and flavor.
Go big, or go home with this one!
More zucchini recipes
- Italian Zucchini Bake
- Lemon Zucchini Bread with Walnuts
- Marinated Zucchini with Mint
- Pasta with Zucchini
Enjoy!
If you try this Italian Zucchini Fritters Recipe, please leave a comment and rating!
Italian Zucchini Fritters Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ pounds zucchini (see notes)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ⅓ teaspoons salt (plus 3 shakes of salt on eggs)
- ⅓ teaspoon pepper (plus 2 shakes of pepper on eggs)
- 4 jumbo eggs
- 1 ¼ cups canola oil (Or vegetable oil, corn oil, or avocado oil). Do not use olive oil, because it will burn.) See notes.
Instructions
- Rinse zucchini and pat dry. Trim off ends. Cut them horizontally into thirds (if your zucchini is small, you can just cut it in half horizontally.) Next, cut each piece in half the long way. Then cut each of those pieces in half the long way. (See photos in post.)
- Using a small knife, trim off the layer of seeds (if there are any) from each plank of zucchini. (The seeds affect the flavor.) Next, thinly slice each plank, starting along the side with skin. You should end up with strips of zucchini about 3 inches long, ⅛ inch-to-¼ inch thick, and around ¾ inch wide. Each strip should have an edge of green skin on it.
- Place the zucchini strips in a large mixing bowl as you slice them. Let the strips sit in the bowl to dry out for at least 30 minutes.
- In a medium bowl, mix flour with 1 ⅓ teaspoons salt and ⅓ teaspoon pepper. In a small bowl, crack your eggs and sprinkle salt and pepper on them. Beat the eggs with a fork or whisk.
- When the zucchini has had time to dry, add the seasoned flour to the zucchini bowl. Mix with your hands, making sure to reach the bottom of the bowl. Then pour the beaten eggs over the floured zucchini, and mix everything with your hands.
- Wash your hands well and set up your frying station. Besides your frying pan and oil, you will need two large spoons, a spatula, if desired, and baking sheets lined with paper towels.
- Heat the oil in a large frying pan on medium high. (You need enough oil to reach half an inch up the sides of your pan.) Test to see if the oil is hot enough by dropping a pinch of batter into the oil. If it sizzles and bubbles, the oil is ready.
- Use a large spoon to scoop some zucchini and batter (maybe five strips of zucchini at a time, but they don't all have to be the same). Use the other spoon to gently scrape the zucchini and batter into the oil. Continue adding spoons of zucchini and batter to the pan in a single layer, not letting the fritters touch each other.
- Cook the fritters on the first side until you start to see the batter turning golden around the edges. This should take around 4 minutes.
- Use a spatula or (spoons) to check the other side and see if it is golden. If so, it is ready to flip. Cook the fritter on the other side for 1-2 minutes, until the batter is golden on the bottom. As each fritter is done, remove it from the pan and place it on the paper towels so the oil will be absorbed.
- Continue frying all of your zucchini fritters, adding extra oil if the level gets low in your pan. (When making large quantities, discard oil when it darkens and replace it with fresh oil.) Blot the tops of your cooked fritters with paper towels to absorb excess oil. Wait a couple of minutes before tasting them and be careful, because they will be hot. Add extra salt to your portion if needed. Wait to add salt to the rest until they cool completely. At that point, you should be able to taste the full depth of flavors, and you may not need any more salt.
- Serve as an appetizer (usually three per person) or as a side dish (maybe five per person). Enjoy them with some added salt or dip them in marinara sauce.
- Store leftovers covered with foil (not plastic or they will become too moist) in the refrigerator for up to three days. Do not reheat leftovers. Rather, eat them cold or let them come to room temperature.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
(Recipe Source: My Nonna, via my Mom, who had to show me how it's done. Originally published on October 6, 2014 and updated now with a new title, ingredients photo and additional text.)
Jean
My mother in law was from Calabria and used to make these. So good! We cut back on fried food and haven’t had these in years....I would like to have seen a picture of the batter. I recall hers being similar to pancake batter. I think we need to make these this summer.
Mamma C
Hi Jean - I will have to take some new photos to add to this post when I update it. I would say the batter isn't like pancake batter, because there is no liquid...just eggs and flour. I hope you try these!
Ted
Awesome recipe. On my list of to do. My book of family recipe's says "secrets Nonna told me not to tell." Of course I ignore this but yours definitely looks great.
Mamma C
Hi Ted - I hope you love this zucchini as much as we do! It's great that you have a book of family recipes!
Duncan
Great dish - reminds me of childhood in Naples. My mum used to slice the zucchini diagonally, so you had a green border all the way around. Other than that, they look exactly the same, and the *only* reason I now grow zucchini in the garden 😀
Mamma C
Hi Duncan - I love hearing that you grew up eating these in Naples! They're definitely worth growing zucchini.
Christine
Thank you for sharing ! My mamma is from Naples too and this is how they do it in Naples ! I love it with an extra sprinkle of salt, I also tried it with marinara dipping sauce as suggested here in the comments .. I love em' both ways ♡ " Bellisimo! "
Mamma C
I love hearing that, Christine! I'm so glad you enjoyed these. Grazie!
Lucia
I loved this post. I reminded me of trying to get so many recipes from my mom. I loved that your parents brought everything over to your house in case you didn't have them! Priceless. Please give your parents a hug from me because they reminded me of my parents. I hope to try this recipe very soon and thank you for writing it down.
Mamma C
Lucia, I'm so glad you enjoyed this post! It's my favorite one of all and still cracks me up. My parents will appreciate your hug! Thanks so much. 🙂
Denise | Sweet Peas & Saffron
Oh, these look amazing! Love zucchini fritters, but these look 1000 times better than the ones I've had!
Mamma C
Thanks, Denise! I think making sure each strip of zucchini has an edge of green skin makes the fritters look beautiful.
Tekesha
One of the best parts of having a cooking blog is that it forces you to nail down the specifics of these cherished family recipes. The only way I'll be able to taste the full depth of flavor is if you come over and make these for me because there is no way I could stop myself from eating them immediately! 🙂
Mamma C
Haha, Tekesha. I wish we lived near each other, because you know I would do just that. The primary reason I started this blog is to nail down the family recipes, and it's so gratifying to accomplish that, one by one, and share it with others.
Cheryl "Cheffie Cooks" Wiser
Well for goodness sake Andrea they sound fabulous!!! I'd have to dunk them in hot marinara sauce though?! That's how my Mom's Mom made them (My Grandmother from Tuscany region of Italy). Very similar recipe I might add and yes super delicious. Glad you got the recipe down and moving on to the next! Cheryl
Mamma C
Cheryl, I never thought of dipping them in marinara sauce, since we love these plain. Now I'm curious...
Cheryl "Cheffie Cooks" Wiser
Um....give it a try! I bet you and your family might enjoy! Keep in touch now Andrea. Your Fl. bud, Cheryl.
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These look so good!! Crispy and just perfect!
Mamma C
Thanks, Ami! I ate more than my share. 🙂
Pamela @ Brooklyn Farm Girl
You took a garden goody and made it extra extra extra good! Swooning at how great this must taste!
Mamma C
Nonna was a genius in the kitchen. These are definitely swoon-worthy!