Zucchini Fritters

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Zucchini Fritters made crispy, wholesome and so tasty. I make these zucchini fritters for brunch or snacking and they vanish too soon.

zucchini fritters stacked on top of each other with a brass fork inside them placed on a white marble board

Since I have been making these for some time, I thought of  sharing the recipe. These fritters have a nice crispy texture from outside with a soft texture from inside. The recipe is vegan but I have given a gluten-free option in the post below.

About this recipe

  1. Eggless & Vegan: This is one easy recipe and made without eggs. So yes it is an eggless and vegan recipe of zucchini fritters.
  2. Made with Whole Wheat Flour & Chickpea flour: Usually zucchini fritters are made with all-purpose flour. But this is a wholesome version made with whole wheat flour and yet the texture is light and soft from inside. Adding chickpea flour and baking powder helps in giving a soft texture to the fritters and also makes them crispy from outside. Chickpea flour also helps in binding and is used in place of eggs in the recipe. You can even add gram flour (besan) in place of chickpea flour.
  3. Ease one bowl recipe: Yes, this is an incredibly easy one bowl recipe where you just need to keep on adding ingredients and mixing it. There is absolutely no need to squeeze the grated zucchini of all their juices. Since eggs are not used, we will use the zucchini juices to get the right batter consistency. By the way black salt is also added which mimics the eggy aroma due to the presence of sulphur. Though black salt is not an essential ingredient and you can easily skip it.
zucchin fritters stacked and kept on white marble board with sour cream in a red bowl kept in the background
Step-by-Step Guide

How to make Zucchini Fritters

Preparation
1. Finely chop 1 medium sized onion, 2 to 3 inches small celery stalk, 2 to 3 medium garlic cloves and a few parsley leaves.

You will need ⅓ cup finely chopped onions, ½ teaspoon finely chopped garlic, 2 teaspoons finely chopped celery and 2 tablespoons chopped parsley leaves.

finely chopped onions, garlic, parsley and celery on a chopping board

2. Rinse 2 medium sized zucchinis (300 grams) first and then pat dry with a kitchen towel. Grate them using a hand held grater or box grater or food processor.

Do not grate them finely. So use a thicker grater or grate in the food processor. You can peel the zucchini if you want to.

zucchini being grated on top of a bowl

Making batter
3. Take the grated zucchini in a mixing bowl. I directly grate the zucchini in a mixing bowl.

grated zucchini in a white mixing bowl

4. Add the chopped onions, garlic and celery.

chopped onions added, garlic, parsley and celery added to the bowl

5. Add ½ heaped cup whole wheat flour and ¼ cup chickpea flour or gram flour.

whole wheat flour and chickpea flour added to the bowl

6. Season with ½ teaspoon black pepper (crushed), ⅛ teaspoon black salt (optional), ½ teaspoon salt or add as required. Also add ½ teaspoon baking powder. For black pepper you can even add ¼ to ½ teaspoon black pepper powder.

salt, crushed black pepper and baking powder added in the bowl

7. Mix very well. Depending on the water content in the zucchini which will vary with with the variety and farming methods used, the batter can become too thick or thin.

If the batter is very thick and floury, then sprinkle some water. If the batter becomes thin and runny, then add some wheat flour.

mixed to a batter in the bowl

Frying

8. In a seasoned and heavy 10 to 10.5 inches cast-iron skillet or pan add 2 tablespoons olive oil. For frying each batch of 3 fritters add 2 to 3 tablespoons of oil.

Let the oil become hot. Using a serving spoon or ¼ cup measuring cup begin to pour the batter on the pan.

portion of zucchini fritter batter in a spoon on top of skillet containing hot oil

9. Gently place the batter on the pan.

fritter batter from the sour being poured in the pan

10. Then with the back of the spoon or cup, spread lightly. Do not spread thin as then the fritters break.

spreading & flattening the batter a bit with the spoon

11. Begin to fry medium low to medium flame. I usually fry on a medium low flame so that the insides are cooked well. The cast iron skillet retains heat and this helps in crisping the fritters.

three zucchini fritter being fried in a skillet

12. Depending on the size of the skillet, you can fry three to four or even more zucchini fritters at a time.

zucchini fritters being fried

13. When one side is crisp and golden, gently remove and flip. Fry the second side.

zucchini fritters turned over when one side is golden and crisp

14. Fry the second side till golden and crisp. For even frying you can flip once or twice.

zucchini fritters cooked till both sides are golden and crisp

15. Remove and place them on kitchen paper towels for a brief period just for the extra oil to be soaked up. Do not keep for long as then they can stick to the paper towel.

You can even use a strainer with a bowl underneath to drain the oil. Make all zucchini fritters this way.

fried crispy zucchini fritters kept in kitchen paper towels

16. Serve zucchini fritters hot with a dipping sauce of your choice.

zucchini fritters stacked on top of each other with a brass fork inside them placed on a white marble board
Tips

Expert Tips & Substitutes

  • Type of Zucchini: To make these you can use any colored zucchini – green or yellow. In the recipe I have used green zucchini.
  • Batter Consistency: The batter consistency is a thick batter. If the batter becomes too thin or runny, the fritter will become soggy and wet from inside. In this scenario, adding some wheat flour helps to get the right consistency. If the batter looks very thick, floury and dry, then sprinkle some water.
  • Cheesy Flavors: For a vegan cheesy flavor add 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast flakes. To get a vegetarian cheesy flavor, add some vegetarian parmesan cheese or cheddar cheese in the batter. When adding the cheese, reduce the salt in the recipe.
  • Flour: You can make these zucchini fritters with all-purpose flour too. You may need to add more all-purpose flour in the recipe if using it.
  • Binding Ingredient: Substitute corn starch, rice flour, potato starch, tapioca starch for chickpea flour or gram flour.
  • Frying: While shallow frying, you can add less oil. Though frying in less oil will reduce the crispiness. To quicken up the frying process, use two skillets side by side. Use a heavy seasoned pan to avoid fritters sticking to the pan.
  • More Veggies: You can even add additional vegetables like grated carrots, finely chopped bell pepper (capsicum) and grated cabbage.
  • Gluten-Free Option: For a gluten free recipe, use chickpea flour entirely for the batter. Thus add ¾ to 1 cup chickpea flour to the batter.
  • Baking: Make baked zucchini fritters by adding 1 tablespoon oil in the batter. Bake in a preheated oven at 200 degrees Celsius (392 degrees Fahrenheit) for 15 to 20 minutes till golden. Halfway through remove the fritters and brush them with oil. Then continue to bake till done. Line the baking tray with parchment paper before baking.
  • Serving Suggestions: Serve Zucchini Fritters with any dip or sauce you like. You can even serve with sour cream, yogurt or creme fraiche.

Please be sure to rate the recipe in the recipe card or leave a comment below if you have made it. For more veetarian inspirations, Sign Up for my emails or follow me on Instagram, Youtube, Facebook, Pinterest or Twitter.

zucchini fritters stacked on top of each other with a brass fork inside them placed on a white marble board

Zucchini Fritters (Crispy & Vegan)

Zucchini Fritters made crispy, tasty and wholesome with wholewheat flour, chickpea flour, herbs and spices.
5 from 2 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Cuisine American, World
Course Snacks
Diet Vegan, Vegetarian
Difficulty Level Easy
Servings 3
Units

Ingredients

  • ½ heaping cup/75 grams/2.7 ounces whole wheat flour
  • ¼ cup/25 grams/0.9 ounce chickpea flour or gram flour (besan)
  • 3 cups thickly grated zucchini/2 medium sized/500 grams/1.10 pounds zucchini
  • cup finely chopped onions
  • ½ teaspoon finely chopped garlic
  • 2 teaspoons finely chopped celery stalk
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley or cilantro (coriander leaves)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper crushed or ¼ to ½ teaspoon black pepper powder- add as per taste
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • teaspoon black salt – optional
  • ½ teaspoon salt or add as required
  • 10 to 12 tablespoons olive oil or sunflower oil or any neutral flavored oil for frying

Instructions
 

Preparation:

  • Finely chop 1 medium sized onion, 3 inches celery stalk, 2 to 3 medium garlic cloves and a few parsley leaves.
  • Rinse the zucchinis first and then pat dry with a kitchen towel. Grate them thickly using a hand-held grater or box grater or a food processor. Do not grate them finely. So use a thicker grater or grate in the food processor. You can peel the zucchini if you want to.

Making batter

  • Take the grated zucchini in a mixing bowl. Add the chopped onions, garlic and celery.
  • Add both whole wheat flour and chickpea flour. Season with crushed black pepper (crushed), black salt (optional) and regular salt. Add ½ teaspoon baking powder.
  • Mix very well. Depending on the water content in the zucchini, the batter can become too thick or thin. If the batter becomes very thick, then sprinkle some water. If the batter becomes thin and runny, then add some wheat flour.

Frying

  • In a seasoned and heavy 10 to 10.5 inches cast-iron skillet or pan heat 2 to 3 tablespoons oil on medium-low or medium heat. For frying each batch of 3 to 4 zucchini fritters add 2 to 3 tablespoons of oil. Using a serving spoon or ¼ cup measure begin to pour the batter on the pan.
  • With the back of the spoon or measuring cup, spread lightly. Do not spread thin as the fritters will break.
  • Begin to fry medium low to medium flame. Fry three to four zucchini fritters at a time.
  • When one side is crisp and golden, gently remove and flip. Fry the second side till golden and crisp. For even frying you can flip once or twice.
  • Remove and place them on kitchen paper towels for a brief period just for the extra oil to be soaked up. Do not keep for long as then they stick to the paper towel. You can even use a strainer with a bowl underneath to drain the oil. Make all zucchini fritters this way.
  • Serve hot with a dipping sauce of your choice.

Notes

  • Zucchini: Both green or yellow zucchini can be used. 
  • Consistency of batter:  Zucchini fritters batter has a thick consistency. If the batter becomes too thin or runny, the fritter will end up becoming soggy. In this scenario, add some wheat flour. If the batter looks very thick, then sprinkle some water.
  • Cheesy Flavors: To get a vegan cheesy flavor add 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast flakes to the batter. For a vegetarian cheesy flavor, add some vegetarian parmesan cheese or cheddar cheese to the batter. When adding cheese, reduce the salt in the recipe.
  • Flour: You can make these zucchini fritters with all-purpose flour also. You may need to add more all-purpose flour in the recipe though. 
  • Binding Ingredient: You can use corn starch, rice flour, potato starch, tapioca starch in place of chickpea flour or gram flour.
  • Frying: You can fry the fritters with less oil. But frying in less oil will reduce the crispiness. Use two skillets side by side to quicken up the frying. Use a heavy seasoned pan to avoid fritters sticking to the pan.
  • Gluten-Free Option: For a gluten free recipe, use chickpea flour entirely for the batter. Thus add ¾ to 1 cup chickpea flour to the batter.
  • Baking: You can make baked zucchini fritters by adding 1 tablespoon oil in the batter. Line the baking tray with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 200 degrees Celsius (392 degrees Fahrenheit) for 15 to 20 minutes till golden. Halfway through remove the fritters and brush them with oil. Then continue to bake till done.
  • Serving Suggestions: Serve Zucchini Fritters with any dip you like. You can even serve with sour cream, yogurt or creme fraiche. 

 

Nutrition Info (Approximate Values)

Nutrition Facts
Zucchini Fritters (Crispy & Vegan)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 301 Calories from Fat 180
% Daily Value*
Fat 20g31%
Saturated Fat 3g19%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
Monounsaturated Fat 1g
Cholesterol 1mg0%
Sodium 508mg22%
Potassium 680mg19%
Carbohydrates 27g9%
Fiber 5g21%
Sugar 6g7%
Protein 7g14%
Vitamin A 558IU11%
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) 1mg67%
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) 1mg59%
Vitamin B3 (Niacin) 2mg10%
Vitamin B6 1mg50%
Vitamin C 35mg42%
Vitamin E 3mg20%
Vitamin K 64µg61%
Calcium 70mg7%
Vitamin B9 (Folate) 56µg14%
Iron 4mg22%
Magnesium 59mg15%
Phosphorus 186mg19%
Zinc 1mg7%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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Meet Dassana

Welcome to Dassana's Veg Recipes. I share vegetarian recipes from India & around the World. Having been cooking for decades and with a professional background in cooking & baking, I help you to make your cooking journey easier with my tried and tested recipes showcased with step by step photos & plenty of tips & suggestions.

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3 Comments

  1. Hi.. this looks very interesting. Can I use dudhi as a replacement for zucchini? And any suggestions for adapting this to a paniyaram pan? Thanks

    1. You can use lauki, but squeeze the water out as lauki will have more water than zucchini. Sprinkle some salt on the grated lauki and then squeeze the juices. No suggestions for adapting to a paniyaram pan. But in case the batter looks too dry, then you can add some water or the squeezed lauki juice.