How to Make Crispy Vegan Zucchini Fritters That Everyone Will Love

If you’ve got a bounty of zucchini from your garden or the market, these vegan zucchini fritters are a must-try. They’re crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and quick to make with just a handful of pantry staples. Not only are they delicious, but according to research from Healthline, zucchinis are also packed with beneficial nutrients.

Whether you want a light snack, appetizer, or part of a meal, these fritters can be dressed up with your favorite dips and sides. I’ll guide you through the steps to avoid sogginess, plus alternatives like baking or air frying, so you get perfect results every time.

Tools and Ingredients You’ll Need to Get Started

Before diving in, let’s gather everything to make the process smooth. For tools, you’ll want a box grater or a food processor with a shredding blade, a fine-mesh strainer or clean kitchen towel to remove excess moisture, a large mixing bowl, and a non-stick or cast-iron skillet for frying.

For ingredients, you need fresh zucchini, salt, ground flaxseeds (for the vegan egg), water, all-purpose or gluten-free flour, cornstarch or arrowroot powder, baking powder, green onions, fresh dill or parsley (optional), and olive oil for frying.

How to Make Crispy Vegan Zucchini Fritters Step by Step

1. Shred and Salt the Zucchini: Trim the zucchini ends, then shred it using the large holes of your grater or food processor. Toss the shredded zucchini with a teaspoon of salt in a fine-mesh strainer and let it sit for 10 minutes. This draws out moisture to prevent sogginess.
2. Squeeze Out Excess Liquid: Using clean hands or a kitchen towel, firmly squeeze the zucchini to remove as much water as possible. This step is crucial for crisp fritters.
3. Prepare the Flax Egg: In a large bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseeds with 5 tablespoons of water. Stir and let it thicken for 5 minutes.
4. Mix the Batter: Add the squeezed zucchini to the flax egg, then add 1/2 cup flour, 1/4 cup cornstarch, 1 teaspoon baking powder, chopped green onions, and fresh herbs if using. Stir until well combined.
5. Cook the Fritters: Heat 3-4 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat in your skillet. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of batter for each fritter, flatten gently, and fry for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Repeat with the rest, adding oil as needed.
6. Drain and Serve: Place cooked fritters on paper towels to absorb excess oil. Serve warm with easy vegan sour cream or your favorite dip.

How to Bake or Air Fry Your Vegan Zucchini Fritters

Prefer to avoid frying? You can bake or air fry these fritters with great results:

• Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, place flattened spoonfuls of the batter spaced apart, and bake for 15 minutes. Flip carefully and bake for another 15 minutes until crisp and golden.
• Air Frying: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray the basket with oil, place the fritters in a single layer, and cook for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. For extra crispness, lightly spray the fritters with oil before cooking.

Both methods reduce oil use and make cleanup easier while keeping the fritters deliciously crispy.

Tips to Avoid Soggy Fritters Every Time

Achieving a perfectly crisp fritter comes down to a few key practices, a technique emphasized by food experts at Serious Eats:

• Always salt and drain your shredded zucchini well to remove excess moisture.
• Don’t skip squeezing the zucchini by hand or with a towel.
• Use a combination of flour and a starch like cornstarch to bind and crisp.
• Cook fritters over medium heat; too high can burn them while too low keeps them soggy.
• Use sufficient oil for frying, and make sure it’s heated before adding the batter.
• If your batter feels too wet, add a tablespoon of flour gradually to firm it up.

Following these tips ensures your fritters boast a satisfying crunch with every bite.

How to Store and Reheat Your Vegan Zucchini Fritters

If you have leftovers, there’s no need to worry — these fritters store well!

• Refrigerator: Place cooled fritters in an airtight container. They keep for 3-4 days. To reheat, warm them in a preheated oven or air fryer until crispy.
• Freezer: Freeze cooled fritters flat, separated by parchment paper, in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen in the oven or air fryer until hot and crisp.

Proper storage and reheating maintain texture and flavor, so you can enjoy these anytime.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations to Try

Feel free to customize your fritters:

• Flour: Use gluten-free flour blends or chickpea flour to make it gluten-free.
• Egg substitutes: Instead of a flax egg, try chia eggs (1 tbsp chia seeds + 3 tbsp water), aquafaba (3 tbsp), or a commercial vegan egg replacer.
• Herbs: Swap dill and parsley for basil, cilantro, or chives based on your flavor preference.
• Add-ins: For extra texture, fold in corn kernels, grated carrot, or finely chopped bell pepper.
• Spices: Add garlic powder, smoked paprika, or black pepper for more flavor depth.

These tweaks allow you to make the recipe your own while keeping it straightforward and tasty.

What to Serve with Vegan Zucchini Fritters

These fritters can be a light snack, appetizer, or part of a hearty meal. Pair them with:

• Vegan sour cream or a tangy cashew dip for a classic touch.
• Quinoa, brown rice, or basmati rice for a filling main course.
• Oven-roasted potatoes or sweet potato wedges for a cozy combo.
• Plant-based protein like vegan baked beans, a smoky BBQ tofu, or even a hearty ultimate vegan chili.
• Fresh vegetable sticks with hummus or vegan naan for a Mediterranean-inspired plate.
• A crisp vegan Caesar salad or an easy chickpea curry for a complete meal.

The versatility makes these fritters a crowd-pleaser all year round!

Frequently Asked Questions About Vegan Zucchini Fritters

Why are my zucchini fritters soggy?

Too much moisture in the batter is usually the culprit. Make sure to salt and thoroughly squeeze out the zucchini. Adding extra flour can also help firm up the batter.

Can I use a different egg replacer?

Yes, alternatives like chia eggs, aquafaba, or commercial products like JUST Egg work well.

Can the mixture be made ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the batter up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate it. Just give it a good stir before cooking.

How many fritters count as a serving?

Usually, 3-4 fritters make a good serving, depending on their size.

Can I use other vegetables?

Yes. Summer squash or grated carrots can be used similarly. If you have other questions, feel free to ask or experiment! Cooking is all about making recipes fit your lifestyle.

Conclusion

With this easy and adaptable vegan zucchini fritters recipe, you can turn your surplus zucchini into golden, crispy delights. Thanks to simple ingredients, expert tips, and flexible cooking options, these fritters are sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Whether you fry, bake, or air fry them, you’ll have a delicious plant-based treat ready in under 30 minutes. Enjoy making this recipe your own and share the crispy joy with friends and family!