Low Carb Zucchini Fritters (High Protein)

If you love veggie fritters but want to keep things low-carb and high-protein, these low-carb zucchini fritters are the perfect choice. Made with grated zucchini, parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Kaizen lupin flour, these crispy fritters come together in no time and deliver a cheesy, savory bite every time.
Topped with a creamy cilantro sauce, these zucchini patties make an excellent side dish, light lunch, or even a meal-prep-friendly snack. If you’ve ever struggled with too much moisture in zucchini recipes, I’ll walk you through exactly how to get the best texture for perfectly crispy zucchini fritters every time.
Why You’ll Love Them
There is much to love about these low-carb zucchini fritters! Here are just a few reasons why this recipe works:
- A great way to enjoy fritters on a keto, low-carb or high-protein diet.
- This easy recipe is perfect for meal prep—just make a batch and reheat when needed.
- The creamy cilantro sauce takes these keto fritters to another level.
- A delicious way to use fresh zucchini without worrying about excess moisture making them soggy.
- Perfect as a side dish, snack, or main meal, and they store well in an airtight container.
Why Kaizen Lupin Flour?
Traditional zucchini fritter recipes often use regular flour, bread crumbs, or even pork rinds, but Kaizen Lupin Flour makes these low-carb zucchini fritters gluten-free, keto-friendly, and high in protein.
- 12g of protein and 1g of net carbs per serving, making it a great choice for a low-carb diet.
- Gives the fritters a light, crisp texture while holding everything together.
- Works better than almond flour or coconut flour, which can sometimes make zucchini fritters too dense.
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Key Ingredients in These High-Protein Zucchini Fritters
- Zucchini: The base of this recipe, zucchini, keeps the fritters moist while adding fiber and nutrients. Make sure to remove excess moisture for the best texture.
- Kaizen Lupin Flour: A high-protein, low-carb alternative to regular flour that helps bind the fritters together while keeping them light and crispy.
- Parmesan Cheese & Mozzarella Cheese: These cheeses add savory depth and help create a golden, crispy crust on the fritters.
- Eggs: Essential for binding the batter together and adding structure.
- Avocado Oil: Used for frying, this oil gives the fritters a golden brown crust while adding healthy fats.
- Onion Powder & Chili Flakes: These spices add extra flavor and heat to make the fritters even more delicious.
Swaps & Additions
These low-carb zucchini fritters are easy to customize with different ingredients, flavors, and textures. Whether you need a flour substitute, a new cheese option, or want to add extra protein, here’s how you can make this recipe your own.
- Cheese Alternatives: Swap parmesan cheese for pecorino romano for a sharper bite, or use cheddar cheese for a bolder, richer flavor.
- Onion Substitutes: If you don’t have shallots, try finely chopped yellow onion, red onion, or green onions for a similar taste.
- Oil Variations: Use olive oil, coconut oil, or ghee instead of avocado oil for frying.
- More Protein: Boost the protein content by mixing in crumbled feta cheese or topping with a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese.
- Extra Seasoning: Add Italian seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, or red pepper flakes for a deeper, more complex flavor.
- Vegetable Variations: Mix in grated yellow squash, cauliflower rice, or finely chopped spinach for extra nutrients.
- Crispy Coating: For added crunch, lightly coat the fritters in crushed pork rinds, almond flour, or grated parmesan cheese before frying.
How to Make the Best Low-Carb Zucchini Fritters
Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini
Grate the zucchini using a food processor or a box grater, then transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. This will help draw out the excess moisture, which is key to getting crispy zucchini fritters.
After the time is up, use a paper towel or cheesecloth to squeeze out as much water as possible. The drier the zucchini, the crispier the fritters will be.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a large bowl, combine the shredded zucchini, finely chopped shallots, minced garlic, eggs, parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Kaizen Lupin Flour.
Season the mixture with onion powder, chili flakes, black pepper, and a couple of generous pinches of salt. Stir everything together until a thick batter forms.
Step 3: Shape the Fritters
Scoop out small portions of the batter using an ice cream scoop or your hands. Shape them into zucchini patties, making sure they are not too thick so they cook evenly.
Step 4: Fry the Zucchini Fritters
Heat a frying pan over medium heat and add avocado oil or olive oil. Once hot, place the fritters in a single layer in the pan, being careful not to overcrowd.
Cook for 3-5 minutes per side or until they are golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a plate lined with a paper towel to absorb any excess oil.
Step 5: Make the Cilantro Sauce
While the fritters cook, blend together the sour cream, shallot, garlic, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and black pepper in a food processor. Process until smooth, then adjust the seasoning to taste.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the zucchini fritters hot with a drizzle of the creamy cilantro sauce. Garnish with extra green onions or feta cheese for a finishing touch.
Tips for the Best Zucchini Fritters
- Don’t skip the step of removing excess water: This is the best way to get crispy keto zucchini fritters instead of soggy ones.
- Use medium-high heat: Cooking over medium heat is ideal to avoid burning while still getting that golden brown crust.
- If baking instead of frying: Place the fritters on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Make them in the air fryer: Place in an air fryer basket at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway for even crispiness.
How to Store & Reheat
Fridge: Store leftover zucchini fritters in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Wrap each fritter in a paper towel, then store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Reheat in a frying pan over medium heat or in an air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know
Can I make these zucchini fritters dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese for nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese alternative.
Why are my zucchini fritters falling apart?
They might have too much moisture. Make sure to squeeze out excess water before mixing the batter.
Can I use coconut flour instead of lupin flour?
Yes, but use a little less coconut flour since it absorbs more moisture.
These easy low carb zucchini fritters are a delicious way to enjoy veggie fritters on a keto diet. Whether you serve them as a side dish, snack, or light lunch, they’re the best way to use up fresh zucchini while keeping things crispy, cheesy, and flavorful.
For a high-protein, low-carb alternative to regular flour, grab Kaizen Lupin Flour today: Shop Here