In this work, ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles were synthesized by a simple microwave irradiation method (MIM) using glycine as the fuel. For the comparative study purpose it was also prepared by conventional heating (CHM) method. The powders were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Transmission electron microscopy and Photoluminescence spectroscopy analysis. XRD Results revealed cubic spinel unit cell structure with an average size of 7-21nm. High Resolution Transmission electron microscope (HR-TEM) image shows that sphere like ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles showing particle sizes in the range of 7 – 10 nm. The calculated Eg values of the samples are 2.11 eV and 1.98 eV for ZnFe2O4-MIM and ZnFe2O4-CHM, respectively. Photoluminescence emission spectra were analyzed.