If you’re searching for a crispy, golden appetizer that’s as healthy as it is delicious, Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters are about to become your new best friend. These fritters strike the perfect balance between light and satisfying, with tender zucchini, savory Parmesan, and just the right hint of garlic all brought together in a crunchy bite. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing snack, a fun side dish, or a clever way to use up summer squash, Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters deliver flavor in every forkful—and you’ll love how easy they are to whip up, too!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes these Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters so irresistible is their simplicity. Each ingredient plays a starring role, lending flavor, texture, or color to the final fritter, so don’t skip any! Here’s what you’ll need and why:
- Zucchinis (2 medium, grated): The heart of the fritter, zucchini brings moisture, subtle sweetness, and a beautiful green hue.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning and, more importantly, for drawing out excess water from the zucchini.
- Onion (1/4 cup, finely chopped): Adds a savory base and a touch of sharpness for extra depth.
- Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup, grated): Melts into the fritters, giving them a cheesy punch and helping bind everything together.
- All-purpose flour (1/4 cup): Helps create structure so the fritters hold their shape—swap with gluten-free if needed!
- Breadcrumbs (1/4 cup): Provide crunch and absorb any lingering moisture for that perfect crispy edge.
- Egg (1 large): Acts as a binder to keep all the ingredients together.
- Garlic (1 clove, minced): Brings a flavorful kick that complements the zucchini beautifully.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a subtle, peppery warmth to each bite.
- Olive oil spray: Ensures the fritters get extra crisp in the air fryer without piling on the calories.
How to Make Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters
Step 1: Prep the Zucchini
Start by grating your zucchinis and sprinkling them with salt. This step is non-negotiable! The salt helps draw out moisture, which is key for crispy fritters. Let the salted zucchini sit in a colander for about 10 minutes, then wrap it in a clean towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much liquid as you can. The drier your zucchini, the better your fritters will hold together and crisp up.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained zucchini with the finely chopped onion, Parmesan cheese, flour, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, and black pepper. Stir everything together until the mixture is well combined and holds together when pressed. This is the moment when all the flavors meld, so make sure everything is evenly mixed for the best results.
Step 3: Shape the Fritters
Take a small handful of the mixture and gently form it into a patty about 2 inches wide. Repeat with the remaining mixture, making sure your fritters are all about the same size so they cook evenly. Don’t worry if they’re a little rustic looking—imperfection is part of their charm!
Step 4: Preheat and Prepare the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 375°F to preheat while you finish shaping the fritters. Lightly spray the basket with olive oil to prevent sticking and encourage even browning. Giving the basket a quick spritz is a simple step that makes all the difference in the final texture.
Step 5: Air Fry to Golden Perfection
Arrange the fritters in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each one for maximum airflow. Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through so both sides get that irresistible golden crunch. Serve them warm, ideally with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for dipping.
How to Serve Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can really take your Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters over the top. Try a sprinkle of chopped fresh dill, parsley, or chives for a burst of color and herbal freshness. A squeeze of lemon juice brightens up the flavors, while a dusting of extra Parmesan is always welcome for cheese lovers.
Side Dishes
These fritters pair beautifully with a crisp green salad, roasted potatoes, or a simple tomato and cucumber salad. For a heartier meal, serve them alongside grilled chicken or a bowl of soup. They’re also perfect as a part of a vegetarian mezze spread with hummus and olives.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to make your Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters the star of the table, stack them up on a platter with dipping sauces arranged around the edges, or serve mini versions as bite-sized appetizers for a party. They also make a fun brunch addition when topped with a poached egg or served in a pita with tzatziki sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover fritters (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They’ll lose a bit of their initial crispness, but they’re still delicious and make a wonderful quick snack or side.
Freezing
To freeze Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters, let them cool completely first. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months, ready for a quick reheat whenever the craving strikes.
Reheating
For the crispiest results, reheat your fritters in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 5 minutes until they’re hot and crisp again. You can also use a toaster oven or conventional oven, but microwaving will make them a bit softer. Either way, they’re still packed with flavor!
FAQs
Can I make Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap in your favorite gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs, and you’ll get fritters that are just as crispy and delicious as the original. No one will even notice the difference.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Yes, you can mix things up by adding grated carrots, corn, or even a handful of chopped spinach. Just keep the ratios similar so the fritters hold together and cook evenly.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
No problem! You can pan-fry the fritters in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat, cooking until each side is golden brown and crisp. They’ll be just as satisfying, even without the air fryer.
How do I prevent soggy fritters?
The key is to squeeze out as much moisture from the zucchini as possible before mixing. Also, don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket—good airflow is essential for crispy edges.
Are Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters good for meal prep?
Definitely! Make a batch ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freezer. They reheat beautifully and can be enjoyed as a quick snack, lunch, or side dish throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to add a new staple to your appetizer or snack lineup, give these Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters a try. They’re crunchy, flavorful, and a fantastic way to make the most of fresh zucchini. I can’t wait for you to experience just how easy and delicious homemade fritters can be—enjoy every bite!
Print
Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 10 fritters 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters are a delicious and healthy appetizer option, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Made with fresh grated zucchini, Parmesan cheese, and a blend of breadcrumbs and flour, they are air fried to perfection for a lighter alternative to traditional frying. Perfect as a snack or side dish, they pair wonderfully with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchinis, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
- Prepare the zucchini: Grate the zucchinis and sprinkle them with salt. Place them in a colander for 10 minutes to release excess water, then firmly squeeze out as much liquid as possible using a clean towel or cheesecloth to prevent soggy fritters.
- Mix the batter: In a mixing bowl, combine the drained zucchini with finely chopped onion, grated Parmesan cheese, all-purpose flour, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is well combined and holds together.
- Form the fritters: Shape the mixture into small patties about 2 inches wide. This size ensures even cooking and makes for perfect bite-sized fritters.
- Preheat the air fryer: Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it warm up while preparing the basket.
- Prepare the air fryer basket: Lightly spray the basket with olive oil to prevent sticking and ensure crispiness.
- Cook the fritters: Place the fritters in a single layer inside the basket, leaving space between each to allow air circulation. Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping the fritters halfway through cooking to achieve an even golden and crispy exterior.
- Serve: Remove the fritters from the air fryer and serve them warm with sour cream or Greek yogurt for dipping to enhance their savory flavor.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
- Add fresh herbs such as dill or parsley to the batter for extra flavor and fragrance.
- Ensure you squeeze out all the liquid from the zucchini to avoid soggy fritters.
- Pair the fritters with your favorite dipping sauce, such as tzatziki or a spicy mayo, for variety.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fritter
- Calories: 55
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 2.5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
