About the Recipe
Tired of the same old side dish or breakfast treat? These Zucchini and Apple Fritters are the perfect solution, offering a delightful twist that is both sweet and savory. They're a fantastic way to use up garden zucchini while leveraging the crisp, subtle sweetness of apple and warm spices like cinnamon. Whether you pan-fry them for a crispy appetizer or bake them for a lighter snack, these fritters are a family-friendly dish that sneaks a healthy vegetable into a craveable, golden cake.
Ingredients
1 medium zucchini, cleaned with ends removed
1 medium apple (such as Gala or Pink Lady), cleaned, peeled, and cored
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or use almond/coconut flour for a gluten-free option)
1/2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon
Non-stick cooking spray or parchment paper
1/4 tsp Salt
Preparation
Prepare Zucchini and Apple:
Grate the zucchini using a box grater or food processor.
Grate the apple.
Remove Excess Moisture:
Place the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or a double layer of paper towels.
Squeeze very firmly to remove as much liquid as possible. This step is crucial to prevent soggy fritters.
Add the squeezed zucchini and the grated apple to a medium bowl.
Mix the Batter:
Add the cinnamon, the slightly beaten egg, and the flour to the bowl with the zucchini and apple.
Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
Form and Bake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly coat it with non-stick cooking spray.
Using a 1/4 cup measure (or a large spoon), scoop the mixture and form 6 round, even fritters on the prepared baking sheet. Flatten them slightly.
Cook:
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the fritters are cooked through in the center.
Serve:
Let them cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring to a serving dish.
Serving Suggestions
These fritters are great on their own, but you can enhance them with toppings:
A sprinkle of powdered sugar.
A drizzle of maple syrup or honey.
A dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream (for a less sweet, more savory pairing).
Tip: If you prefer a savory version, you can omit the cinnamon and use:
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs (like thyme or chives)
Variations
In the context of a Carb Cycling Diet:
Whether zucchini and apple fritters are considered a "high-carb meal" depends heavily on the recipe and the serving size.
Low-Carb Day: A traditional zucchini and apple fritter (10-20g+ carbs) would likely be too high in carbs for a dedicated low-carb day. You would need to use a keto/low-carb recipe.
High-Carb Day: A standard recipe would typically be a moderate or low-carb source, leaving room to meet your high-carb goal with other foods like potatoes, rice, or whole grains.
Tips For Success
Glycemic Index
If your recipe is a traditional, sweet apple fritter (fried and glazed), the GI will likely be high. If your recipe is a savory zucchini-apple fritter made with whole-grain or almond flour and has no glaze, the GI will be significantly lower (medium to low).