If you’re looking for a simple, flavorful, and healthy snack or side dish, these vegan zucchini fritters are an absolute must-try. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, zucchini fritters offer a delightful way to enjoy this versatile summer vegetable.
Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, they are quick to prepare and made with wholesome, plant-based ingredients that everyone will love.
Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just looking to incorporate more vegetables into your diet, this recipe is both satisfying and nutritious. Plus, they’re great for meal prepping and can be enjoyed fresh or reheated.
Get ready to impress your family and friends with a dish that’s crunchy, savory, and packed with flavor!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These vegan zucchini fritters are a fantastic way to enjoy a guilt-free snack or addition to your meal. Here’s why they’re so popular:
- Simple Ingredients: You probably already have everything you need in your pantry and fridge.
- Quick to Make: From prep to plate in under 30 minutes.
- Gluten-Free Adaptable: Easily swap out flour for gluten-free options.
- Versatile: Perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or even a light main course.
- Deliciously Crispy: Achieve that coveted crunch without eggs or dairy.
- Healthy & Nutritious: Loaded with fiber, vitamins, and plant-based protein.
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchinis (about 2 cups grated)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (for drawing out moisture)
- 1/2 cup chickpea flour (also called garbanzo bean flour)
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast (for cheesy flavor)
- 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed mixed with 6 tablespoons water (flax egg)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onion
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Olive oil or avocado oil for frying
Equipment
- Grater or food processor (for shredding zucchini)
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Large non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan
- Spatula or tongs
- Strainer or cheesecloth (optional, for squeezing zucchini)
- Plate lined with paper towels (for draining fritters)
Instructions
- Prepare the zucchini: Wash and grate the zucchinis using a box grater or food processor. Place the grated zucchini into a colander, sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt, and toss to combine. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
- Drain the zucchini: After 10 minutes, use your hands or a clean kitchen towel to squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the zucchini. This step is crucial to ensure your fritters turn out crispy and not soggy.
- Mix the flax egg: In a small bowl, combine the ground flaxseed with water. Stir and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it thickens and becomes gel-like.
- Combine the batter: In a large mixing bowl, add the drained zucchini, flax egg, chickpea flour, nutritional yeast, chopped green onions, minced garlic, smoked paprika, black pepper, baking powder, and fresh parsley. Mix everything well until you have a thick batter that holds together. If it feels too wet, add a little more chickpea flour.
- Heat the pan: Place your skillet over medium heat and add enough oil to cover the bottom (about 2 tablespoons). Let the oil warm up but not smoke.
- Form and cook fritters: Scoop about 2 tablespoons of batter per fritter and gently flatten it into a patty shape. Carefully place the fritters into the hot skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain and serve: Transfer cooked fritters to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. Repeat with the remaining batter, adding more oil as needed.
- Enjoy warm: Serve your vegan zucchini fritters warm with your favorite dipping sauce or salad.
Tips & Variations
“Squeezing out as much liquid as possible from the zucchini is key to crispy fritters.”
- Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free chickpea flour or a blend of gluten-free flours in place of regular chickpea flour.
- Add extra veggies: Mix in grated carrots, corn kernels, or finely chopped spinach for added nutrition and color.
- Spice it up: Add cayenne pepper, chili flakes, or fresh herbs like dill or basil to customize the flavor.
- Oven-bake option: For a lighter version, bake fritters at 400°F (200°C) on a parchment-lined tray for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Serve with sauces: A vegan garlic aioli, tahini sauce, or tomato salsa pairs wonderfully with these fritters.
- Make ahead: Prepare batter and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving (2 fritters) |
---|---|
Calories | 150 |
Protein | 6 g |
Fat | 7 g |
Carbohydrates | 17 g |
Fiber | 4 g |
Sugar | 3 g |
Sodium | 320 mg |
Serving Suggestions
Vegan zucchini fritters are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of dishes. Here are some delicious ideas to elevate your meal:
- Serve with a fresh green salad and a drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette for a light lunch.
- Pair with a vegan dip such as hummus, guacamole, or a spicy sriracha mayo.
- Top with avocado slices and vegan sour cream for a creamy contrast.
- Make a brunch platter with these fritters alongside sautéed mushrooms and roasted tomatoes.
- Include them as a side for vegan tacos or grain bowls.
For more tasty vegan dishes, check out our Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas, or try the Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious for a sweet treat. If you’re looking to expand your vegan cooking skills, our Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes is a fantastic addition to your repertoire.
Conclusion
Vegan zucchini fritters are a delightful way to enjoy a nutritious vegetable in a crunchy, savory form. With easy-to-find ingredients and simple steps, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking to add more plant-based meals to their diet without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Their versatility makes them suitable for any meal of the day, and the recipe can be customized to suit your taste preferences.
Beyond just a tasty dish, these fritters provide a healthy option that’s rich in fiber, protein, and essential nutrients. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, these fritters will quickly become a favorite go-to recipe.
Give them a try and enjoy a warm, crispy bite of goodness!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Zucchini Fritters
Description: Crispy and flavorful zucchini fritters made without eggs or dairy. Perfect as a snack or a light meal.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT30M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchinis, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chickpea flour
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed mixed with 6 tablespoons water (flax egg)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for frying
Instructions
- Grate zucchinis and place in a clean towel to squeeze out excess moisture.
- In a bowl, mix chickpea flour, nutritional yeast, green onions, garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Add grated zucchini and flax egg to the bowl and combine well.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Spoon batter into the skillet and flatten into small patties.
- Cook fritters for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Drain on paper towels and serve warm.
Nutrition: Calories: 180 kcal | Protein: 7 g | Fat: 8 g | Carbs: 20 g
{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Vegan Zucchini Fritters”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “Crispy and flavorful zucchini fritters made without eggs or dairy. Perfect as a snack or a light meal.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT15M”, “totalTime”: “PT30M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“2 medium zucchinis, grated”, “1/2 teaspoon salt”, “1/2 cup chickpea flour”, “1/4 cup nutritional yeast”, “1/4 cup finely chopped green onions”, “2 cloves garlic, minced”, “1/2 teaspoon black pepper”, “1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika”, “2 tablespoons ground flaxseed mixed with 6 tablespoons water (flax egg)”, “2 tablespoons olive oil for frying”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Grate zucchinis and place in a clean towel to squeeze out excess moisture.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a bowl, mix chickpea flour, nutritional yeast, green onions, garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add grated zucchini and flax egg to the bowl and combine well.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Spoon batter into the skillet and flatten into small patties.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cook fritters for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Drain on paper towels and serve warm.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “180 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “7 g”, “fatContent”: “8 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “20 g”}}