These easy low‑carb zucchini fritters (zucchini pancakes) can be baked or fried and are delicious on their own or with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt. Enjoy them for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or as a snack.
ZUCCHINI FRITTERS!
These have become my favorite simple, versatile dish. I could eat them for breakfast or lunch every day. I enjoy them plain straight from the pan, topped with cilantro‑jalapeño ranch, or with sour cream and chives. If you need to use up summer zucchini, these fritters might be the best solution.
Some recipes are just flexible enough to work any time of day. This low‑carb zucchini fritter fits that bill: they move from breakfast to lunch to dinner with ease and make a satisfying snack. If you’ve never made fritters before, don’t worry — they’re straightforward to prepare and kids tend to love them.
What are zucchini fritters?
Zucchini fritters are small pan‑fried pancakes made from a zucchini‑based batter. They have crisp edges and a tender center, often seasoned with onion or scallion and served with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt and a sprinkling of fresh herbs.
How do you make zucchini fritters?
Grate or shred the zucchini, toss it with salt in a colander and let it sit to drain, then squeeze out the excess moisture. Mix the drained zucchini with eggs, cheese and a low‑carb flour (such as almond flour or oat fiber), shape into rounds and pan‑fry until golden and cooked through. You can also bake them if you prefer a lighter finish.
How do you serve zucchini fritters?
Fritters are highly adaptable. Here are serving ideas for any meal:
Breakfast:
- Use as the base for zucchini‑fritter Eggs Benedict.
- Swap them in for hash browns.
- Top with scrambled eggs and herbs.
- Serve with yogurt and snipped chives.
Lunch:
- Top with egg, tuna, or chicken salad.
- Add avocado, rotisserie chicken and melted cheese.
- Top with pulled pork or chicken and coleslaw.
- Layer with ham, cheese, and tomato for a fun sandwich alternative.
Dinner:
- Use as a low‑carb bun for burgers.
- Top with a grilled steak or filet.
- Serve them as a crispy side instead of potatoes.
- Top with chili or sloppy Joe filling for a hearty meal.
Sauces and dips:
- Yogurt with dill
- Roasted jalapeño aioli
- Remoulade or other tangy sauces
Storage tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few days. Freeze extra fritters on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a skillet to restore crispness, or warm briefly in the microwave.
Low Carb Zucchini Fritters are 3 net carbs each
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Low Carb Zucchini Fritters
Ingredients
- 1 pound zucchini or summer squash (or both) (450 g)
- 1 teaspoon salt (5 g)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ ounce onion or two medium scallions, minced (40 g)
- 1 ½ teaspoon lemon pepper
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ cup almond flour (45 g)
- ¼ cup oat fiber (15 g) or 2 tbsp coconut flour
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (30 g)
- Oil of choice for frying
Instructions
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Grate the zucchini using a box grater or food processor. Place the grated zucchini in a colander and sprinkle with the teaspoon of salt. Toss gently and let it sit about 5 minutes. Squeeze out as much moisture as possible, then transfer the zucchini to a medium mixing bowl.
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Add the eggs and minced scallion (or onion) to the zucchini and mix. In a small bowl, combine the remaining dry ingredients, then fold them into the zucchini mixture until evenly distributed.
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Heat a medium to large skillet over medium‑high heat and pour in enough oil to coat the bottom. Test the oil by dipping the end of a wooden spoon — bubbles should form and move steadily when hot.
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Stir the batter once more. Use a ¼‑cup measure to portion the mixture into the pan, flattening each portion gently with the back of a spatula into a pancake shape. Cook about 3 minutes, adjust heat as needed, then flip and cook another 3 minutes until golden and set. Add more oil if needed to prevent sticking.
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Drain cooked fritters on paper towels before serving. Makes 8 fritters (one per serving).
Notes
Nutrition
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Carbohydrates: 5g
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Protein: 5g
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Fat: 6g
Cauliflower fritters make a great low‑carb alternative as well, similar to these zucchini fritters.