Name: Vegan Zucchini Fritters Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 2 pounds zucchini (3 large or 6-7 small, weighed before shredding); 1 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons ground flaxseeds; 5 tablespoons water; 1/2 cup all purpose flour (or gluten free mix if needed); 1/4 cup cornstarch (or arrowroot); 1 teaspoon baking powder; 3-4 green onions, chopped small (about 1/2 cup); 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill or parsley, optional; olive oil, for frying

Jump to Recipe·5 from 10 reviews

If you’re looking for a snack or light meal that’s both flavorful and easy on the tummy, then you’re going to love this Vegan Zucchini Fritters Recipe. Crispy on the outside, tender inside, and bursting with fresh herbs, these fritters come together quickly and use simple, wholesome ingredients. I’ve made these countless times when I needed a cozy bite to enjoy with friends or a quick dinner fix, and trust me – you want to keep this recipe handy.

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Why This Recipe Works

Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday pantry staples and fresh zucchini for quick prep and amazing flavor.
Perfect Texture: Squeezing out excess moisture from zucchini keeps the fritters crispy, not soggy.
Vegan and Versatile: No eggs here—flaxseed does the binding, making it allergy-friendly and easy to customize.
Quick & Crowd-Pleasing: Ready in under 30 minutes and loved by kids and adults alike.

Vegan Zucchini Fritters, vegan vegetable fritters, healthy zucchini snacks, crispy vegan fritters, quick vegan meal - There are several flat, round fritters cooking on a black pan. Each fritter shows a mix of green herbs and light yellow batter, with crisp, dark brown patches where they have browned. One fritter is lifted by a silver spatula with long slots, showing its uneven edges and slightly rough texture. The overall look is crispy and fresh, with the green and yellow colors standing out against the pan. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Vegan Zucchini Fritters Recipe is all about fresh zucchini and just the right combo of binders to keep the fritters golden and tender. Each ingredient brings texture or flavor, so they all play a part in making these tasty bites irresistible.

Vegan Zucchini Fritters, vegan vegetable fritters, healthy zucchini snacks, crispy vegan fritters, quick vegan meal - Flat lay of fresh whole zucchinis, a small pile of ground flaxseeds, bright green chopped spring onions, a handful of fresh dill sprigs, a small mound of all-purpose flour, a separate pile of fine cornstarch, and a glass of water droplets on the surface, all beautifully arranged with vibrant colors and natural textures, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Zucchini: The star of the dish—use firm, fresh zucchini and weigh it before shredding for best results.
Salt: Draws moisture out of the zucchini, key to crisp fritters, so don’t skip this step.
Ground flaxseeds: Acts as the egg substitute; mix with water and let it thicken to bind your batter perfectly.
All-purpose flour: Adds structure; you can swap for gluten-free flour if needed.
Cornstarch: Helps crisp up the fritters extra nicely without heaviness.
Baking powder: Gives a light lift, making each fritter fluffy yet crunchy.
Green onions: Freshness and subtle onion bite—feel free to add more or less to suit your taste.
Fresh herbs (dill or parsley): Optional but highly recommended for an herbaceous pop.
Olive oil: For frying—use a good quality oil to avoid bitterness and get that perfect golden crust.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the best parts about this vegan zucchini fritters recipe? It’s a blank canvas for your flavors! I often add a pinch of smoked paprika or swap in finely chopped fresh basil instead of dill to shake things up. Feel free to make it your own.

Variation: I’ve made these with shredded carrots or sweet potatoes for a colorful twist—works beautifully for added sweetness and nutrition.
Spicy kick: Toss in a dash of cayenne or pepper flakes if you like a little heat. It wakes up the mild zucchini flavor in a great way.
Herb swap: Fresh thyme or chives also complement the fritters wonderfully if dill isn’t your favorite.
Gluten-free option: Try your favorite gluten-free flour blend and arrowroot in place of cornstarch; it’s turned out great every time I’ve made it that way.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Vegan Zucchini Fritters Recipe

Step 1: Shred and Salt the Zucchini

First thing, trim off the zucchini ends and shred them using the large holes on a box grater—or a food processor’s shredding disk if you want to save time. Toss the shredded zucchini with salt and let it rest for 10 minutes. I always set up a colander over a bowl to catch the moisture—it’s amazing how much water zucchini holds! This step is crucial if you want crispy fritters, trust me.

Step 2: Prepare the Flax “Egg” Binder

While the zucchini is sweating, mix the ground flaxseeds and water in a large bowl. Give it a quick stir and let it sit for about 5 minutes so it thickens into that perfect egg-like texture that’ll bind your fritters without any eggs involved. I love this step because it’s so simple yet magical for vegan cooking.

Step 3: Squeeze Out Excess Moisture

After the zucchini has sat awhile, use clean hands or a kitchen towel to squeeze out as much liquid as you can. Skip this, and your fritters will be sad and soggy. This step is a bit messy but totally worth it! Then toss the dry zucchini into your flaxseed mixture.

Step 4: Mix in Remaining Ingredients

Add the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, chopped green onions, and fresh herbs (if using) to the bowl with zucchini and flaxseed. Stir everything together until it’s combined but don’t overmix—it should hold together but still have a little texture.

Step 5: Frying Time!

Heat 3-4 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, drop about 2 tablespoons of batter per fritter into the pan. Use the back of a spoon or spatula to flatten them gently. Cook for about 2-3 minutes each side, or until golden and crisp. Don’t overcrowd the pan—work in batches for the best results. Transfer cooked fritters to a paper towel–lined plate to drain any excess oil.

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Pro Tips for Making Vegan Zucchini Fritters Recipe

Don’t Skip the Squeeze: Removing zucchini’s water means crispy fritters instead of watery mush—it’s a total game-changer.
Use Medium Heat: Frying on medium heat lets the fritters cook fully without burning the outside.
Flipping Gently: Use a thin spatula and gentle motions to flip so your fritters keep their shape.
Rest Batter Slightly: If time allows, let your mixed batter sit 5 minutes before frying for better binding and flavor melding.

How to Serve Vegan Zucchini Fritters Recipe

Vegan Zucchini Fritters, vegan vegetable fritters, healthy zucchini snacks, crispy vegan fritters, quick vegan meal - A stack of six round zucchini fritters sits closely together on a white plate, showing a mix of green zucchini shreds and light yellow cooked batter with uneven, browned patches on top. The texture looks crispy at the edges and soft inside, with some bits of green herbs visible throughout. The fritters have an uneven, slightly rough surface and are thick but not very tall. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping these fritters with a dollop of creamy vegan sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh chopped herbs—dill or parsley work beautifully. A squeeze of lemon juice brightens everything up. Sometimes, I’ll add a scattering of chili flakes or a drizzle of tahini for a flavor boost.

Side Dishes

These fritters pair wonderfully with simple sides like roasted potatoes or a fresh Caesar-style salad (vegan, of course). Also, they’re awesome alongside marinated tofu or a warm naan bread to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party or brunch, I sometimes stack the fritters like mini towers, layering them with vegan herbed yogurt between each fritter. It’s a fun way to impress guests and turns these humble fritters into a showstopper!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover vegan zucchini fritters in an airtight container in the fridge, and they usually stay good for 3-4 days. When I reheat them, I pop them in the oven or air fryer to bring back their crispiness instead of microwaving, which tends to make them soggy.

Freezing

Once the fritters have fully cooled, I freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag or container. They keep well for up to 3 months. It’s so handy to have ready-made fritters for quick snacks or meals.

Reheating

To reheat frozen or refrigerated fritters, I heat them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 8-10 minutes or toss them in the air fryer for even crispier results. Avoid microwaving as it often ruins that crisp texture we love!

FAQs

Can I make Vegan Zucchini Fritters Recipe without flaxseeds?

Absolutely! While flaxseeds are a great binder and add nutrition, you can substitute with chia seeds soaked in water, or use a small amount of applesauce or mashed banana in a pinch. Just keep in mind these may slightly change the flavor and texture.
How do I prevent the fritters from falling apart?

Make sure you squeeze the zucchini very well to remove extra liquid and allow the flaxseed mixture to thicken before combining. Also, don’t skip the baking powder and flour—they provide structural support. Fry on medium heat and flip gently once a golden crust forms.
Can I bake these fritters instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake them at 400°F (200°C) on a parchment-lined sheet for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be quite as crispy as fried but still delicious and lighter.
Are these fritters gluten-free?

They can be! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend and use arrowroot instead of cornstarch if preferred. I’ve tested a few combos and it works well.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Zucchini Fritters Recipe has become one of my kitchen staples—not just because it’s so quick and satisfying, but because it’s a joy to share with others. They’re the perfect little crispy bites to brighten up any meal or snack time. I’m excited for you to try it and see just how fuss-free and delightful vegan cooking can be. Happy frying, friend!