Fried Zucchini Cakes Recipe (2024)

By Marjory Pilley Published May 28, 2021 · Updated May 28, 2021

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Fast and easy fried Zucchini Cakes have just 5 ingredients and are ready in under 30 minutes! It's the perfect recipe to enjoy summer zucchini.

Call them zucchini patties, cakes or fritters, just be sure to call me if you make them for dinner or as an appetizer!

The unbeatable Greek-inspired flavor combination of zucchini, red onion, and feta cheese will hook you. Make Zucchini Egg Muffins next. They share the same ingredients, but bake in the oven.

A slight aroma of the tasty goodness lingers in the air when you make them! Turn them into a sandwich, slider or enjoy them with a fork.

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Ingredients and Variations
How to Grate Zucchini
Directions with Pictures
More Zucchini Recipes
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Ingredients and Variations

Here's what you'll need:

Zucchini (or courgettes) - Another option is to replace some of the zucchini with shredded carrot.
Feta cheese (crumbled) - Substitute with your favorite grated cheese if desired, but the flavor just won't be the same in my humble opinion.
Red onion (diced) - White onions or green onions can be used instead.
Panko breadcrumbs - If you're making these low-carb then use breadcrumbs from your favorite no-carb bread.
Eggs - Ingredient is needed to hold everything together.

How to Grate Zucchini

You'll need lots of shredded zucchini for this recipe. Below are two easy methods to prepare it.

Either way, there is no need to peel the zucchini first. The stem won't be used, but can be kept in place to hold on to during the process.

Grater - Use a box or flat grater. For less pulp, use a grater with large holes and pass the zucchini across it one direction (rather than back and forth.)
Food Processor with a grating attachment. This is a quick and easy way to make lots of shreds very quickly. There seems to be less pulp too. This is my preferred method!
- TIP: Make extra zucchini shreds to freeze and use in baked goods like zucchini brownies.

Press Out Excess Moisture

If the shreds are very moist, then spread them out on a towel and press out the excess moisture with another towel. Unlike, baked goods, a little moisture won't negatively impact the final result so you don't need to go crazy squeezing out the wetness.

Here's what the zucchini shreds will look like when you're done:

Directions with Pictures

Here's how to pan-fry zucchini cakes on the stovetop.

Combine zucchini shreds, crumbled feta cheese, diced red onion, panko breadcrumbs, and eggs in a bowl.
Scoop about ¼ cup of the mixture and compress it tightly with your hands into small, slightly rounded balls. (When you drop them in the pan, they will flatten.) Small cakes are easier to work with.
Coat the bottom of the frying pan with a very thin layer of olive oil. If you use too much, the patty will absorb the oil and become excessively soft and difficult to work with.
Cook the zucchini patties for about 2 minutes on each side. Try not to flip them too much. (Did I mention you should handle them with care because they're delicate?!) They should be lightly browned on the outside. If they seem to be spreading too much, push the sides back in with the spatula.
Remove cakes to a plate lined with paper towels (to absorb any excess oil.) They will firm up more as they cool if you wait for about 5 minutes!

You really don't need to top these crispy zucchini cakes with anything. But, a little yogurt dill sauce is nice.

To make it: Mix together ½ cup Greek yogurt, ½ Tablespoon lemon juice, 1 pressed garlic clove, pinch of salt, pepper, dried dill.

More Zucchini Recipes

Zucchini Chips in the Microwave or Oven
Zucchini Bruschetta - Low-carb and Gluten-free!
Zucchini Noodle Alfredo - Just 5 Ingredients!

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