Pan-Fried Zucchini Fritters with Parmesan

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Crisp zucchini patties with a cheesy crust, perfect for a keto-friendly side or snack. This mediterranean-inspired keto (low carb, gluten-free) ready in about 30 minutes pairs zucchini, large egg, grated Parmesan cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 120 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a low-carb week and pairs well with cauliflower rice or roasted green vegetables. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.3 (13 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 120 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Grate 1 medium zucchini using a box grater, then place in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze firmly for 2-3 minutes to remove excess moisture.
  2. Step 2: In a bowl, combine squeezed zucchini, 1 large egg, 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup almond flour, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon sea salt, and 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper.
  3. Step 3: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
  4. Step 4: Scoop 1/4 cup of the zucchini mixture and flatten into a patty; cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
  5. Step 5: Transfer to a paper-towel lined plate to drain excess oil before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Fried Zucchini Fritters with Parmesan take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (20 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Pan-Fried Zucchini Fritters with Parmesan?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep zucchini from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Fried Zucchini Fritters with Parmesan?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Pan-Fried Zucchini Fritters with Parmesan for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Pan-Fried Zucchini Fritters with Parmesan low carb?

Yes — this recipe is tagged low carb, gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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