How To Make Fried Squash Patties

Fried squash patties are a delicious way to enjoy fresh squash, and they’re incredibly easy to make at home.
 
If you’ve ever wondered how to make fried squash patties, you’re in for a treat because this classic Southern dish comes together with just a handful of simple ingredients.
 
The best part about learning how to make fried squash patties is that you can use yellow squash, zucchini, or even a mix of both.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how to make fried squash patties step by step, plus share tips so yours turn out crispy and golden every single time.
 
Let’s dive into the wonderful world of fried squash patties.
 

How to Make Fried Squash Patties: The Basics

Knowing how to make fried squash patties starts with understanding what goes into them.
 
The core ingredients for fried squash patties are fresh squash, onion, egg, flour, and a few seasonings.
 
When you make fried squash patties, the goal is a crispy exterior with a tender, savory center.
 
Here’s what you’ll need to make fried squash patties that serve about four people:
 

1. Gather Your Ingredients

To make fried squash patties, grab two cups of grated squash, one small grated onion, one beaten egg, and half a cup of all-purpose flour.
 
You’ll also want half a cup of cornmeal for extra crunch when you make fried squash patties.
 
Add salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and a pinch of cayenne if you like a little heat in your fried squash patties.
 

2. Prepare the Squash Properly

The secret to great fried squash patties is removing excess water from the squash.
 
After grating your squash, sprinkle it with salt and let it sit for about ten minutes.
 
Then squeeze the grated squash in a clean towel until it’s as dry as possible.
 
This step keeps your fried squash patties from turning soggy when they hit the oil.
 

3. Mix the Batter

In a large bowl, combine the drained squash, onion, egg, flour, cornmeal, and seasonings.
 
Stir everything together until the mixture holds its shape when you press it.
 
If your fried squash patties mixture feels too wet, add a little more flour or cornmeal.
 

How to Make Fried Squash Patties: Cooking Step by Step

Now that your mixture is ready, it’s time to actually cook these fried squash patties.
 

1. Heat Your Oil

Pour about a quarter inch of oil into a heavy skillet and heat it over medium-high heat.
 
You’ll know the oil is ready for your fried squash patties when a tiny bit of batter sizzles on contact.
 

2. Form and Fry the Patties

Scoop about two tablespoons of the mixture and gently flatten it into a patty.
 
Carefully place each patty into the hot oil, leaving space between them.
 
Fry your squash patties for about three to four minutes per side until they’re deeply golden brown.
 

3. Drain and Serve

Once your fried squash patties are crispy, move them to a plate lined with paper towels.
 
Sprinkle a little extra salt on top while they’re still hot.
 
Serve these fried squash patties warm with ranch, sour cream, or your favorite dipping sauce.
 

Tips for Perfect Fried Squash Patties Every Time

Making fried squash patties is simple, but a few tricks make them even better.
 

1. Don’t Skip the Draining

Watery squash is the number one reason fried squash patties fall apart.
 
Take the extra few minutes to squeeze out as much liquid as you can.
 

2. Keep the Oil at the Right Temperature

If your oil is too hot, the outside of your fried squash patties will burn before the inside cooks.
 
If it’s too cool, the patties soak up oil and turn greasy.
 
Medium-high heat is the sweet spot for frying squash patties.
 

3. Experiment with Flavors

You can add grated cheese, fresh herbs, or chopped jalapeños to your fried squash patties.
 
Each variation keeps things exciting when you make fried squash patties at home.
 

4. Make Them Ahead

You can mix the batter for fried squash patties a few hours ahead and keep it chilled.
 
Just give it a quick stir before frying, and your squash patties will still turn out great.
 

So, How Do You Make Fried Squash Patties?

You make fried squash patties by grating fresh squash, removing the excess water, and mixing it with onion, egg, flour, cornmeal, and seasonings.
 
Then you fry spoonfuls of that mixture in hot oil until each patty is golden and crispy.
 
Learning how to make fried squash patties really comes down to two things: dry squash and hot oil.
 
Once you master those, you’ll be able to make fried squash patties whenever your garden gives you more squash than you know what to do with.
 
So grab your skillet, grate that squash, and enjoy a batch of homemade fried squash patties today.