If you have extra zucchini from the garden, these Cheesy Zucchini Chicken Fritters are a delicious way to use it up! They are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with seasoned ground chicken, fresh zucchini, and plenty of melty cheese. I love that these fritters are easy enough for a weeknight dinner but also make a great appetizer or meal prep option. And, if you love fritters as much as I do, be sure to try my Corn Fritters, too!

Stack of Cheesy Zucchini Chicken Fritters on a wooden table close up.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Zucchini: Fresh zucchini works best for these fritters. Be sure to squeeze out as much moisture as possible after grating so the fritters hold together and get crispy.
Ground Chicken: Ground chicken keeps these fritters light while adding protein. You can substitute ground turkey or another ground meat if preferred.
Cheese: Parmesan and mozzarella create the perfect cheesy flavor and texture. You can swap in another melty cheese, such as cheddar, if that is what you have on hand.
Eggs & Flour: These help bind everything together so the fritters hold their shape while cooking. If the mixture feels too wet after adding the zucchini, a little extra flour can help.
Seasonings: Garlic powder, shallot, parsley, salt, and pepper add lots of flavor. Fresh garlic or green onions can be used in place of some of the seasonings if desired.
Oil: A neutral oil, like vegetable or canola oil, works best for frying. Use enough to coat the bottom of the pan and help the fritters turn golden and crispy.

Raw ingredients for Cheesy Zucchini Chicken Fritters in a glass bowl on a wooden table.

Tips for the Best Cheesy Zucchini Chicken Fritters

Squeeze out as much zucchini moisture as possible: This is the most important step! Zucchini naturally holds a lot of water, and removing the excess helps the fritters hold together and get crispy instead of soggy.
Do not overcrowd the pan: Cook the fritters in batches, so they have room to brown. Adding too many at once can lower the oil temperature and make them softer.
Flatten the fritters before cooking: The mixture is thick, so gently press each fritter into a flatter shape after adding it to the pan. This helps them cook evenly and creates more crispy edges.
Keep the oil at the right temperature: The oil should be hot before adding the fritters. If it is too cool, they can absorb too much oil; if it is too hot, the outside can brown before the chicken is cooked through.
Make sure the chicken is fully cooked: Because these fritters are made with ground chicken, cook them until the center reaches 165°F for food safety.
Let them rest briefly before serving: Transfer the cooked fritters to a paper towel-lined plate and let them sit for a minute or two. This helps remove excess oil while keeping the outside crisp.

Cheesy Zucchini Chicken Fritters with sauce in a tray on a wooden table from overhead.

FAQs

How do I keep zucchini fritters from getting soggy?

The key is removing as much moisture from the zucchini as possible. After grating, squeeze the zucchini very well using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. The drier the zucchini, the better the fritters will hold together and crisp up.

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?

Yes! Ground turkey is a great substitute for ground chicken in this recipe. You can also use another ground meat, but the flavor and texture may change slightly.

Can I make Cheesy Zucchini Chicken Fritters ahead of time?

Yes. You can mix the fritter batter a few hours ahead and store it covered in the refrigerator until ready to cook. You can also cook the fritters ahead of time and reheat them when ready to serve.

What can I serve with Cheesy Zucchini Chicken Fritters?

These fritters are delicious served on their own with a dipping sauce like ranch dressing, garlic aioli, sour cream, or your favorite sauce. They also make a great meal with a fresh side salad, roasted vegetables, or a simple side dish.

Can I freeze zucchini chicken fritters?

Yes! Let the cooked fritters cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag with parchment between layers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in a skillet, oven, or air fryer for the best texture.

Hand holding a Cheesy Zucchini Chicken Fritter in dipping sauce.

Cheesy Zucchini Chicken Fritter being dipped in Homemade Chipotle Mayo.

How to Store Cheesy Zucchini Chicken Fritters

Refrigerator: Store leftover fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a skillet over medium heat, in the oven, or in an air fryer until heated through. This helps bring back some of the crispiness. The microwave will work, but the fritters will be softer.

To Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the cooked fritters. Let them cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag with parchment paper between layers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat frozen fritters in a skillet, oven, or air fryer until warmed through. There is no need to thaw them first.