Zucchini Fritters - Healthy Recipes Blog (2024)

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Last updated: · Recipes developed by Vered DeLeeuw and nutritionally reviewed by Rachel Benight MS, RD · This website generates income via ads and uses cookies.

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These flavorful zucchini fritters are baked rather than fried, although you could fry them if you'd like.

Flavored with garlic and scallions, they are easy to make, delicious, low-carb, and gluten-free!

Zucchini Fritters - Healthy Recipes Blog (1)

Zucchini is delicious, especially when it's young and firm. I enjoy this tasty summer squash in many recipes, including zucchini lasagna, zucchini noodles, and roasted zucchini.

These zucchini fritters take this vegetable to a whole new level. They are crispy, golden, and wonderfully flavorful. Another advantage is that they are very easy to make. After all, baking is easier than frying.

Jump to:
  • Ingredients
  • Variations
  • Zucchini Fritters Instructions
  • Expert Tip
  • Recipe FAQs
  • Serving Suggestions
  • Storing Leftovers
  • More Zucchini Recipes
  • Foodie Newsletter
  • Recipe Card

Ingredients

You'll only need a few simple ingredients to make these tasty fritters. The exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below. Here's an overview of what you'll need:

  • Fresh zucchini: You can leave them unpeeled. Try to pick young, firm zucchini. They are more flavorful and less watery.
  • Kosher salt and black pepper: If using fine salt, you should reduce the amount you use by half, or the fritters could become too salty.
  • Olive oil spray: The spray is a convenient way to coat the fritters before placing them in the oven.
  • Chopped scallions: I use the green parts only, although it's fine to use the white parts - just make sure to slice them very thinly.
  • Minced garlic: Mince it yourself, or use the stuff that comes in a jar. Both work equally well in this recipe.
  • Eggs: I use large eggs in most of my recipes, this one included.
  • Flours: I use blanched, finely ground almond flour and add atablespoonof coconut flour to help absorb any extra liquid.
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Variations

  • Sometimes I use ¼ cup of minced onions instead of scallions.
  • Add ½ cup of dry-grated parmesan to the mixture. If you do, you can omit the coconut flour.
  • Add chopped ham or a handful of bacon bits. I love the flavor they add!

Zucchini Fritters Instructions

Scroll down to the recipe card for detailed instructions. Here are the basic steps for making this recipe:

  • Mix grated zucchini, scallions, garlic, salt, pepper, eggs, almond flour, and coconut flour. (Photos 1,2).
  • Place mounds of the mixture on a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet. (Photo 3).
  • Gently flatten the mounds, spray them with olive oil, then bake them for about 15 minutes per side. (Photo 4).
Zucchini Fritters - Healthy Recipes Blog (3)

Expert Tip

Before adding the grated zucchini to the mixture, it needs to be drained. To do that, place it in a strainer set atop a bowl. Add ½ teaspoon of kosher salt. Allow to drain for 30 minutes, then press on the zucchini with a spoon to extract liquid.

The more liquid you get rid of, the crispier the fritters will be. You might be tempted to skip this extra step, but please don't. It's essential to the success of this recipe.

Recipe FAQs

Can I fry these zucchini fritters instead of baking them?

Yes. I prefer baking since it's a hands-off approach to cooking. But you can fry the fritters in batches in a nonstick skillet with about 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Cook them over medium heat until golden brown and cooked through, about 4 minutes per side.

Why are my zucchini fritters soggy?

You probably didn't drain the grated zucchini thoroughly. This is a crucial step to the success of this recipe.

It also helps to add flour (I use almond flour and coconut flour). But if you don't drain the zucchini well, no amount of flour will help.

Can I use yellow squash instead of zucchini?

Yes. Just make sure to salt and drain it well and try to pick young and firm squashes - those tend to be less watery.

Serving Suggestions

You can serve these tasty fritters as a side dish, but they are substantial enough to be served as a main dish. I like to serve them with a side of tomato salad. It makes for a very colorful plate!

They are also good with a side of roasted cherry tomatoes, roasted radishes, or roasted carrots. You can bake all of these in the same 400°F oven.

When I serve these fritters as a side dish, I serve them with a main course that I can bake in the same 400°F oven, such as boneless chicken thighs, baked chicken drumsticks, or oven-baked pork chops.

You can top the fritters with a dollop of sour cream, blue cheese dressing, or whole-milk Greek yogurt.

Storing Leftovers

You can keep the leftovers in the fridge, in an airtight container, for 3-4 days. Reheat them in the microwave at 50% power or in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes.

They keep well in the fridge - they are just as tasty on the fourth day as on the first. You can also freeze the leftovers for up to three months.

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More Zucchini Recipes

  • Baked Zucchini Chips
  • Grilled Zucchini
  • Zucchini Noodles
  • Zucchini Lasagna

Recipe Card

Zucchini Fritters - Healthy Recipes Blog (9)

4.98 from 300 votes

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Zucchini Fritters

These zucchini fritters are flavored with scallions and garlic. Oven-baked, they are easy to make and delicious!

Prep Time50 minutes mins

Cook Time30 minutes mins

Total Time1 hour hr 20 minutes mins

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Diet: Gluten Free

Servings: 9 large fritters

Calories: 260kcal

Author: Vered DeLeeuw

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Grate the zucchini using your food processor's grating attachment, or the largest holes in a box grater, as shown in the video.

  • Place the grated zucchini in a strainer set atop a bowl. Mix ½ teaspoon kosher salt in. Allow to drain for 30 minutes, then press on the zucchini with a spoon to extract even more liquid.*

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with high-heat-resistant parchment paper and spray it with olive oil.

  • Transfer the grated zucchini to a medium bowl. Mix in the scallions, garlic, remaining ½ teaspoon kosher salt, black pepper, eggs, almond flour, and coconut flour.

  • Use a 4-tablespoon scoop to scoop out mounds of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Use the back of a spoon to gently flatten and shape the mounds into rounds, as shown in the video. Spray their tops with olive oil.

  • Bake the fritters until golden brown and wonderfully fragrant, about 15 minutes on each side, spraying again with olive oil after flipping them. Serve immediately.

Video

Notes

*The more liquid you get rid of, the crispier the zucchini fritters will turn out. And please don't skip this step, as tedious as it might seem - it is crucial to the success of this recipe.

You can keep the leftovers in the fridge, in an airtight container, for 3-4 days. Reheat them in the microwave at 50% power or in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes. They keep well in the fridge - they are just as tasty on the fourth day as on the first. You can also freeze the leftovers for up to three months.

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Nutrition per Serving

Serving: 2fritters | Calories: 260kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 289mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 4g

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Disclaimers

Cup measurements refer to the standard American cup, which is 240 milliliters. Most of my recipes are low-carb (or keto) and gluten-free, but some are not. Please verify that a recipe fits your needs before using it. Recommended and linked products are not guaranteed to be gluten-free. Nutrition info is approximate, and the carb count excludes non-nutritive sweeteners. Nutrition info may contain errors, so please verify it independently. Recipes may contain errors, so please use your common sense when following them. Please read these Terms of Use carefully before using any of my recipes.

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About the Author

Zucchini Fritters - Healthy Recipes Blog (20) Vered DeLeeuw, LL.M., CNC, has been following a low-carb real-food diet and blogging about it since 2011. She's a Certified Nutrition Coach (NASM-CNC), has taken courses at the Harvard School of Public Health, and has earned a Nutrition and Healthy Living Certificate from Cornell University. Her work has appeared in several major media outlets, including Healthline, HuffPost, Today, Women's Health, Shape, and Country Living. Click to learn more about Vered.

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Zucchini Fritters - Healthy Recipes Blog (2024)

FAQs

Why are my zucchini fritters falling apart? ›

Typically, there is more than likely not enough of a binder in the fritter batter mix. Cheese, bread crumbs and eggs all act as binders and will help to hold these vegetable cakes in place. Fritters may also fall apart if you fail to use enough oil, or too much!

How many cups is 2 pounds of zucchini? ›

Zucchini is fat free, cholesterol free, low in sodium, rich in manganese and vitamin C and has more potassium than a banana. One pound of zucchini equals about 4 cups grated zucchini; 2 cups of salted and squeezed zucchini; about 1 cup mashed zucchini; and 3 cups chunked zucchini.

Why are my fritters tough? ›

Fritter fine points

And never overstir your batter because you don't want to activate the glutens in the flour to make the finished fritters tough.

How many calories are in a zucchini fritter? ›

There are 68 calories in 1 Zucchini Fritter.

How to stop fritters falling apart? ›

If your zucchini fritters are falling apart, it's likely because the fritters are sticking to the skillet or the batter was too wet. Getting the zucchini dry before preparing the batter so the binding agents can hold the fritter together. If you have a non-stick frying pan, opt for that as well.

How many zucchini make 3 cups shredded? ›

How to Prep Zucchini for Bread. To make this recipe, you'll need 3 cups of shredded zucchini, from about 2 medium squash. If you've never grated zucchini before, it's super easy—just shred it on the large holes of a box grater. There's no need to peel the zucchini or remove the seeds.

How many zucchini do I need for 2 cups? ›

You need 2 cups of grated zucchini for the recipe, so you will need about 3 small zucchini, 2 medium zucchini, or 1 large zucchini.

How many zucchinis make 2 cups? ›

When sliced, 1 medium zucchiniyielded about 1 to 1.25 cups and if grated, you end up with about 2/3 cup of tamped down zucchini. If you need 1 cup of cooked sliced zucchini, due to shrinkage while heated it will take about 3 medium zucchini, sliced, to hit the mark.

Is baking soda or baking powder better for fritters? ›

Baking soda is a raising agent that must be mixed with one or more acid ingredients, such as cocoa powder or buttermilk. Baking powder is better for recipes that contain little or no acid ingredients. Baking soda helps make fried foods crispy and light.

What does baking soda do in fritters? ›

Baking soda (bi-carb) OR baking powder – just a touch, to aerate the batter every so slightly (without it, it's slightly denser); Parmesan – for a good hit of savoury flavour AND to make the fritters extra crispy!

Why do you put baking powder in fritters? ›

They just need a simple, light batter of flour, cornstarch, and baking powder mixed with seltzer to tie them together. The seltzer and baking powder ensure that the fritters are shatteringly crisp–even slightly tired vegetables emerge from the oil crunchy, fresh, and sweet.

How much protein is in zucchini fritters? ›

Nutrition
PROTEIN ZUCCHINI FRITTERS NUTRITION PANEL
Average Quantity Per Serving
Energy (kJ)962
Protein (g)22
Fat (g)7
1 more row

What is the nutritional value of corn and zucchini fritters? ›

Nutrition per Serving
Energy953 kj (228cal)11%
Carbohydrate Total39.6g13%
Sugars4.9g5%
Dietary Fiber2.8g9%
Sodium815.8mg35%
8 more rows

How many calories are in homemade fried zucchini? ›

Breaded Or Battered Fried Zucchini (1 cup) contains 26.5g total carbs, 24.5g net carbs, 29.1g fat, 6g protein, and 387 calories.

Why are my vegetable fritters falling apart? ›

If your zucchini fritters are falling apart, it's likely because the batter was too wet or the fritters are sticking to the skillet.

How do you keep fritters together? ›

Here are some frittering tips:

Chop everything to small dice so that the fritters stay together when frying, you are just adding enough egg and flour to barely coat the ingredients, and large chunks have a tendency to make the fritters fall apart.

How do you keep breadcrumbs from falling off zucchini? ›

Chill the breaded zucchini: It helps the breading stay stuck, which means they won't fall off in the fryer and they'll be crunchier. Refrigerate the breaded zucchini for at least 15 minutes and up to 3 hours—it's just enough time to help the breading stick.

What consistency should fritter batter be? ›

Instead of running from the spoon in a broad shining band, a consistency that the French call au ruban, the batter should start to run for about 1 1/2-inch length, then drop in successive long triangular “splats.” When the batter is this consistency, beat it until very smooth.

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