Description
These Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters are golden, crunchy on the outside, and tender on the inside—without the need for deep frying. Packed with fresh zucchini, herbs, and a hint of garlic, they make the perfect healthy snack, appetizer, or light lunch. Air frying makes them lighter, crispier, and way less messy than the traditional pan-fried version.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 medium zucchinis (about 1 lb), grated
- 1 teaspoon salt (for sweating zucchini)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions or scallions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (or dill for variation)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for vegan option)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (can substitute with almond flour for gluten-free)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Olive oil spray, for air fryer basket and tops
Optional for serving:
- Plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the zucchini:
- Grate the zucchini and place it in a colander. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt and let it sit for 10-15 minutes to draw out moisture.
- After resting, squeeze out as much water as possible using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth.
- Make the fritter batter:
- In a large bowl, combine the squeezed zucchini, green onions, garlic, parsley, Parmesan, flour, eggs, baking powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well until fully combined. The mixture should hold together but still be a little moist.
- Preheat the air fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
- Lightly grease the air fryer basket with olive oil spray.
- Form and air fry the fritters:
- Scoop about 2 tablespoons of batter and flatten slightly into a patty.
- Place the patties into the air fryer basket, leaving space between them.
- Lightly spray the tops with olive oil.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flip carefully, spray again, and cook for another 5-6 minutes until golden brown and crispy on both sides.
- Serve immediately:
- Serve warm with a dollop of yogurt or sour cream and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Notes
- Make sure to squeeze the zucchini very well to avoid soggy fritters.
- You can freeze the cooked fritters and reheat them in the air fryer for 4-5 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
- Spice it up with a dash of cayenne or red pepper flakes in the batter.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers, Snacks, Side Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 fritters
- Calories: 110 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 270mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 50mg