Gluten-Free Vegan Zucchini Fritters

These Zucchini Fritters Are the Crispy Side You Need in Your Life

I think “crispy” might just be one of my favourite words when it comes to food. I just can’t resist and these zucchini fritters deliver LOTS of crispy goodness in every bite. Let’s talk about why you’ll want to add this recipe to your collection.

• Quick to make. These gluten-free vegan zucchini fritters come together in under 30 minutes. Easy peasy! 
• Endless serving options. Fritters are perfect for piling high with all kinds of toppings like heirloom tomatoes, fresh herbs, Cashew Cream… so many possibilities.
• Awesome for every meal. Literally! You can pair them with Fluffy Tofu Scramble for breakfast, serve them as a lunch with Pineapple Salsa, add them to your party snack table with a fun sauce for dipping, or use them as a dinner side dish with something like Vegan Chicken.

Notes on Ingredients

You don’t need much to make this recipe! Scroll down to the recipe card to find the ingredient quantities and recipe instructions.

• Flax eggs – Learn how to make a flax egg.
• Zucchini – Smaller zucchini is best, as it has more flavour and fewer large seeds.
• Garlic powder – This allows you to add lots of garlicky flavour without having to crush a bunch of garlic cloves!
• Sea salt and black pepper
• Parsley – Feel free to substitute another fresh herb that’s in season or that you have on hand. Chives are quite good in this recipe!
• Coconut flour 
• Coconut or olive oil – Or another cooking oil you like or have on hand.
• Lime wedges – For a finishing squeeze to brighten up the flavour.

What Is the Best Way to Grate Zucchini?

The best way to grate zucchini is to use a box grater. Simply place the zucchini against the large, flat holes of the grater and gently move it back and forth against the blades until all the flesh has been grated.

You can also use a food processor fitted with a grating blade if you prefer. Some food processors do this better than others; if yours tends to grate foods into bits, you’re better off with the box grater.

How to Make Gluten-Free Vegan Zucchini Fritters

Once you grate the zucchini, it’s smooth sailing from there on out! The rest of the recipe comes together quickly.

• Salt the zucchini. Transfer the grated zucchini to a cheesecloth or kitchen towel, then place this in a colander in your sink. Sprinkle the zucchini with salt and let this sit for 10 minutes; the salt will help pull the moisture from the zucchini.
• Drain. Use the cheesecloth or towel to squeeze as much liquid from the zucchini as possible.
• Make the fritter mixture. Add the zucchini to a mixing bowl and stir in the remaining ingredients until just combined.

• Form the fritters. Form balls with 2 tablespoons of batter; flatten them slightly on a plate or baking sheet. You should have about 10 fritters.
• Cook. Heat the oil in a pan set over high heat. Add the zucchini fritters, leaving some space between each, and cook each side for about 4 minutes, or until they’re golden brown. 
• Serve. Plate the fritters and serve as desired. Check out the serving suggestions below!

Tips for Success

Here are some additional tips to make sure you get perfect, crispy gluten-free vegan zucchini fritters.

• Get as much water out as you can. The zucchini should be as dry as possible; zucchini holds a lot of liquid and that moisture will keep your fritters from frying up crispy.
• Aim for a thick batter. If it’s too runny, add more coconut flour. A thick batter will help your fritters hold together.
• Make sure your pan is hot before adding the fritters. This will allow them to achieve that perfect golden crust. 
• Don’t overcrowd your pan. It’s better to cook the fritters in batches than crowd them in the pan, which will result in soggy fritters.

Variations and Topping Ideas

There are so many fun ways to switch up this recipe for vegan zucchini fritters! Here are some of my favourites:

• Try adding some vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavour. 
• Add sliced green onions to the fritter mixture, or use them as a garnish.
• Spice it up with some cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
• Make them into burgers instead of fritters by dividing the mixture into four larger patties.
• Use them as a base for a Vegan Caprese topping.
• Swap the zucchini for yellow squash or another summer squash variety.
• Spoon Vegan Sour Cream or Black Bean Avocado and Corn Salad on top.
• Top with Tzatziki, Tofu Feta, and dill for Greek vibes (pictured here).

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

• Refrigerator: These zucchini fritters can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. 
• Freezer: The fritters can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag; if you need to stack them, place parchment paper between the layers. Let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• To reheat: I recommend reheating in a 400ºF oven or air fryer to restore their original crispiness, but the microwave will work too; they just won’t be as crispy that way.

More Crispy Recipes to Try

• Air Fryer Shoestring Fries
• Crispy Beet Chips
• Perfectly Crispy Breakfast Potatoes
• Crispy Homemade Falafel