Panko Parmesan Zucchini Fritters

YIELD Serves 4 to 6, Makes 12 fritters (I cut the recipe in half and used packaged fresh zucchini noodles)

PREP TIME15 minutes

COOK TIME15 minutes

INGREDIENTS

• 2 medium zucchini (about 1 pound total)
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh basil leaves
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley leaves
• 1 clove garlic
• 2 large eggs
• 2 1/2 ounces freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 3 tablespoons canola or grapeseed oil, divided
• Flaky salt, for serving

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Grate 2 medium zucchini on the large holes of a box grater. Place in a colander set over a large bowl. Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon of the kosher salt and toss to combine. Let drain for 15 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, prepare the following, adding to a large bowl as you go: Finely chop until you have 1 tablespoon fresh basil leaves and 1 tablespoon fresh parsley leaves. Grate 1 garlic clove. Finely grate 2 1/2 ounces Parmesan cheese (about 3/4 cup). Add 2 large eggs and 1/2 cup whole milk and mix until well combined.

3. When the zucchini is ready, press on it with your hands or a wooden spoon to push out some of the liquid. Transfer the zucchini to a clean kitchen towel, wrap it up, and squeeze out as much water as you can to get it as dry as possible. You should have about 1 1/2 cups.

4. Add the zucchini, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs, remaining 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper to the bowl. Stir until a batter just comes together.

5. Heat 1 tablespoon of the canola oil in a large frying pan or cast-iron skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Drop 4 (1/4-cup) portions of the batter into the pan. Press each portion down lightly with the bottom of the measuring cup to flatten slightly. Cook until golden-brown on the bottom, 2 to 3 minutes. Flip and cook until the second side is golden-brown, 2 to 3 minutes more.

6. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Repeat frying the remaining fritters, adding 1 tablespoon canola oil to the pan between batches. Garnish with flaky salt and more grated Parmesan before serving.

RECIPE NOTES

Make ahead: The zucchini can be salted, drained, and squeezed up to 1 day in advance, keep in the refrigerator.

Storage: These fritters are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container up to 2 days. Reheat in a 375ºF oven until warmed through.