Zucchini fritters are a go-to comfort food that I absolutely love to whip up, especially when I’m craving something crispy yet healthy. The best part about this recipe is that it’s made in the air fryer, cutting down on oil and delivering a perfectly golden texture without the mess of deep frying. The natural sweetness of zucchini shines through, paired with the crispy exterior that’s just irresistible. Whether you’re looking for a delicious side dish, a light snack, or a healthy appetizer, these air fryer zucchini fritters are the answer!
As much as I love to indulge in savory treats, I also try to keep my meals as wholesome as possible. That’s why I turned my favorite zucchini fritter recipe into an air fryer version, offering all the crunch with none of the excess grease. The flavors are simple but so satisfying, with fresh zucchini, a hint of garlic, and a sprinkling of parmesan to take things over the top. Plus, they’re super easy to prepare and cook in no time. Let’s get into it!
What You Need to Make This Recipe
Zucchini: The star of this recipe! Zucchini is a great low-calorie vegetable that adds moisture and a subtle sweetness to the fritters. Be sure to grate it well to get the right texture and remove excess moisture.
Eggs: Eggs help bind everything together and give the fritters structure. They also add a rich flavor that balances the fresh zucchini.
Parmesan Cheese: This ingredient adds a delightful salty, nutty flavor to the fritters. Freshly grated parmesan works best, as it melts beautifully and enhances the overall taste.
Breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs provide the perfect crispy texture and help hold the fritters together. You can use regular or panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch!
Garlic Powder: This seasoning brings in a warm, savory element that complements the zucchini and cheese. You can also use fresh garlic if you prefer a more robust flavor.
Salt and Pepper: These are essential for seasoning the fritters. Adjust to taste, but don’t skip them—they really bring the flavors together.
Olive Oil Spray: A light misting of olive oil helps the fritters crisp up in the air fryer, giving them that golden, crispy exterior without too much added fat.
Ingredients List
- 2 medium zucchinis, grated
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (regular or panko)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil spray
How to Make Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters
Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini
Start by grating the zucchinis using a box grater or food processor. After grating, transfer the zucchini to a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. This step is key to ensuring your fritters aren’t soggy!
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the grated zucchini, egg, parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until fully incorporated. The mixture should hold together when pressed, but if it’s too wet, add more breadcrumbs until you reach the right consistency.
Step 3: Shape the Fritters
Take about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and form it into a small patty using your hands. Place the shaped fritters on a plate and continue forming the rest. You should have about 8-10 fritters depending on the size.
Step 4: Air Fry the Fritters
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray. Place the fritters in a single layer in the basket, making sure they don’t touch. Spray the top of the fritters with a little more olive oil. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the fritters are golden and crispy on both sides.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the fritters are done, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. Serve with a dipping sauce like ranch or tzatziki, or enjoy them as is with a side of fresh salad.
Tips for Making This Recipe
- Grate the Zucchini Finely: A fine grate will help the fritters hold together better and give them a more delicate texture.
- Squeeze Out the Zucchini Moisture: Zucchini has a high water content, and if you don’t squeeze out the moisture, your fritters will become soggy.
- Adjust the Seasonings: Feel free to tweak the garlic powder, salt, and pepper to your taste. You can also add herbs like dill or oregano for an extra layer of flavor.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: For the crispiest results, make sure the fritters are spaced out in the air fryer basket. If you need to cook in batches, that’s totally fine.
- Try Different Dips: These fritters are amazing with a variety of dips. Experiment with sour cream, guacamole, or even a spicy aioli.
FAQs
Can I use frozen zucchini for this recipe? It’s best to use fresh zucchini for this recipe, as frozen zucchini tends to release too much water when thawed, which can affect the texture of the fritters.
How do I store leftovers? Store any leftover fritters in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes to get them crispy again.
Can I make these fritters ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the fritters in advance and refrigerate them before cooking. When you’re ready, just air fry them for a quick snack or meal.
What can I serve these fritters with? These fritters pair wonderfully with a fresh salad, or you can serve them as a side dish with grilled chicken, fish, or a veggie burger.