Crispy Vegan Zucchini Fritters
Shredded zucchini is salted, squeezed dry, and pan-fried into golden fritters with garlic and fresh herbs. The salting step removes excess moisture, which is what gives each fritter its crisp exterior and tender center. Ready in about 30 minutes, they work equally well as a snack, appetizer, or brunch side.
Equipment
- Box grater
- Clean kitchen towel or nut milk bag
- Mixing bowl
- Cast iron skillet or nonstick pan
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 2 cups zucchini coarsely grated, about 2 medium zucchini
- ½ teaspoon sea salt for sweating the zucchini
- ½ cup chickpea flour also known as gram flour
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast adds depth and umami
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 4 tablespoons olive oil for frying, divided
Instructions
- Grate the zucchini using a box grater. Place the grated zucchini in a large bowl and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon sea salt. Let it sit for 10 minutes to draw out moisture.
- Squeeze out excess water using a clean kitchen towel or nut milk bag until the zucchini is as dry as possible. This is crucial for crispy fritters.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the drained zucchini, chickpea flour, nutritional yeast, garlic, parsley, and black pepper. Mix well until a thick batter forms.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium heat (about 350°F / 175°C) until shimmering.
- Scoop heaping tablespoons of the batter into the skillet, flattening gently into rounds with a spatula. Do not overcrowd the pan.
- Cook fritters for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden and crispy. Flip carefully to avoid breaking.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and repeat with the remaining batter, adding more oil as needed.
Notes
- For lighter fritters, add a small pinch of baking powder to the batter.
- For an herby twist, replace parsley with fresh dill or mint.
- Chickpea flour binds superbly without eggs, but you may also use a 1:1 mix of oat flour and cornstarch in a pinch.
Nutrition
Calories: 210kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 6gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 307mgPotassium: 383mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 299IUVitamin C: 14mgCalcium: 23mgIron: 1mg
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