Zucchini and anchovy fritters are the kind of appetizer or side dish that surprises you in the best way. They’re golden and crispy on the outside, tender in the center, and packed with savory flavor thanks to the bold addition of anchovies. While zucchini fritters on their own are light and mild, anchovies take them to another level with a salty punch that balances the subtle sweetness of the zucchini perfectly.
This dish is a great example of how simple ingredients can create something far more interesting than expected. Grated zucchini forms the base, bringing moisture and a delicate texture. Anchovies, when finely chopped and mixed in, melt into the batter and season the entire fritter. You won’t get a fishy flavor, instead, you’ll taste a rich umami depth that gives the fritters a distinctive character. Add in a bit of garlic, herbs like parsley or chives, and a spoonful of flour or breadcrumbs to bind everything together, and you’re ready to fry.
These fritters are quick to cook and incredibly satisfying. They develop a golden crust in the pan, while staying moist and flavorful inside. Served warm, they’re perfect on their own or with a cool dipping sauce like yogurt with lemon and herbs. You can also serve them alongside a simple salad, or as a side to grilled meat or fish.
Zucchini and anchovy fritters are perfect for summer when zucchini is everywhere and you’re looking for new ways to use it. They’re budget-friendly, easy to prepare, and just unique enough to catch attention at a potluck or dinner party.
If you’ve never cooked with anchovies before, this is a great introduction. They melt into the mix, enhance the flavor, and prove how powerful a small ingredient can be. These fritters are crisp, flavorful, and far more than the sum of their parts, a dish that’s both comforting and just a little bold.

Ingredients
- 2 zucchini large, grated
- onion small, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese grated
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 4 anchovy fillets chopped
- 2 eggs beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
- vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the grated zucchini, chopped onion, flour, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped anchovy fillets, beaten eggs, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.
- Drop spoonfuls of the zucchini mixture into the hot oil and flatten with the back of the spoon. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the fritters from the pan and drain on paper towels to remove any excess oil.
- Serve the fritters hot with a side of marinara sauce or aioli for dipping.
Great recipe! My kids loved them, even with the anchovies!
I was skeptical about the anchovies, but they added a nice flavor! Surprised in a good way
Anchovies?! No way! But I guess you gotta try new things. Glad it worked for you!
I don’t like anchovies! This recipe must be gross. I will stick to pizza without them.
I made these for dinner and they were gone in minutes! My kids loved them too!
I made these and they fell apart! What did I do wrong? My batter was too runny. HELP!
I don’t know, maybe you just need to cook them longer? They’re supposed to be crispy! Just keep trying!
It sounds like you might have used too much zucchini or not enough flour. Try squeezing out some moisture from the grated zucchini next time!
Idk why u would put fish in fritters. Sounds gross. Stick to regular fritters.
I think fish in fritters can actually add a nice umami flavor! Give it a try before judging.
Fritters? More like a big mess. Didn’t cook right and I ended up throwing them out.
Sorry to hear that! Maybe they needed more cooking time? Fritters can be tricky. Don’t give up!
These fritters are AMAZING! I added some chili flakes for a kick and they turned out delicious! 5 stars!
These fritters are amazing! I never thought I’d enjoy anchovies but they add such a nice flavor. Will make again!
I’m not a fan of anchovies. They’re just too fishy for me! But glad you liked them!
Yum! I’ll have to try this! Never thought of anchovies in fritters, sounds interesting!
Used zucchini from my garden, turned out fantastically! Can’t believe how crispy they got. 👩🍳
GREAT!
Zucchini fritters? Why would you mix fish in there? So weird.
I thought it was weird too at first, but anchovies actually add a nice flavor! Give it a try.
Fish in fritters? That’s gross. Zucchini should stay veggie!
Yummy!!! I think zucchini is the best veggie ever!!! 🥒
Zucchini is indeed amazing! I love how versatile it is in recipes like this.
I dunno, I think anchovies ruin everything. Zucchini alone would be fine!
This is just like my grandma used to make! Brings back memories.
Easy to make! My kids loved them. Thanks for sharing this recipe!
Can you use something else instead of anchovies? I don’t like them.
Why would you make it without anchovies? They add great flavor! Just try it, you might like it!
Yeah, you can totally skip the anchovies! You might want to try some capers or just leave them out altogether. The fritters will still be yummy!
Y’all, these aren’t as good as I thought. I don’t like zucchini much, but I tried it anyway. Not gonna make it again.
Pretty good, but mine didn’t turn out crispy like the picture. Maybe my oil wasn’t hot enough?
Such a great way to use up my garden zucchini! Simple and yum!
I tried this recipe and it turned out amazing! My kids even loved them. Thanks for sharing!
I was skeptical about the anchovies at first, but they actually blended nicely. Didn’t taste fishy at all. Will make again!
I’m glad you enjoyed them! I was also surprised by how well the anchovies worked. They add a nice umami flavor without being too fishy.
Anchovies? Eew! I don’t think I could ever bring myself to try that. No thanks!
Super easy and a hit with the kids! Even though they don’t like veggies!
Not sure about the anchovies, they kinda freak me out. Can I replace them with something else?
Made these for my friends, and now they’re all hooked. Thanks for sharing!
These are delicious! I wasn’t sure about the anchovies, but they add a great flavor. Will make again!
So easy to make and super tasty! Thanks for sharing this recipe.
I don’t like anchovies, but tried these anyway. They weren’t bad, but I wouldn’t make them again. 3 stars.
These fritters are absolutely delicious! I can’t believe how easy they were to make. I will definitely be making them again! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ugh, this was a disaster. The mixture was too watery and they just fell apart in the pan. Not trying again.
Super simple recipe, but I’m not convinced anchovies are a good fit with zucchini. Just tastes weird to me. 3 stars.
The garlic flavor is strong, but that’s what I like! Great recipe.
Not sure if I like this. The anchovies were way too strong for me. I might try it without them next time. ⭐⭐⭐
Mine stuck to the pan even though I used enough oil. I think my heat was off or the batter was too wet. Also the garlic smell was strong (in a good/bad way).
So crispy and tasty! Perfect as a snack! Yummy 😋
I totally agree! These fritters are like little bites of heaven! 😍
Crispy is good, but is anchovy taste too strong? I ain’t a fan of fishy stuff. 🤔
These were hard to cook properly. Had to throw away a batch that burned. Frustrating! 2 stars.
Yum! I doubled the recipe and it was gone in minutes. Totally recommend! 5 stars!!!
Zucchini fritters are yumm!! I added some chili flakes for heat. They were so crispy, loved it.
These fritters are amazing! I never thought anchovies could work in something like this. So crispy and delicious!
Made it for dinner! Tasted ok but not totally my style. Could use more spice!!!
LOL who puts anchovies in fritters? I mean seriously. Just use cheese!
I want to try these! Sounds weird but good. Maybe I could put hot sauce on them?
Wasn’t expecting much, but wow! Perfect starter dish for my dinner party. Everyone loved them! 10/10 would recommend!!
Not a big fan of zucchini but gave it a try. Wasn’t awful, just not for me.
I totally get you! Zucchini can be hit or miss. At least you tried, right? Maybe next time you could add some extra spices or something to switch it up. 😊
This recipe is a 10/10 but I only give it 5 stars because the anchovies are weird to me. Can I use something else?
These came out crispy and super savory. The anchovies disappear in a good way—like a secret umami boost. I served with aioli and it was gone fast!
Yum! 😍 Best fritters ever! 10/10 would recommend.
Made them exactly as written. Next time I’ll squeeze the zucchini a bit more because mine released extra water and the first batch didn’t brown as well. Still tasty though!
Kinda bland. Needs more seasoning or something.
Not really a fan of anchovies, but the fritters were decent. Might try without them next time.
idk, my fritters fell apart! Maybe needed more flour? I followed the recipe tho. Still kinda tasty, but a mess. ⭐⭐
Zucchini? YUCK! But I tried it for my kids and they gobbled it up. Who knew?
These are officially my new favorite snack! Brilliant recipe!
These sound amazing! Can’t wait to try them!
Why would you put fish in veggie fritters? That’s strange.
Sounds weird to me too. Veggie fritters should be, you know, veggie only!
I actually think it’s a great twist! Anchovies add umami to veggie dishes. You should try it before judging!
I’m not sure about mixing anchovies into fritters, but wow… they’re actually addictive. Flavor is deep without tasting fishy.
I tried this recipe and added some dill. They were ok, but not my favorite.
Just tasted like fried zucchini. Where’s the flavor? 2 stars.
These fritters are AMAZING! I can’t believe how good zucchini can taste with anchovies! Definitely making again.
These fritters are amazing! I added some chili flakes for a kick.
I didn’t think anchovies would taste good in fritters, but this sounds interesting! I’ll have to give it a try.
Chili flakes? Really? Isn’t that gonna mask the taste of the anchovies? Idk about that.
1-2 words: “So crispy!”
Fried them for too long. They burnt on one side 😒 Recommend keeping an eye on them!
Zucchini + fish = YUCK. Who even thought this was a good idea??
I totally get what you mean! Zucchini and fish doesn’t sound appetizing at all. But hey, to each their own. Some people love it!
Good but too salty for my taste. Maybe less anchovies next time? 🤔