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, shredded); 1 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons ground flaxseeds; 5 tablespoons water; 1/2 cup all purpose flour (or gluten free mix); 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· 4.8 from 19 reviews

If you’ve been on the hunt for a crispy, flavorful, and totally satisfying veggie snack or light meal, you’re going to love this Vegan Zucchini Fritters Recipe. These fritters come out golden and perfectly tender on the inside every single time, and honestly, the secret to their success is so simple—just a few fresh, wholesome ingredients and a little patience. I remember the first time I made them; the kitchen smelled amazing, and they vanished faster than I could say “seconds!” Keep reading, because I’m about to walk you through making your new favorite zucchini fritters that you’ll want to make again and again.

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Why This Recipe Works

Moisture Control: Salting and squeezing the zucchini removes excess water, ensuring crispy fritters every time.
Flaxseed Binder: Ground flaxseeds mixed with water mimic eggs, holding the fritters together perfectly without any animal products.
Simple Ingredients: Staples like flour, cornstarch, and fresh herbs keep the fritters flavorful yet light and easy to customize.
Quick Cooking: A hot pan and just a few minutes per side deliver golden, crispy fritters that don’t keep you waiting.

Vegan Zucchini Fritters, vegan zucchini fritters recipe, crispy zucchini fritters, healthy veggie fritters, plant-based zucchini snacks - 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

Every ingredient in this Vegan Zucchini Fritters Recipe plays a crucial role—from getting the right texture to making sure they hold together without eggs. Plus, I’ll share some shopping tips so you know exactly what to look for next time you hit the grocery store.

Vegan Zucchini Fritters, vegan zucchini fritters recipe, crispy zucchini fritters, healthy veggie fritters, plant-based zucchini snacks - 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: Fresh zucchinis should be firm and medium-sized for easy shredding and the best texture.
Salt: Salting draws out moisture, which you’ll need to squeeze out later to avoid soggy fritters.
Ground Flaxseeds: This is your vegan “egg” substitute—makes the mix sticky and keeps it all together once cooked.
Water: Mixed with flaxseeds to create a gel-like binder.
All Purpose Flour: Provides structure; you can swap with gluten-free flour if needed without losing texture.
Cornstarch: Adds crispness to the fritters once fried.
Baking Powder: Gives a slight lift, making the fritters less dense.
Green Onions: Bring in a mild onion flavor and a fresh crunch.
Fresh Dill or Parsley (optional): Herbs brighten up the flavor—use whatever you have on hand!
Olive Oil: For frying, adds richness and helps create that beautiful 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.

Make It Your Way

I love how flexible this Vegan Zucchini Fritters Recipe is. You can totally tweak it to match your taste buds or what’s in your fridge, and still end up with delicious results. Don’t hesitate to make it your own!

Variation: Once, I added a pinch of smoked paprika and it gave the fritters a subtle smoky warmth that was a total game-changer.
Herb Switch-Up: If you don’t have dill or parsley, basil or cilantro also make fantastic fresh additions.
Spice It Up: For a kick, toss some finely chopped chili or a few red pepper flakes into the batter.
Cheesy Flavor: Nutritional yeast sprinkled into the mix adds a nice “cheesy” note without any dairy.

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

Step 1: Shred and Salt the Zucchini

Trim the ends of your zucchini, then either grate them with a box grater or use a food processor’s shredding attachment if you want to save time. Toss the shredded zucchini with salt and let it sit in a colander over the sink or a bowl for 10 minutes. This step is key—it pulls out excess moisture so the fritters crisp up instead of turning mushy.

Step 2: Prepare the Flaxseed “Egg” Mix

While your zucchini is sitting, mix the ground flaxseeds with water in a big bowl. Let it thicken for a few minutes – it should turn gelatinous and sticky. This mixture replaces eggs in this vegan fritter recipe and helps bind everything together.

Step 3: Squeeze Out Zucchini Water and Mix

After 10 minutes, get your hands in there and squeeze as much liquid out of the zucchini as you can. I like to put it in a clean kitchen towel and wring really hard – it makes a huge difference! Add the squeezed zucchini into the flaxseed mixture, then toss in your flour, cornstarch, baking powder, green onions, and herbs if you’re using them. Stir everything until it’s nicely combined.

Step 4: Frying Time

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 3-4 tablespoons of olive oil—non-stick or cast iron pan works best here. When the oil’s shimmering, spoon about 2 tablespoons of batter per fritter into the pan, flattening the tops gently with the back of a spoon. Fry each side for 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy. You’ll want to add oil as needed for the rest of the batch. Transfer finished fritters to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Extra Squeeze: Don’t rush squeezing the zucchini—this step directly impacts how crispy your fritters will be.
Oil Temperature: Medium heat is perfect; too hot and fritters burn on the outside but stay raw inside.
Non-Stick Helps: If you have a trusty non-stick pan, you won’t need to add as much oil while frying.
Flipping Care: Flip gently with a thin spatula to keep your fritters intact and pretty.

How to Serve Vegan Zucchini Fritters Recipe

Vegan Zucchini Fritters, vegan zucchini fritters recipe, crispy zucchini fritters, healthy veggie fritters, plant-based zucchini snacks - 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 often top these fritters with a dollop of vegan sour cream or plain plant-based yogurt and a sprinkle of fresh herbs like dill or parsley to keep things bright and fresh. A squeeze of lemon juice adds a lovely zing that cuts through the richness.

Side Dishes

For an easy meal, I like to serve these fritters alongside a fresh Caesar salad, some roasted potatoes, or fluffy rice. They also pair beautifully with marinated tofu or a warm bowl of baked beans for extra protein.

Creative Ways to Present

On special occasions, I’ve layered these fritters like mini stacks with avocado slices and tomato slices in between, drizzled with a tangy tahini sauce. It makes them look fancy and gives your guests something to ooh and ahh over.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover zucchini fritters in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To keep them crispy, I reheat them in the oven or an air fryer instead of the microwave—trust me, the texture stays way better that way.

Freezing

If I’m making a big batch, I cool the cooked fritters completely, then freeze them in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray before transferring to a freezer-friendly bag. They freeze beautifully for up to 3 months, making them a perfect ready-to-go snack or quick meal.

Reheating

Reheating from frozen is easy with this recipe—I pop them straight into a preheated oven or air fryer until hot and crispy again, usually about 10-12 minutes at 375°F (190°C). It’s almost like fresh-made each time!

FAQs

Can I make this Vegan Zucchini Fritters Recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend. I’ve also heard almond flour can work, but I haven’t tried it myself. The cornstarch or arrowroot helps keep them crispy even without gluten.
What if I don’t have ground flaxseeds?

You could try chia seeds mixed with water as a substitute, as they create a similar gel-like binder. However, flaxseeds are what I recommend because they have a mild flavor and great texture for this recipe.
How can I keep the fritters from falling apart?

The key is squeezing out all that extra zucchini moisture and ensuring the flax “egg” has thickened enough to act as glue. Also, when frying, handle the fritters gently and don’t flip too early or they might break apart.
Can I bake these instead of frying?

You can! For a healthier option, place the fritters on a lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t get quite as crispy as frying but will still taste delicious.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Zucchini Fritters Recipe has become a go-to in my kitchen because it’s easy, reliable, and so tasty. There’s something truly comforting about a warm, crispy fritter fresh from the pan that feels like a hug on a plate. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, I really hope you give this straightforward recipe a try—you’ll notice right away how simple ingredients can come together to create something wonderfully satisfying. Happy cooking, friend!