Crispy Zucchini Oatmeal Patties

These crispy zucchini oatmeal patties are wholesome, flavorful, and easy to make. They’re packed with vegetables, oats, and cheese, making them perfect as a light lunch, side dish, or vegetarian main course.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 8 patties

Ingredients

• 2 medium zucchini, grated
• 1 teaspoon salt (for drawing out moisture)
• 1 cup (90 g) rolled oats
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup (60 g) shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
• 2 green onions, finely sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or oat flour (optional, if needed)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for pan-frying) or cooking spray (for air frying)

Instructions

Prepare the Zucchini

1. Place the grated zucchini in a colander and sprinkle with the salt.
2. Let it sit for 10 minutes, then squeeze out as much liquid as possible using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth.

Make the Patties

3. In a large bowl, combine the squeezed zucchini, oats, eggs, Parmesan, cheddar, green onions, garlic, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, black pepper, and parsley.
4. Mix well and let the mixture rest for 5 minutes so the oats can absorb some moisture.
5. If the mixture feels too wet, stir in the flour one tablespoon at a time until it holds together.
6. Shape into 8 equal patties.

Pan-Fry Method

7. Heat the olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat.
8. Cook the patties for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.

Air Fryer Method

1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lightly spray both sides of the patties with cooking spray.
3. Arrange the patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
4. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with:

• Greek yogurt or sour cream
• Tzatziki sauce
• Marinara sauce
• Garlic aioli
• A fresh green salad
• Grilled chicken or fish

Storage

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze cooked patties with parchment paper between layers for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes or warm in a skillet until heated through.

Tips

• Squeezing the zucchini well is the key to crispy patties.
• Use old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
• Freshly grated Parmesan adds the best flavor and helps create a crisp, golden crust.