Imagine biting into a perfectly crispy, golden fritter that's not only delicious but also healthier than traditional deep-fried versions. These Oven-Baked Yellow Squash Fritters are about to become your new favorite way to enjoy vegetables! Packed with flavor, incredibly easy to make, and requiring minimal cleanup, these fritters are a game-changer for anyone looking to add more nutritious and tasty dishes to their meal rotation.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 medium yellow squash, grated
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Lightly coat the surface with cooking spray.
- Wash the yellow squash thoroughly and trim off the ends. Using a box grater or food processor, grate the squash into fine shreds. Place the grated squash in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible. This step is crucial to prevent soggy fritters.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated squash, all-purpose flour, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated and form a cohesive mixture.
- Using a spoon or small ice cream scoop, drop equal-sized portions of the squash mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Gently flatten each portion with the back of the spoon to create round fritter shapes, leaving space between each fritter.
- Spray the top of the fritters lightly with cooking spray to help them brown and crisp up in the oven. This will also prevent them from drying out during baking.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the fritters are golden brown and crispy around the edges. Rotate the baking sheet halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
- Remove the fritters from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes. This will help them set and become more stable.
- Transfer the fritters to a serving plate. Optionally, serve with a side of sour cream, ranch dressing, or marinara sauce for dipping.
Tips
- Moisture is the Enemy: Always squeeze out excess water from grated squash using a clean kitchen towel. This is crucial for achieving crispy, not soggy fritters.
- Don't Overcrowd: Leave enough space between fritters on the baking sheet to ensure they crisp up evenly and develop golden edges.
- Cheese Matters: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture. Pre-grated cheese can contain anti-caking agents that affect the fritter's consistency.
- Customize Your Seasoning: Feel free to experiment with herbs like fresh basil, thyme, or chives to add extra flavor to your fritters.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve immediately for maximum crispiness, and pair with a cool dipping sauce like sour cream or a zesty ranch for added enjoyment.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 45mg
