If you’re looking for a quick, healthy snack or a tasty side dish, Easy Zucchini Patties are an absolute winner. These golden, crispy patties are not only simple to make but bursting with savory flavor and a satisfying texture that makes zucchini shine in every bite. Whether you need a light appetizer or a complement to your main course, this recipe fits perfectly into any mealtime and will soon become one of your go-to dishes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Quick to Make: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy days or last-minute snacks.
Healthy and Light: Packed with fresh zucchini and minimal oil, these patties offer a nutritious alternative to fried snacks.
Kid-Friendly: Mild flavors and fun shapes make these a hit even with picky eaters.
Versatile Flavor Base: Easy to customize with herbs, spices, or cheese to suit your taste.
Minimal Ingredients: Uses everyday pantry staples, so you can whip it up without extra shopping.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting started with Easy Zucchini Patties is a breeze because the ingredients are straightforward yet play essential roles in flavor and texture. Fresh zucchini brings moisture and nutrition, the binding agents hold everything together, and seasonings add that perfect savory touch.

Zucchini: Grated fresh zucchini provides the star fresh, mild flavor and moisture.
Eggs: Acts as a binder to help the patties hold their shape during cooking.
Breadcrumbs: Adds structure and helps absorb excess moisture, ensuring a crispy exterior.
Parmesan Cheese: Delivers a salty, nutty depth that elevates the taste.
Garlic Powder: A subtle kick to enhance savory notes.
Salt and Pepper: Basic but essential seasoning to balance flavors.
Olive Oil: For frying, providing a light crisp and golden color.

Variations for Easy Zucchini Patties

One of the best things about Easy Zucchini Patties is how easy it is to tailor them to your preference or dietary needs. Feel free to mix in different ingredients or adjust seasonings to make this recipe truly your own.

Add Fresh Herbs: Toss in chopped parsley, dill, or basil for a fresh herbal note.
Cheese Swaps: Substitute Parmesan with feta or cheddar for a different cheesy twist.
Spice Boost: Mix in a pinch of cayenne, paprika, or chili flakes for a little heat.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed nuts instead for crunch.
Vegan Version: Replace eggs with flax eggs and use vegan cheese or nutritional yeast.

Easy Zucchini Patties: Quick & Tasty Recipe

How to Make Easy Zucchini Patties

Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini

Start by grating fresh zucchini and then squeezing out as much moisture as possible using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Removing excess water prevents soggy patties and helps them crisp up beautifully when cooked.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the grated zucchini with eggs, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything gently until all ingredients are fully incorporated, creating a mixture that holds together well.

Step 3: Form the Patties

Using your hands or a spoon, shape the zucchini mixture into small, evenly sized patties — about two to three inches in diameter works best. This size ensures they cook evenly and hold a nice crunch outside.

Step 4: Cook the Patties

Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Carefully add the patties and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes per side or until a golden crust forms. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain crispiness.

Step 5: Drain and Serve

Once golden and cooked through, transfer the patties to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve warm to enjoy that irresistible crispy texture!

Pro Tips for Making Easy Zucchini Patties

Drain Thoroughly: Wrapping zucchini in a towel to remove moisture is key to avoiding soggy patties.
Don’t Overmix: Combine ingredients gently to keep the patties tender rather than dense.
Consistent Sizes: Form patties of equal sizes for even cooking and easy flipping.
Use Medium Heat: Cooking on medium prevents burning outside while ensuring the inside cooks fully.
Let Patties Rest: After mixing, resting the mixture for 10 minutes helps the breadcrumbs absorb moisture, improving texture.

How to Serve Easy Zucchini Patties

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes like chopped herbs, a squeeze of lemon, or a dollop of sour cream add bright, fresh notes and balance the warm, savory patties beautifully.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or a light dipping sauce such as tzatziki or garlic aioli to round out the meal effortlessly.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking patties with layers of cheese and tomato for a mini veggie burger twist, or crumble them over mixed greens for a crunchy salad topping. They also make great finger foods for parties!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Easy Zucchini Patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. They maintain their flavor and texture best when eaten fresh but reheat well too.

Freezing

For longer storage, place uncooked patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Cook from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes per side.

Reheating

To maintain crispiness when reheating, warm patties in a hot skillet with a touch of oil or bake them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) until heated through rather than microwaving.

FAQs

Can I use frozen zucchini for this recipe?

While fresh zucchini is ideal for the best texture, thawed and thoroughly drained frozen zucchini can be used in a pinch, but be sure to squeeze out all excess moisture to avoid soggy patties.

Are Easy Zucchini Patties gluten-free?

Traditional recipes use breadcrumbs, which typically contain gluten. However, you can easily use gluten-free breadcrumbs or alternatives like crushed nuts to make the recipe gluten-free.

How do I prevent the patties from falling apart?

Removing excess moisture and not overmixing the batter helps patties hold together. Also, using eggs and breadcrumbs as binders ensures they stay intact during cooking.

Can I bake zucchini patties instead of frying?

Yes! Baking at 400°F (205°C) on a greased baking sheet for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway, creates a lighter version with less oil but still good crispiness.

What dips pair well with Easy Zucchini Patties?

They go great with garlic aioli, tzatziki, ranch dressing, spicy sriracha mayo, or even a simple squeeze of lemon for fresh flavor.

Final Thoughts

Easy Zucchini Patties are a delicious way to bring fresh veggies into your meals with minimal effort and maximum flavor. They’re quick to make, versatile, and absolutely delightful whether you serve them as a snack, appetizer, or side. Give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy zucchini!

Easy Zucchini Patties

Print Recipe

Easy Zucchini Patties are quick, healthy, and delicious golden patties made with fresh grated zucchini, Parmesan cheese, and simple seasonings. Crispy on the outside and tender inside, they’re perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish. Ready in under 30 minutes, these light, kid-friendly patties can be customized with herbs, spices, or cheese to suit any taste or dietary need.

Author: Lucas
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 12 patties 1x
Category: Appetizers
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free breadcrumbs)

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

2 medium zucchinis (about 2 cups grated)
2 large eggs
½ cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)

Instructions

Prepare the Zucchini: Grate fresh zucchinis and use a clean kitchen or paper towel to squeeze out as much moisture as possible. This prevents soggy patties and helps them become crispy when cooked.
Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the grated zucchini, eggs, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until all ingredients are evenly incorporated and the mixture holds together well.
Form the Patties: Shape the zucchini mixture into small patties about 2-3 inches in diameter using your hands or a spoon. Making them consistent in size ensures even cooking and a nice crunchy exterior.
Cook the Patties: Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add patties carefully without overcrowding the pan. Cook for approximately 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until a golden crust forms and patties are cooked through.
Drain and Serve: Transfer cooked patties onto a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve warm for the best crispy texture and enjoy with your favorite garnishes or dips.

Notes

Drain zucchini thoroughly to avoid soggy patties.
Mix ingredients gently to keep patties tender.
Form patties uniformly for even cooking.
Cook over medium heat to prevent burning outside while ensuring inside is fully cooked.
Let the mixture rest for 10 minutes before forming patties to allow breadcrumbs to absorb moisture.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 patties
Calories: 140
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 300mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: zucchini patties, healthy snacks, gluten-free appetizer, easy zucchini recipe, vegetarian snack, quick side dish