Zucchini patties—also known as zucchini fritters—are a tasty, healthy, and incredibly versatile dish. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, an appetizer, or a veggie-packed snack, these golden, crispy bites deliver big flavor with minimal effort. Let’s explore everything you need to know about making perfect zucchini patties, from ingredients to FAQs.

If you’re trying to eat healthier or follow a plant-forward diet, these patties are a great option. They’re low in calories, packed with fiber and vitamins, and ideal for vegetarian meal prep. In fact, according to the USDA’s nutritional database, zucchini is high in vitamin C and potassium while being incredibly low in calories.

What makes this dish even more appealing is its flexibility. You can fry, bake, or air-fry your patties depending on your dietary goals or kitchen setup. If you’re planning to store or prep in advance, be sure to follow safe practices—this storage guide from EatRight.org offers great tips on keeping vegetables fresh.

Why You’ll Love These Zucchini Patties

Simple to make with common pantry ingredients
Packed with veggies and nutrients
Crispy outside, tender inside
Great for meal prep and leftovers
Adaptable for gluten-free, keto, or vegan diets

Key Ingredients

To make delicious zucchini fritters, you’ll need:

Zucchini (grated and salted)
Eggs (or vegan substitutes)
Flour (all-purpose, almond, or coconut flour)
Onion and garlic (fresh or powdered)
Cheese (Parmesan, mozzarella, or feta)
Fresh herbs (parsley, dill, or chives)
Salt and pepper

Tips:

Squeeze out as much water as possible from the grated zucchini
Use almond flour for low-carb or keto options
Add feta for a salty, creamy variation

How to Make Zucchini Patties

Step-by-step process:

Grate zucchini and sprinkle with salt to draw out moisture
Squeeze dry using a cheesecloth or paper towels
Mix with egg, flour, cheese, onion, and seasonings
Shape into small patties
Cook with your preferred method:
- Pan-fry in a bit of olive oil until golden on both sides
- Bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway
- Air-fry at 375°F for 10–12 minutes

Best Cooking Methods Compared

Frying: Best for crispiness, quick, but adds calories
Baking: Healthier, slightly softer texture
Air-frying: A great middle ground—crispy and lower fat

Dips & Sauces That Pair Well

Elevate your zucchini fritters with flavorful dips:

Greek yogurt or tzatziki
Garlic aioli
Spicy sriracha mayo
Lemon tahini sauce
Classic ranch dressing

Popular Variations of Zucchini Patties

Cheesy Zucchini Patties – Add mozzarella or cheddar
Vegan Zucchini Patties – Use flax or chia eggs and skip cheese
Keto Zucchini Patties – Use almond or coconut flour
Zucchini Corn Fritters – Add sweet corn for texture
Zucchini and Carrot Patties – Combine for extra veggies and color

Serving Suggestions

You can enjoy zucchini patties in so many ways:

With a side salad for a light lunch
Topped with a poached egg for brunch
Wrapped in pita with hummus and greens
As a side to grilled chicken or fish
In lunchboxes or on picnic spreads

How to Store and Reheat

Refrigerate in airtight container for up to 4 days
Freeze uncooked or cooked patties in layers with parchment
Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best texture

Troubleshooting Tips

Too soggy? You likely didn’t squeeze out enough water
Falling apart? Add more egg or flour as binders
Not crispy enough? Use less batter and cook in hot oil or air fryer
Bland taste? Don’t skimp on herbs, garlic, and salt

Nutritional Snapshot

About 100–150 calories per patty (depending on ingredients)
Rich in vitamin C, fiber, and potassium
Low in fat (especially if baked or air-fried)

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my zucchini fritters soggy?
Zucchini holds a lot of water. Salting and squeezing it dry before mixing is essential.

Can I bake zucchini patties instead of frying them?
Yes! Baking at 400°F gives a lighter version with minimal oil.

Can zucchini patties be frozen?
Absolutely. Freeze between parchment layers. Reheat in oven or air fryer.

Are zucchini fritters healthy?
Very. They’re made from vegetables and can be low in fat if baked or air-fried.

How do you keep zucchini patties from falling apart?
Use a binding agent like egg, and make sure the batter isn’t too wet.

This guide gives you all the tools you need to master the art of zucchini patties. Whether you’re making them crispy or fluffy, traditional or keto, these fritters are a satisfying, flexible dish that deserves a place in your weekly meal rotation.