Turkish Zucchini Fritters
Turkish Zucchini Fritters, known as Mücver, are a beloved Mediterranean-style dish that turns simple zucchini into crispy, golden bites packed with herbs, cheese, and flavor. These fritters are light yet satisfying, with a soft interior and crunchy exterior. Often served as an appetizer, side dish, or vegetarian main, they’re commonly paired with yogurt sauce or tzatziki. Mücver is perfect for using up fresh zucchini and makes a wonderful addition to brunch spreads, mezze platters, or light dinners. Easy to prepare and full of fresh ingredients, these fritters bring Turkish home cooking straight to your kitchen.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
Total Time: 35–40 minutes
Servings: 10–12 fritters
Ingredients
2 medium zucchini, grated
1 tsp salt (for draining zucchini)
2 large eggs
½ cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
2 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
2 green onions, thinly sliced
1 small onion, grated or finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp paprika
¼ tsp baking powder
Olive oil, for frying
For serving (optional):
Plain yogurt or garlic yogurt sauce
Lemon wedges
Instructions
Prepare zucchini:
Grate zucchini into a bowl, sprinkle with salt, and let sit for 10 minutes. This draws out excess moisture.
Drain well:
Squeeze zucchini firmly using your hands or a clean kitchen towel to remove as much liquid as possible. This step is crucial for crispy fritters.
Make batter:
In a large bowl, combine drained zucchini, eggs, flour, feta cheese, dill, parsley, green onions, onion, garlic, pepper, paprika, and baking powder. Mix until evenly combined.
Heat oil:
Heat 2–3 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Form fritters:
Scoop about 2 tablespoons of batter per fritter into the skillet. Flatten gently with a spoon.
Cook:
Fry for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
Drain:
Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
Serve:
Serve warm with yogurt sauce and a squeeze of fresh lemon.
Tips
Drain zucchini thoroughly to avoid soggy fritters.
Use fresh herbs for authentic flavor—dill is essential.
Don’t skip feta; it adds saltiness and depth.
Medium heat is key—too hot burns outside before inside cooks.
Use a non-stick pan for easy flipping.
Add flour gradually if batter seems too wet.
Let batter rest 5 minutes before frying for better texture.
Flip only once to keep fritters intact.
Serve immediately for best crispiness.
Bake option: Bake at 400°F (200°C) on parchment for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway.
Variations
Gluten-Free – Use chickpea flour or gluten-free flour blend.
Cheese Swap – Try halloumi or goat cheese.
Spicy Version – Add chili flakes or diced jalapeños.
Carrot-Zucchini Mix – Replace half zucchini with grated carrot.
Herb Boost – Add mint for extra freshness.
Low-Carb – Use almond flour instead of regular flour.
Baked Mücver – Bake instead of frying for lighter version.
Potato Addition – Add grated potato for heartier texture.
Vegan – Replace eggs with flax eggs and skip feta.
Mediterranean Style – Add sun-dried tomatoes and olives.
Q&A
Can I make these ahead?
Yes, reheat in oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.
Can I freeze them?
Yes, freeze cooked fritters; reheat at 375°F (190°C).
Why are my fritters soggy?
Zucchini wasn’t drained enough.
Can I air fry them?
Yes, spray lightly with oil and cook 10–12 minutes at 375°F.
Can I use dried herbs?
Fresh herbs are best, but dried can work in smaller amounts.
What oil is best?
Olive oil or neutral oils like sunflower oil.
Are they served hot or cold?
Traditionally warm or room temperature.
What sauce goes best?
Garlic yogurt, tzatziki, or labneh.
Can kids eat them?
Yes, they’re mild and veggie-packed.
Can I add meat?
Some add minced lamb or chicken, but classic version is vegetarian.
Nutrition (per fritter, approx.)
Calories: 90 kcal
Protein: 4 g
Carbohydrates: 6 g
Fat: 5 g
Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sodium: 160 mg
Conclusion
Turkish Zucchini Fritters (Mücver) are a crispy, flavorful way to enjoy vegetables with minimal effort. Fresh herbs, tangy feta, and golden edges make them a standout dish whether served as a snack, side, or vegetarian main. They’re versatile, freezer-friendly, and easy to customize, fitting everything from light lunches to mezze spreads. Pair them with cool yogurt sauce for the perfect balance of textures and flavors. Once you try these, they’ll become a regular in your kitchen — simple ingredients, big Mediterranean flavor, and total comfort in every bite.