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Home » Recipes » Appetizers and Snack Recipes

Baked Zucchini Fritters - Gluten Free

Published: Sep 12, 2020 · Modified: Aug 28, 2021 by Colleen 26 Comments

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I've tried many a recipe for gluten-free Baked Zucchini Fritters. With this recipe, I have finally succeeded in making a baked zucchini fritter that not only tastes delicious but also holds together and gets nice and crispy in the oven. And without breadcrumbs.

Baked Zucchini Fritters on a sheet pan

What Is A Fritter?

A fritter, according to Encyclopedia Brittanica, is pretty much any food that you can bread or dip in batter and deep-fry. Technically, this means that this recipe doesn't qualify as a fritter since it is, after all, baked and not fried. You can also call these oven-fried fritters, similar to my Oven Fried Green Tomatoes recipe, as well as these Gluten-Free Buffalo Cauliflower Bites.

However, I'm still calling them fritters, regardless of the definition. Because these gluten-free bites are everything you want in a fritter. They're crispy and golden on the outside, tender on the inside.

A tray of baked fritters

Why Zucchini Fritters?

I grow zucchini every year and always need to come up with new recipes. This one is amazingly delicious! Do you grow zucchini, or know someone who does? If so, then you know that you can never have too many zucchini recipes. This recipe is one more to add to your zucchini repertoire.

zucchini fritters on a baking sheet

A Key Ingredient: Parmesan Cheese

Besides zucchini, Parmesan cheese is a star ingredient in these fritters. Parmesan makes them cheesy and delicious, and because it always crisps up so nicely in the oven, it contributes to the crisp golden exterior of the patty. It's important to use a good quality, freshly grated Parmesan for best results in any dish. I like Parmigiano-Reggiano.

top down view of two stacks of baked zucchini fritters

Why Are My Fritters Soggy?

There are a few reasons that you could end up with soggy fritters.

The main reason is not removing excess water. Zucchini squash has very high water content, so it's important, for this recipe, that we remove as much water as possible from the grated squash. I like using cheesecloth and I keep it around for making jelly and lots of other recipes.

I've tried pressing the water out over a sieve with the back of a spoon, but it just doesn't work as well as squeezing. If you don't have cheesecloth, you can use a clean, thin kitchen towel to squeeze out as much water as possible.

Another reason for soggy baked zucchini fritters may be about oven temperature. You need a high oven temperature to successfully make this recipe. I use an oven temp of 400° because I'm using parchment paper. You should aim for that temp if you're using parchment paper, like me. Any hotter is not really recommended when using parchment. However, if you omit the parchment and use a little more oil, you can bake them in at 425°. Just watch them carefully as the baking time will be reduced.

Two stacks of baked zucchini fritters on a plate

How To Eat Baked Zucchini Fritters

These are fritters are delicious either hot or cold, and make a perfect game day appetizer with a dipping sauce like sriracha mayo (I used wasabi mayo here). Some other delicious ways to enjoy them:

  • As a meal, topped with sour cream and served with a salad.
  • As a base for bruschetta.
  • Topped with a poached egg and hollandaise for a gluten-free benedict.
  • As a veggie burger patty

A plate of food on a table, with Fritter and Bread

Can I Make these Fritters Ahead?

Yes, you can make these ahead. They taste even better the next day. They will keep for a couple of days in the fridge, stored in an airtight container. If you want to reheat them, just put them in the oven for a few minutes until heated through.

You can also freeze them and defrost or reheat them from frozen. To freeze, cool completely, then freeze them on a tray until firm. Pack them in a freezer-safe container or bag.

A plate of food on a table, with Fritters

Need More Zucchini Recipes?

Here are a couple more for you. Try Vegetable Zucchini Noodle Soup, Gluten-Free Zucchini Bread or Zucchini Tomato Bake

Recipe

Fritters

Baked Zucchini Fritters

Cheesy baked zucchini fritters are delicious fresh out of the oven or served cold with your favourite dipping sauce.
5 from 11 votes
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Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American, Canadian
Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 24 minutes minutes
Total Time: 39 minutes minutes
Servings: 12
Calories: 78kcal
Author: Colleen Milne

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium zucchini unpeeled, about 12"
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs beaten
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • ½ small onion finely diced
  • 2 tablespoon fresh basil chopped
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ cup chickpea flour

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400°
  • Line a 16" x 12" baking pan with parchment, and brush or spray the parchment with olive oil
  • Using a food processor or a box grater, shred zucchini and sprinkle it with salt.
  • Put the grated zucchini in batches in the center of a couple of layers of cheesecloth, or use a clean kitchen towel. Form a "bag" around the zucchini and really squeeze as much water as you can from it. You want the zucchini to be as dry as possible. Let the zucchini sit in a strainer while you prepare the rest of the ingredients. When as much moisture as possible is removed, you should have about 2 cups of zucchini, but a little more or less will be fine.
  • In a large bowl combine eggs, Parmesan, garlic, onion, basil and pepper
  • After giving the grated zucchini one more squeeze, in batches, add it to the Parmesan mixture and stir well to combine.
  • Stir in the chickpea flour, combining thoroughly
  • Form the batter into 12 balls (each ball will be a little less than ¼ cup)
  • Put the balls, evenly spaced, on the prepared baking sheet and flatten with the back of a spoon to form patties
  • Bake in the center of the oven for 12minutes
  • Flip the patties and bake 12 more minutes
  • Garnish with parsley and serve hot or allow to cool and refrigerate.

Notes

If you're using a food processor, it's handy to grate the Parmesan first, set aside, and then grate your zucchini.
If gluten is not an issue for you, you can substitute all-purpose flour for the chickpea flour. However, you may want to give the chickpea flour a try. It adds a slightly nutty flavour and great texture. It's also much more nutritious, being high in protein and low in calories.
Because I used parchment, it may seem like the oil is unnecessary, but its purpose is to help crisp the fritters and turn them golden, so be sure to use it.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 78kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 33mg | Sodium: 246mg | Potassium: 109mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 155IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 110mg | Iron: 1mg
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  1. melanie

    May 10, 2022 at 9:55 am

    This recipe worked perfectly! Thank you for a great guide. I made them this morning and they were delicious. As I was eating them, I thought of so many variations I could do! And yes, the zucchini resting with the addition of salt IS NECESSARY. I was surprised at how much liquid was still there.

    Reply
    • Colleen

      May 10, 2022 at 12:03 pm

      Hi Melanie! I'm happy to hear the zucchini fritters worked out perfectly for you! And I'm glad you heeded the advice about removing the liquid. Thanks for your feedback, it means a lot!

      Reply
  2. Chef Bega

    December 06, 2020 at 2:29 pm

    Oh Colleen, they look so yummy and delicious,I'll surprise tomorrow my pregnant wife with your recipe. I'll let you know about her opinion. Thank you so much.

    Reply
    • Colleen

      December 07, 2020 at 7:13 am

      I hope you and your wife love these fritters!

      Reply
  3. Kristen Kaethler

    September 21, 2020 at 1:05 pm

    These are so yummy! Can't wait to make them again, we're all out of zucchini finally, but I still have scallopini squash so I might try with that.

    Reply
    • Colleen

      September 21, 2020 at 3:56 pm

      Hi Kristen, I'm so happy that you loved these as much as we did. And scallopini squash would work wonderfully, I bet!

      Reply
  4. NANCY

    September 17, 2020 at 8:59 am

    These looks great! Can't wait to make these for my kid.

    Reply
    • Colleen

      September 21, 2020 at 8:02 am

      Kids love these, Nancy!

      Reply
  5. Vanessa

    September 16, 2020 at 9:14 pm

    I just want to dig right in! They look so perfectly golden and delicious. All I need is a dip and I am set!

    Reply
    • Colleen

      September 21, 2020 at 8:02 am

      Hi Vanessa. Yes these fritters are perfect for dipping!

      Reply
  6. Bernice Hill

    September 15, 2020 at 10:36 pm

    Well, they look like fritters to me. Congratulations on your perseverance, they look very delicious!

    Reply
    • Colleen

      September 21, 2020 at 8:00 am

      Thanks Bernice, they are yummy!

      Reply
  7. stefani

    September 15, 2020 at 1:32 pm

    You had me at "hello zucchini".
    I like baking instead of frying. This recipe is MUST.
    Thank you.

    Reply
    • Colleen

      September 21, 2020 at 8:00 am

      You're welcome Stefani! Enjoy.

      Reply
    • Amy Wood

      July 23, 2022 at 8:43 pm

      MAKE THESE YESTERDAY!!! Absolutely delicious, savory and mouth watering. I used almond flour instead of chickpea and it’s still so delicious and wonderful! Thank You!

      Reply
      • Colleen

        July 24, 2022 at 6:01 pm

        Hi Amy! I'm so happy that you loved these zucchini fritters! Thanks for sharing about the almond flour tweak, too! Did you use the oven or the air fryer?

  8. Kushigalu

    September 14, 2020 at 1:52 am

    Love how crispy these zucchini fritters look. My hubby would love these. Making it soon. Thanks for sharing

    Reply
    • Colleen

      September 14, 2020 at 7:05 am

      Enjoy these, Kushi!

      Reply
  9. Nart at Cooking with Nart

    September 13, 2020 at 11:56 pm

    These are so delicious. I'm not ever my zucchini cravings yet this year lol

    Reply
    • Colleen

      September 14, 2020 at 7:05 am

      Hey Nart, me either! Glad you love these!

      Reply
  10. Dannii

    September 13, 2020 at 11:20 pm

    My kids love these, but I have not tried them baked before. Definitely giving that a try.

    Reply
    • Colleen

      September 14, 2020 at 7:04 am

      Hi Dannii, I love baking them vs frying. Just as yummy, but without the mess and grease.

      Reply
  11. Jessie

    September 13, 2020 at 9:08 pm

    Such and amazing and tasty way to use up those garden zucchini!

    Reply
    • Colleen

      September 14, 2020 at 7:03 am

      Right, Jessie? So glad you like these!

      Reply
  12. veenaazmanov

    September 13, 2020 at 7:24 pm

    This is definitely healthy, crispy, vegetarian and so easy to make too. Best as a tea time snack for sure.

    Reply
    • Colleen

      September 14, 2020 at 7:02 am

      A great way to enjoy these, Veena!

      Reply

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