Tuna & Zucchini Fritters
Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, these tuna and zucchini fritters come together in under 30 minutes. Packed with protein from the tuna and hidden veggies from the zucchini, they make a satisfying lunch or light dinner. Serve with a dollop of yogurt or a squeeze of lemon for a fresh, bright finish.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~3 min
Prepare the zucchini.
1.Grate the zucchini using the large holes of a box grater.2.Place the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel.3.Twist and squeeze firmly over the sink to remove as much water as possible.TIPSqueezing the zucchini well is the secret to crispy fritters — excess water makes them soggy. - mix · ~4 min
Make the fritter mixture.
1.In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained tuna, squeezed zucchini, chopped onion, and minced garlic.2.Add the beaten eggs, breadcrumbs, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.3.Mix everything together with your hands or a fork until it holds together when pressed. If the mixture feels too wet, add an extra tablespoon of breadcrumbs.TIPThe mixture should be moist but hold its shape when formed into a patty. - prep · ~3 min
Shape the fritters.
1.Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions.2.Shape each portion into a patty about 1.5 cm thick.3.Place shaped fritters on a plate or tray. - fry · ~10 min
Fry the fritters until golden and crisp.
1.Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large non-stick frying pan over medium heat.2.Carefully place 4 fritters in the pan, leaving space between them.3.Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the underside is deep golden brown and crisp.4.Flip gently with a spatula and cook the other side for another 3 to 4 minutes.5.Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels. Add the remaining oil to the pan and fry the second batch.TIPDon't overcrowd the pan — steam will build up and prevent crisp edges. - serve
Serve warm with a dollop of yogurt and a sprinkle of parsley.
Arrange the fritters on a plate, add a spoonful of plain yogurt on the side, and scatter fresh chopped parsley over the top. A squeeze of extra lemon adds brightness.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Squeeze the grated zucchini firmly in a towel to remove as much moisture as possible for crispy fritters.
- 2If the mixture feels too wet, add an extra tablespoon of breadcrumbs to help it bind.
- 3Use a non-stick pan and medium heat to ensure the fritters cook through without burning.
- 4Don't overcrowd the pan — cook in batches so the fritters get crisp, not steamed.
- 5Let the cooked fritters drain on paper towels to keep them crunchy, not oily.
- 6Make-ahead: shape the patties and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before frying.
Adapt it for your goals.
Low-carb
Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or grated Parmesan to reduce carbs while keeping the fritters bound and crispy.
gluten freeGluten-free
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers instead of plain breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version.
herb & spiceHerb & spice
Add 1 teaspoon of dried oregano or cumin to the mixture for a Mediterranean or Middle Eastern twist.
dip swapDip-swap
Swap the yogurt dollop for a tangy tzatziki or a quick lemon-tahini sauce for extra creaminess.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Lean Protein
Canned tuna provides a high-quality, low-fat protein source that supports muscle maintenance and satiety.
Packed with Veggies
Zucchini adds fiber, vitamin C, and potassium, making these fritters an easy way to include more vegetables.
Lower in Saturated Fat
Pan-frying in a small amount of vegetable oil keeps the saturated fat content moderate compared to deep-fried alternatives.
Source of Omega-3s
Tuna naturally contains omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart and brain health.
Frequently asked questions
The mixture likely has too much moisture — squeeze the zucchini more thoroughly or add an extra tablespoon of breadcrumbs to help bind.







