Give it up, my spicy friend! You cannot resist the siren call of these Spicy Jalapeño & Cheddar Zucchini Fritters. I am telling you, they are a total game-changer for your snack life. If you’re looking for another fantastic way to use summer fruit, you have to try these delicious fresh peach fritters.
Imagine this: crispy, golden edges giving way to a soft, cheesy, and perfectly spiced center. It’s a party in your mouth, and everyone’s invited. We’re talking about the ultimate way to use up that summer zucchini, and I am OBSESSED.
These little veggie cakes are my go-to for everything. Crazy-good appetizer? Check. A sneaky-awesome vegetarian dinner? Double check. Let’s make some kitchen magic happen together!
Recipe Overview
- Cuisine: American Fusion
- Category: Appetizer / Vegetarian Main
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: About 12 fritters
Do You Love This Recipe Too?
My love for these fritters is borderline dramatic. It all started when my garden zucchini plants staged a hostile takeover.
I had zucchinis hiding everywhere. I needed a solution that was fast, delicious, and could handle a little heat. Enter the jalapeño and a whole lot of cheddar.
The first bite was pure joy. They were everything I wanted: crispy, cheesy, spicy, and packed with veggie goodness. Now, I make them almost every week. You will too! For another incredible zucchini recipe, my Snickerdoodle Zucchini Bread is a must-bake.
My Shopping List for This Recipe
Grab your market basket! This recipe is all about simple, fresh ingredients that pack a punch. The star players are the zucchini, jalapeño, and that beautiful block of sharp cheddar.
Don’t you dare buy pre-shredded cheese! We’re grating our own for that perfect, melty goodness. Trust me on this.
Let’s Get Your Ingredients Ready
Okay, team! Let’s line everything up. This “mise en place” makes the whole process so smooth and fun. No last-minute scrambling for the baking powder!
Spicy Jalapeño & Cheddar Zucchini Fritters Recipe
Let’s Get Your Ingredients Ready
Bringing This Recipe to Life (Step-by-Step)
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Spicy Jalapeño & Cheddar Zucchini Fritters Recipe!
Nutrition Information
- 2 medium zucchinis, grated (about 3 cups packed)
- 1 teaspoon salt, for sweating zucchini
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup milk (any kind!)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 1-2 fresh jalapeños, finely diced (seeds removed for less heat!)
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil, for frying
- For serving: sour cream or ranch dressing
Bringing This Recipe to Life (Step-by-Step)
Here we go! The fun part. Put on some good music and get ready to create something amazing. I promise, it’s easier than you think.
- First, grate your zucchini into a colander. Toss it with that 1 tsp of salt and let it sit for 10 minutes. This pulls out the water so our fritters get crispy, not soggy. This step is non-negotiable!
- After 10 minutes, take handfuls of the zucchini and squeeze, squeeze, SQUEEZE over the sink. Get out as much liquid as you possibly can. You’ll be shocked how much water comes out!
- In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and milk together until they’re nice and smooth.
- Add the flour, baking powder, garlic powder, and black pepper to the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined. A few lumps are totally fine!
- Now, fold in your squeezed-dry zucchini, the glorious grated cheddar, diced jalapeño, and green onions. Mix it all up until everything is happily coated in batter.
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You want it nice and hot so the fritters sizzle when they hit the pan.
- Drop heaping tablespoons of the batter into the hot oil. Gently press them down with your spoon to flatten slightly. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until they’re deeply golden and gorgeous.
- Transfer your beautiful fritters to a paper towel-lined plate. Let them cool for just a minute… if you can wait! Serve immediately with a big dollop of cool sour cream.
Fun Variations to Try Next Time
Once you master the basic recipe, the world is your oyster! Or, you know, your fritter. Here are a few of my favorite twists.
Add about 1/2 cup of fresh or frozen corn kernels for a sweet pop. Hello, zucchini corn fritters!
Swap the cheddar for pepper jack cheese. It doubles down on the spice and the melty perfection.
Mix in a tablespoon of your favorite everything bagel seasoning into the batter. The onion and garlic bits are INCREDIBLE.
How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat
Yes, you can have these later! They reheat like an absolute dream, which is dangerous knowledge to have.
To store, let them cool completely. Pop them in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
To freeze, lay the cooled fritters on a baking sheet and flash-freeze for 1 hour. Then, transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for 2-3 months!
To reheat, the air fryer or toaster oven is your best friend. 375°F for 5-8 minutes until hot and crispy again. The oven (400°F for 10 mins) works great too. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that crunch!
NUTRITION INFORMATION
- Serving Size: 1 fritter
- Calories: ~120
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 4g
(*Nutrition is an estimate and will vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
A Quick Q&A on This Recipe
I get asked these questions all the time! Here are the quick answers straight from my fritter-obsessed heart.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
You can! For a baked version, line a baking sheet with parchment, brush the fritters with a little oil, and bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway. They’ll be a bit softer but still delicious.
My batter seems too wet. Help!
No panic! This usually means the zucchini needed a stronger squeeze. Just add another tablespoon or two of flour until the batter holds together when you scoop it. You’ve got this!
How do I make sure they’re crispy and not soggy?
The secret weapon is squeezing that zucchini until it’s practically begging for mercy. Also, make sure your oil is hot enough before adding the batter. A good sizzle is the sound of success.
And there you have it! My ultimate, cannot-live-without recipe for the most incredible fritters on the planet. They are the hero of my summer table and I know they’ll be on yours, too. If you’re craving something creamy and spicy for dinner, you’ll love this Crock Pot creamy Cajun chicken pasta.
They’re the perfect blend of spicy, cheesy, and crispy. Every single bite is pure happiness. Now go forth and fry with joy!
I am dying to hear how your fritter adventure goes! Did you add corn? Was the spice level perfect? Please, please leave a comment and a rating below to let me know what you think. You’ll make my day!
