Mediterranean Zucchini Corn Fritter Sliders with Spicy Mayo
These Mediterranean Zucchini Corn Fritter Sliders are a fun, flavorful twist on classic veggie fritters. Shredded zucchini and sweet corn are bound together with herbs, cheese, and spices, pan-fried until crisp, then served slider-style with a spicy mayo sauce. They work perfectly as an appetizer, party bite, or even a light meal when paired with a salad. The fritters are crisp on the outside, tender inside, and full of Mediterranean-inspired freshness.
Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 10–12 fritters (makes 5–6 sliders)
Ingredients
For the Fritters:
2 medium zucchini, shredded and squeezed dry (about 2 cups)
1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned and drained)
½ cup flour (plain, chickpea, or self-raising)
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 garlic clove, minced
½ teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried thyme
¼ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
2 spring onions, finely chopped
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, dill, or chives, chopped
½ cup cheese (feta, mozzarella, or Parmesan)
Oil for frying (olive oil or canola oil)
For the Spicy Mayo:
½ cup mayonnaise (light or regular)
1–2 teaspoons sriracha, chili paste, or hot sauce (to taste)
1 teaspoon lemon juice
(Optional: swap part of the mayo for Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce)
Instructions
Prepare Zucchini:
Shred zucchini using a box grater. Place in a clean kitchen towel, squeeze out as much liquid as possible, and set aside.
Make the Fritter Batter:
In a large bowl, combine zucchini, corn, flour, eggs, salt, pepper, garlic, cumin, oregano, thyme, chili flakes, spring onions, herbs, and cheese.
Mix until well combined. The mixture should be thick enough to hold together; if too wet, add a little more flour.
Cook the Fritters:
Heat 2–3 tablespoons oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Scoop about 2 tablespoons of batter per fritter, flattening slightly with a spatula.
Cook 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Repeat with remaining batter, adding more oil as needed.
Make the Spicy Mayo:
In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, sriracha (or chili paste), and lemon juice. Adjust heat level to taste.
Assemble the Sliders:
Place a fritter on a small bun or slider roll, add a dollop of spicy mayo, and top with lettuce, tomato, or extra herbs if desired.
Serve warm.
Tips & Variations
Dry the Zucchini Well: Excess moisture is the most common reason fritters turn soggy. After grating, salt the zucchini lightly, let it sit for 10 minutes, then squeeze firmly in a towel before mixing.
Flour Options: Chickpea flour gives the fritters a nutty, protein-rich boost, while self-raising flour makes them fluffier. Use plain flour for a classic texture.
Cheese Swaps: Feta adds saltiness and tang, mozzarella makes them gooey, and Parmesan gives sharp flavor. A mix works well too.
Make Them Gluten-Free: Use chickpea flour, almond flour, or a gluten-free all-purpose blend.
Extra Veggies: Grated carrot, chopped spinach, or finely diced bell pepper can be folded in for more color and nutrition.
Bake Instead of Fry: Place spoonfuls of batter on a parchment-lined baking sheet, flatten slightly, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway. They’ll be lighter but still crisp.
Spicy Mayo Variations: Replace mayo with Greek yogurt for a tangier, lighter dip, or blend in roasted red peppers for a Mediterranean twist.
Slider Assembly: For a fresher feel, swap buns with lettuce wraps or pita pockets.
Q&A
Q: Can I make the fritters ahead of time?
A: Yes. Cook them fully, let cool, and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or oven to bring back crispness.
Q: Can I freeze zucchini fritters?
A: Definitely. Freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat straight from frozen in the oven until hot and crispy.
Q: How can I keep the fritters from falling apart?
A: Make sure the zucchini is well-drained and the batter isn’t too wet. If it’s loose, add an extra tablespoon of flour or a sprinkle of breadcrumbs.
Q: Do I have to use buns for sliders?
A: Not at all. These fritters are great on their own with spicy mayo for dipping, or served inside pita bread, lettuce cups, or even over a salad.
Q: Can I make them healthier?
A: Yes. Bake instead of frying, use Greek yogurt in place of mayo for the sauce, and go light on the cheese or swap in a reduced-fat version.
Nutrition
(per fritter with sauce, based on 10 fritters)
Calories: ~120
Protein: 4 g
Carbohydrates: 9 g
Fat: 7 g
Fiber: 2 g
Sodium: 210 mg
Calcium: 80 mg
(Values will vary depending on flour, cheese, and sauce choices.)
Conclusion
Mediterranean Zucchini Corn Fritter Sliders with Spicy Mayo are a flavorful, crispy, and versatile dish that works equally well as a snack, appetizer, or light main. With their mix of zucchini, corn, herbs, and cheese, they deliver a perfect balance of freshness and comfort. Paired with the spicy mayo, they’re satisfying and fun to serve at gatherings or as a weeknight treat. Easy to adapt with different flours, cheeses, or serving styles, these fritters are a recipe worth keeping in rotation.