🥒 Crispy Zucchini Pancakes

Get ready for a treat! These crispy zucchini pancakes are a breeze to whip up — perfect for busy weekdays or a relaxed weekend brunch. Light, savory, and golden brown, they pair beautifully with sour cream, yogurt, or a simple dipping sauce. I made them for my family, and they disappeared in no time!

📋 Ingredients (Makes about 8 pancakes)

• 2 medium zucchinis (about 3 cups grated)
• 1 small onion, grated (optional, for extra flavor)
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour for low-carb)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (or other hard cheese)
• ½ tsp salt (plus extra for draining zucchini)
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
• 2–3 tbsp olive oil or butter (for frying)

🥘 Instructions

1. Prep the zucchini: Grate zucchinis and sprinkle lightly with salt. Let sit for 10 minutes, then squeeze out as much liquid as possible using a clean towel or cheesecloth.
2. Mix the batter: In a large bowl, combine zucchini, onion, eggs, flour, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix until well combined.
3. Fry: Heat oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture into the pan, flattening slightly to form pancakes.
4. Cook until golden: Fry 2–3 minutes per side until crisp and golden brown.
5. Serve: Place on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve warm with sour cream, yogurt, or your favorite dip.

📝 Notes

• Removing water from zucchini is crucial for crispiness.
• Onion adds depth but can be skipped for a milder flavor.
• Parmesan adds a nutty, salty kick while helping bind the batter.

💡 Tips

• For extra crispy pancakes, add 1–2 tbsp breadcrumbs or cornmeal to the mix.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan — fry in batches for best results.
• These reheat well in the oven or air fryer, making them great for meal prep.
• For a gluten-free version, use almond or coconut flour instead of all-purpose.

🍽️ Servings

• Makes about 8 pancakes (serves 3–4 as a side dish, or 2 as a main).

🔢 Nutritional Info (per pancake, approx.)

• Calories: 85
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 5g
• Carbs: 6g
  (values vary based on flour and oil used)

🌟 Benefits

• A tasty way to add more vegetables to your diet.
• High in vitamins A and C, potassium, and fiber.
• Kid-friendly — even picky eaters love them!
• Versatile: works as a snack, appetizer, or main dish.

❓ Q&A

Q: Can I bake these instead of frying?
A: Yes! Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, brush with oil, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway.

Q: Can I make them ahead?
A: Definitely. You can refrigerate the batter for a few hours before frying, or cook and reheat later.

Q: What dipping sauce works best?
A: Sour cream, Greek yogurt, ranch dressing, or even a spicy aioli are perfect pairings.

Q: Can I freeze zucchini pancakes?
A: Yes — cook fully, let cool, then freeze with parchment paper between layers. Reheat in the oven or air fryer until crisp.