Low Carb Zucchini Fritters (Keto, Gluten Free)

These low-carb zucchini fritters are the ultimate any-time-of-day food! Packed with freshly-shredded zucchini, parmesan cheese and protein from eggs, these low-carb zucchini fritters make a delicious breakfast, lunch, or dinner side dish. Add some garlic, scallions or dill to customize this easy recipe to your liking. 

why this recipe works

Tender, packed with flavor and vegetables, these veggie fritters are a delicious way to enjoy fresh zucchini!

Not only is it keto diet friendly, but this recipe is naturally gluten and grain free, which means it works for a variety of eaters.

You can serve them as a side for a cozy dish like my keto chicken stew, or top them with spicy chili scrambled eggs for a hearty, veg-forward breakfast.

I personally love them because they are versatile and easy low carb zucchini fritters that my kids will eat with zero complaints. 

Low-carb zucchini fritters are:

• Kid-friendly- a fun an simple way to enjoy veggies for both big and little eaters! 
• Gluten-free and grain-free- This recipe doesn't rely on bread crumbs for binding, which makes it naturally gluten and grain free along with keto and low carb diet friendly. 
• Packed with veggies and protein- a healthy side that tastes great!

the ingredient list

One of the things that is so great about this low-carb zucchini fritter recipe is it's an easy one to adapt!

Throw some fresh herbs into these keto fritters if you like- parsley, chives, cilantro and dill are all tasty add-ins on their own.

And when it comes to seasonings, so many will do. Garlic powder, onion powder, nutritional yeast, cumin, etc. It's hard to mess this one up. 😉

Here's the basic ingredient list for a simple and tasty keto zucchini fritter:

• Olive oil, avocado oil, or grass-fed butter. To prevent the zucchini patties from sticking to the pan. This ingredient also helps form a nice, crisp outer crust! 
• Grated zucchini. I grate a couple of medium zucchini, but if you have small zucchini you can use up to three.  
• Almond flour. This low-carb and nutrient-dense ingredient helps act as a binder in the same way that regular flour would for traditional fritters.
• Grated Parmesan cheese. For flavor and binding! 
• Eggs (opt for pasture-raised when possible). Eggs help hold everything together and are crucial to this keto zucchini fritters recipe.
• Seasonings. I use a blend of salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Feel free to add your own favorites- Italian seasoning, onion powder, or Everything Bagel Seasoning would all be a great choice.
• Chopped green onion (optional). For a bright, savory addition.
• Herbs of choice like dill, parsley, cilantro, or chives (optional). This is another way to change up the flavor profile, so have fun and experiment! 

a low-carb zucchini fritter recipe

The most effort involved in this keto zucchini recipe is pre-shredding and salting the zucchini to let the water seep out.

This is a pretty essential step. If you skip it, the keto zucchini fritter batter will end up watery and that excess moisture will seep out into the frying pan.

Here's a look at the process but be sure to scroll to the printable recipe card ​at the bottom of the page for all of the details. 

1. Prep the zucchini. In a large bowl, use a box grater to grate two cups worth of zucchini (this is usually about 2 medium zucchinis). Sprinkle on salt and stir the grated zucchini, then let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Place the zucchini in a clean dish towel and squeeze out the liquid as much as possible.
2. Combine the ingredients. Transfer the zucchini to a large mixing bowl and add the almond flour, parmesan, eggs, salt and pepper, garlic powder, chopped green onions, and any other add-ins you're using (fresh herbs, extra seasonings, etc.). With a spoon, mix the dry ingredients with the zucchini and eggs until it's well combined.
3. Cook the keto zucchini fritters. Heat the oil or butter in a large skillet or frying pan (preferably nonstick) over medium heat. When the pan is hot, scoop out large spoonfuls of zucchini fritter mixture (I use an ice cream scoop), place them into the pan and flatten slightly. Fry for about 2-3 minutes, then flip and cook the other side for another 3 minutes until golden brown.

Tip: serve them with a dollop of sour cream, ranch dressing, yogurt, or aioli for extra deliciousness.

A light sprinkle of chili flakes, feta cheese or cheddar cheese is also a yummy final touch.

tips for making low-carb zucchini fritters

• Make sure the pan has enough time to heat, otherwise the zucchini fritters will need to cook longer than three minutes to turn a nice golden brown color. If they don't seem to be browning in just a couple of minutes, bump up the temperature to medium-high heat. 

• I always use a nonstick pan when frying these zucchini fritters. If you don't have a nonstick pan, use a generous amount of oil or butter to prevent the zucchini fritters from sticking.

• When squeezing out the zucchini, I find that it's easiest (and less wasteful) to use a clean dish towel or cheesecloth instead of paper towels. You can use paper towels, but since they will break when wet, be careful that bits of the paper towel don't end up in the zucchini.

Why are my zucchini fritters falling apart?

There are a couple of main reasons why these zucchini fritters might fall apart, and again, it goes back to the type of pan and the amount of time they cook.

• Don't flip the zucchini fritters too soon. When frying, allow that first side to form a nice and golden outer layer, almost like a crust. This will help hold the zucchini fritter together when you go to flip it. If it's not golden brown, the fritter will be more prone to breaking.
• The zucchini fritters may be sticking to the pan. I use a thin and sturdy metal spatula to flip each zucchini fritter and I also use a nonstick pan for extra ease.

storage

​Store any leftover low-carb zucchini fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. 

You can also freeze them! Place them in a freezer-safe bag and store in the freezer for up to two months. 

more delicious keto zucchini recipes!

• Homemade veggie tots in the air fryer are another delicious and fun kid-friendly recipe! These are made with coconut flour- perfect for anyone with a nut allergy.
• This keto zucchini bread remains one of my favorite ways to use zucchini. It's tender with a touch of warm spices.
• Zucchini noodle salad and spicy peanut sauce is an easy zoodle recipe that is fresh and flavorful.