Gather all your ingredients so that you have everything close at hand on the counter or table.
Make the Ranch Dip
In order to give the ingredients in the ranch dip time to meld together, I like to prepare the dip first.
In a small bowl, combine the sour cream and the ranch dip seasoning mix. Mix well. Set aside or refrigerate until ready to use.
Prepare the Ingredients
Using the course side of a box shredder, shred the zucchini.
Mince the garlic on a cutting board with a Chef's knife. Dice the jalapeno pepper on the same board.
Grate fresh parmesan using a fine-edge zester. With the same tool, zest a teaspoon of lemon.
Place all-purpose flour on a plate and mix in seasoned salt. Set aside until time to dredge the zucchini before frying.
Make the Fritters
Place shredded zucchini in a large bowl, along with the diced jalapeno pepper, Italian bread crumbs, freshly grated parmesan, minced garlic, lemon zest, dried minced onion, dried basil and parsley, paprika, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix to combine.
In a small bowl, whisk together the large egg, buttermilk, and hot sauce. Pour over the zucchini mixture and stir to combine. (If the mixture seems a bit dry, you may add an extra tablespoon of buttermilk.)
Form the zucchini mixture into small patties (about 1/4 cup each). Place patties in the prepared seasoned flour, dredging on both sides.
Fry Zucchini Fritters in Skillet
Heat a large skillet with vegetable oil over medium heat. When the oil tests hot, place prepared zucchini patties in the oil. Allow the fritters to cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until golden brown.
You will need to adjust the heat under your skillet so the fritters don't cook too quickly (or burn). I turned mine 3-4 times for a total of 3-4 minutes for each fritter.
Work in batches being careful not to overcrowd the fritters or allow them to touch.
Place the fried fritters on a plate lined with paper towels. Sprinkle with salt as desired.
This recipe will make 14-16 fritters. Serve warm with the Ranch Dip.
Notes
*I always use plastic gloves when I work with hot peppers, as I had a bad reaction once from jalapenos. I'd rather be safe, than sorry. If in doubt, use plastic gloves.