These taste shockingly close to real apple fritters—crispy, glazed, and perfectly spiced—without using any apples. Zucchini + apple flavoring + cinnamon = magic.
Ingredients
Apple Fritter Mixture
1 peeled zucchini, finely diced
1 cinnamon stick
2 tsp lemon juice
¼–½ tsp apple flavoring (adjust to taste)
2 cups almond flour
½ cup vanilla or unflavored protein powder
2 ½ tsp baking powder
3 tbsp monk fruit sweetener (or preferred sweetener)
2 tsp xanthan gum
Pinch of salt
½ cup melted butter
½ cup unsweetened macadamia nut milk (or any nut milk)
¼ cup sour cream
¼ cup water
1 egg
Lard (or oil) for frying
Glaze
½ cup powdered Swerve (or preferred sweetener)
2 tbsp heavy cream
2 tbsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the “Apple” Zucchini
In a small bowl, combine the diced zucchini, cinnamon stick, lemon juice, and apple flavoring. Adjust the flavoring to your liking. Set aside to let it soak and absorb the flavors.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
Almond flour
Protein powder
Baking powder
Sweetener
Xanthan gum
Salt
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Add the melted butter, nut milk, sour cream, water, and egg to the dry mixture. Stir until a batter forms.
Step 4: Add the Zucchini
Remove the cinnamon stick and fold the apple-flavored zucchini into the batter.
Step 5: Fry the Fritters
Heat lard (or frying oil) in a small nonstick skillet over medium heat.
Drop about ¼ cup of batter into the hot oil for each fritter.
Let the bottom turn golden brown, then flip and fry the other side—about 3–5 minutes per side.
You can gently swirl the oil to help them cook evenly.
Step 6: Cool
Transfer the cooked fritters to a wire rack or paper towels to drain and cool slightly.
Step 7: Make the Glaze
In a small bowl, mix together:
Powdered Swerve
Heavy cream
Vanilla
If needed, microwave for about 20 seconds to thin it out.
Step 8: Glaze the Fritters
Drizzle or dip the top of each fritter in the glaze. Place on a wire rack to set.
Final Notes
These keto “apple” fritters are unbelievably close to the classic American treat—crispy edges, soft centers, and the perfect apple-pie flavor… all with very low carbs. The zucchini trick works beautifully when combined with cinnamon, lemon, and apple essence.