Savor the flavors of summer with these Easy Zucchini Ricotta Fritters—a delightful blend of fresh zucchini, creamy ricotta, and crispy panko breadcrumbs, seasoned to perfection and fried to golden perfection. Whether enjoyed as a savory snack, appetizer, or light meal, these fritters offer a satisfying crunch and a burst of flavor in every bite. With just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a batch of these fritters to enjoy with family and friends. Let’s dive into making these irresistibly crispy and flavorful fritters that are sure to become a new favorite!
Ingredients:
- 2 medium zucchini, washed and thinly cut into sticks
- 1/3 cup ricotta, drained
- 1 egg
- 1/2 to 1 cup panko breadcrumbs, depending on the consistency of your ricotta
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Lemon zest from a lemon
Instructions:
- Begin by preparing the zucchini: Wash the zucchini thoroughly and pat them dry with a paper towel. Cut off the ends, then thinly slice the zucchini into sticks. Place the zucchini sticks in a large mixing bowl and set aside.
- In a separate bowl, combine the drained ricotta and the egg. Whisk together until smooth and well combined.
- Pour the ricotta and egg mixture over the zucchini sticks in the mixing bowl. Gently toss the zucchini sticks until they are evenly coated with the ricotta mixture.
- Gradually add the panko breadcrumbs to the bowl, starting with 1/2 cup and adding more as needed to achieve the desired consistency. The mixture should hold together well without being too wet or too dry.
- Season the zucchini and ricotta mixture with salt, pepper, and lemon zest, to taste. Mix well to evenly distribute the seasoning throughout the mixture.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully drop spoonfuls of the zucchini and ricotta mixture into the skillet, flattening them slightly with the back of the spoon to form fritters.
- Cook the fritters for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a spatula to flip the fritters halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
- Once the fritters are cooked to perfection, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Serve the Easy Zucchini Ricotta Fritters hot, garnished with additional lemon zest and a sprinkle of salt, if desired.
- Enjoy these crispy and flavorful fritters as a delicious snack, appetizer, or light meal, and savor the irresistible combination of zucchini, ricotta, and crunchy breadcrumbs with every bite!
Conclusion: With their crispy exterior, creamy interior, and bursts of zesty flavor, these Easy Zucchini Ricotta Fritters are sure to impress even the most discerning palates. Whether served as a party appetizer or a quick and satisfying snack, these fritters are a fantastic way to enjoy the abundance of summer zucchini. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to delight your taste buds with these irresistible homemade fritters that are as easy to make as they are delicious to eat!