Crispy Almond Flour Zucchini and Broccoli Fritters

Prep: 15 minCook: 10 minmediumMediterranean
Crispy Almond Flour Zucchini and Broccoli Fritters

These crispy vegetable fritters combine grated zucchini and finely chopped broccoli bound together with almond flour and eggs for a nutritious, golden-brown patty. Fresh basil and green onions add bright flavor while nutritional yeast provides a subtle umami depth. Perfect as a light lunch, side dish, or appetizer, these fritters are naturally gluten-free and packed with vegetables. The key to achieving maximum crispiness is thoroughly removing moisture from the zucchini and cooking in hot oil until deeply golden on both sides.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 cup zucchini, grated
  • cup green onion, chopped
    yellow onion1:1

    Milder flavor

    Full guide →
  • 2 eggs, lightly beaten
  • 2 tbsp fresh basil, finely chopped
    dried basil3:1

    Use less dried herbs

    Full guide →
  • cup almond flour
    all-purpose flour1:1Standard wheat flour substituteadds gluten

    4

    Full guide →
  • 1 tbsp nutritional yeast
    grated Parmesan cheese1:1adds dairy

    Adds dairy and umami flavor

    Full guide →
  • ½ t sea salt
  • extra-virgin olive oil, for cooking

Instructions

  1. 1

    Grate zucchini using a cheese grater and wrap in paper towel

  2. 2

    Squeeze out excess liquid and add zucchini to a large bowl

  3. 3

    Add chopped green onion, basil, nutritional yeast, and sea salt

  4. 4

    Pulse broccoli florets in a blender until fine and crumbly

  5. 5

    Pour broccoli into bowl and add beaten egg with flour

  6. 6

    Stir well to combine

  7. 7

    Form mixture into small flat patties using hands

  8. 8

    Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat

  9. 9

    Place fritters on pan once oil is shimmering hot, working in batches of 2-3

  10. 10

    Cook 4-5 minutes, then flip and cook an additional 4 minutes

  11. 11

    Serve immediately

Tips

Tip 1

Thoroughly squeeze excess moisture from grated zucchini using paper towels or a clean kitchen towel to prevent soggy fritters and ensure crispy results.

Tip 2

Work in small batches when cooking to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower oil temperature and result in less crispy fritters.

Tip 3

Test oil temperature by dropping a small piece of batter - it should sizzle immediately when the oil is ready for frying.

Good to Know

Storage

Refrigerate leftover fritters for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat in a skillet or toaster oven to restore crispiness.

Make Ahead

Mix can be prepared up to 2 hours ahead and refrigerated before forming and cooking patties.

Serve With

Serve immediately while hot and crispy, optionally with yogurt sauce, sour cream, or fresh herbs.

Common Mistakes

Watch

Squeeze zucchini thoroughly to avoid watery, soggy fritters that won't hold together properly.

Watch

Don't overcrowd the pan to avoid steaming the fritters instead of achieving a golden, crispy exterior.

Substitutions

nutritional yeast
grated Parmesan cheese1:1adds dairy

Adds dairy and umami flavor

Full guide →
almond flour
all-purpose flour1:1Standard wheat flour substituteadds gluten

4

Full guide →
fresh basil
dried basil3:1

Use less dried herbs

Full guide →
green onion
yellow onion1:1

Milder flavor

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I bake these fritters instead of pan-frying?

Yes, bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won't be as crispy as pan-fried versions but will still be delicious.

How long do these fritters keep in the refrigerator?

Store cooked fritters in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or toaster oven to restore crispiness before serving.

Can I freeze the uncooked mixture for later?

The mixture doesn't freeze well due to the vegetables releasing water when thawed. Best to cook immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours.