If you’re searching for a vibrant, crowd-pleasing bite that celebrates sweet corn and summer squash, Corn Zucchini Fritters will quickly become your new favorite recipe. These golden, crispy rounds are loaded with juicy kernels, tender grated zucchini, and a hint of savory cheese, all bound together in a batter that cooks up light yet satisfying. Whether you’re whipping them up for a quick lunch, a sunny picnic, or a cozy appetizer, these fritters are as easy to make as they are irresistible to eat!

Ingredients You’ll Need
Making Corn Zucchini Fritters is wonderfully fuss-free, thanks to a handful of pantry staples and fresh produce that shine with every bite. Each ingredient plays a unique part in giving the fritters their signature texture, flavor, and golden color, so let’s see what you’ll need on hand.
- Zucchini: Freshly grated zucchini gives the fritters a tender bite and keeps them perfectly moist—just be sure to squeeze out the excess liquid!
- Corn Kernels: Sweet corn adds delightful pops of flavor and color, whether you use fresh, frozen (thawed), or canned (drained) kernels.
- Green Onions: These add a delicate oniony punch and a spark of green—don’t skip them!
- Eggs: The eggs bind all the ingredients together, so your fritters hold their shape in the skillet.
- All-Purpose Flour: A bit of flour gives structure to the batter; you can swap in a gluten-free flour blend if you’d like.
- Parmesan Cheese: Nutty, salty Parmesan deepens the savory flavor and gives the fritters a hint of richness.
- Baking Powder: Just a teaspoon ensures the fritters puff gently for a light, airy texture.
- Salt & Pepper: Seasoning brings out the best in the vegetables—adjust to taste!
- Smoked Paprika (optional): Adds subtle smoky warmth and a hint of color for extra flair.
- Milk: A splash of milk loosens the batter and makes it silky smooth.
- Olive Oil (for frying): The key to those irresistible crisp, golden edges; use your favorite neutral olive oil.
How to Make Corn Zucchini Fritters
Step 1: Prep the Zucchini
Start by grating your zucchini using the large holes of a box grater. Once shredded, gather it up in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much liquid as possible—don’t be shy! This step is essential for ensuring your Corn Zucchini Fritters cook up crisp instead of soggy. You’ll be amazed at how much moisture wrings out.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a roomy bowl, combine your drained zucchini, corn kernels, and green onions. Next, add in the eggs, flour, grated Parmesan, baking powder, salt, pepper, smoked paprika if you’re using it, and milk. Stir everything together gently until a thick, even batter forms. You should see flecks of green and gold throughout—pure summertime on a spoon!
Step 3: Heat the Skillet
Place a large nonstick skillet on the stove and pour in the olive oil. Set the heat to medium, allowing the oil to warm up. When a tiny drop of batter sizzles on contact, you’re ready to fry. The sizzle is your magic signal for perfectly crisp fritters!
Step 4: Shape and Fry the Fritters
Drop generous spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil. Use the back of your spoon or a spatula to gently flatten each mound a bit, forming round fritters. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on the first side until golden, then carefully flip and finish for another 2 to 3 minutes. Each side should have an irresistible golden-brown crust that’s lightly crisp.
Step 5: Drain and Serve
Once your Corn Zucchini Fritters are cooked through and beautifully golden, move them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Serve them hot and watch them disappear—trust me, no one can resist sneaking one right out of the pan!
How to Serve Corn Zucchini Fritters

Garnishes
For an extra pop of flavor (and a little wow-factor), top your fritters with a dollop of cool sour cream or creamy Greek yogurt. A sprinkle of chopped herbs—like chives, basil, or fresh dill—adds both freshness and color. If you love a zesty finish, a squeeze of fresh lemon over the plate brightens every bite.
Side Dishes
Corn Zucchini Fritters are super versatile. Serve them alongside a crisp green salad, a tangle of arugula tossed in lemon vinaigrette, or pair with grilled proteins for a fuller meal. They shine at brunch with eggs and avocado, too—your whole table will be happier for it!
Creative Ways to Present
Stack a few fritters for a dramatic starter, arrange them on a platter for easy passing at parties, or miniaturize them for kid-friendly snacks. You can even tuck them into sandwiches with lettuce and tomato, or serve them slider-style with tangy sauces for dipping—let your imagination (and appetite) guide you!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have a few fritters left after a meal (it’s rare, but it happens), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. They’ll stay moist and flavorful, ready for a quick reheat whenever you need a snack or side.
Freezing
Corn Zucchini Fritters freeze beautifully. Let them cool completely, then arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Afterward, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, you can grab just what you need—even on your busiest days, homemade goodness is within reach.
Reheating
To bring back their signature crispiness, reheat fritters in a 350°F oven or a few minutes in an air fryer. Skip the microwave, which can make them soft. Reheated properly, they taste just as fantastic as the day they were made!
FAQs
Can I make Corn Zucchini Fritters gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend. The fritters turn out just as delicious, maintaining their crisp texture and rich flavor.
Why do I need to squeeze the zucchini so much?
Zucchini holds a surprising amount of water. Squeezing it well keeps your batter from becoming too wet, which prevents soggy fritters and ensures you get a lovely crisp bite every time.
What kind of corn works best?
You can use fresh, frozen, or even well-drained canned corn. If you’re using frozen, thaw and pat it dry so you don’t add extra moisture to the batter. Fresh corn adds a juicy pop and subtle sweetness, perfect for summer harvests!
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
While you can mix the dry and wet ingredients separately in advance, it’s best to combine everything just before cooking. If you let the batter sit too long, zucchini can release more moisture and your fritters may not crisp up as nicely.
What sauces go well with these fritters?
Corn Zucchini Fritters pair beautifully with sour cream, Greek yogurt, tzatziki, or even a tangy salsa. For a spicy kick, try a dash of hot sauce or a smear of chipotle mayo!
Final Thoughts
Once you’ve tasted a batch of Corn Zucchini Fritters hot from the pan, you’ll understand why they’re so loved. With their bursts of corn, savory flecks of zucchini, and that irresistible golden crust, they have a way of disappearing fast. Gather your ingredients and share these at your next meal—you’ll definitely want to make them again and again.
Print
Corn Zucchini Fritters Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 fritters 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these savory Corn Zucchini Fritters, bursting with fresh zucchini and sweet corn, perfect for a quick appetizer or side dish.
Ingredients
Zucchini Mixture:
- 1 cup grated zucchini (about 1 small zucchini)
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned and drained)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 2 large eggs
Batter:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Squeeze Zucchini: Place grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out excess liquid.
- Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine zucchini, corn, green onions, eggs, flour, Parmesan, baking powder, salt, pepper, paprika, and milk. Mix well.
- Fry Fritters: Heat olive oil in a skillet. Drop spoonfuls of batter, flatten, and cook until golden on both sides.
- Serve: Drain on paper towels and serve warm with desired toppings.
Notes
- For gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend.
- Fritters can be reheated in the oven or air fryer for crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fritter
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 170 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg