If you’ve been on the lookout for a delicious, crispy, and healthier snack or side, you are going to adore this Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters Recipe. These little golden patties are bursting with fresh zucchini flavor, a subtle Parmesan tang, and a lovely herbaceous kick from dill or parsley. Thanks to the magic of the air fryer, they come out perfectly crisp without the need for deep frying, making them both light and satisfying. Whether you’re serving them for lunch, a snack, or alongside your favorite meal, these fritters are sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping this Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters Recipe simple is part of what makes it so wonderful. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, whether it’s adding moisture, flavor, or binding everything together into that perfect tender-crisp texture.
- 2 cups grated zucchini: Fresh zucchini gives the fritters moisture and a mild, fresh taste that’s the star of the show.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Helps bind the fritters and gives them structure to hold their shape.
- 2 large eggs: Essential for binding and adding richness to the mixture.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, savory depth that elevates the flavor.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Infuses a subtle, warming garlic note without overpowering the delicate zucchini flavor.
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill or parsley: Brings a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Balances and enhances the overall flavors.
- Cooking spray: For that golden, crisp exterior in the air fryer without excess oil.
How to Make Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Zucchini
Start by washing and grating your zucchini. This is a key step because zucchini holds a lot of water. To ensure your fritters are crispy and not soggy, squeeze out the excess moisture with a clean kitchen towel. This simple action makes a huge difference in the final texture.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained zucchini with the flour, eggs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, fresh dill or parsley, and season it all well with salt and pepper. Stir everything together until you have a thick, cohesive batter that will easily hold its shape when formed into patties.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat. This ensures your fritters start cooking with a blast of hot air for a crispy exterior right away.
Step 4: Form the Fritters
Shape the zucchini mixture into small patties, about half an inch thick. Keep them uniform in size so they cook evenly. This part is easy and fun – perfect for involving the family!
Step 5: Arrange and Spray
Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange your fritters in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd them. Air needs to circulate around each fritter to get them golden and crispy all over.
Step 6: Cook and Flip
Cook the fritters for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time. When done, they should be beautifully golden brown with crisp edges and a tender, flavorful inside.
How to Serve Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your fritters from great to unforgettable, try topping them with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of fresh herbs like dill or chives. A squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the dish even more, adding a fresh zing that complements the zucchini perfectly.
Side Dishes
These fritters are versatile and pair wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette, roasted cherry tomatoes, or even a dollop of marinara sauce for an Italian twist. They also work brilliantly as a side for grilled meats or fish for a wholesome meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to get creative, serve these fritters stacked with layers of avocado slices and tomato, topped with a drizzle of tahini or your favorite sauce. They also make fantastic sliders—just pop them into mini buns with a smear of aioli for a playful, crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover zucchini fritters keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store them in an airtight container to preserve their crispness as much as possible. When ready to eat, reheating them properly helps bring back some of their original texture and flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze these fritters for later by placing them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll keep for about 1 month. This is perfect for busy days when you want a quick, tasty snack or side without the fuss of making them fresh.
Reheating
To reheat your Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters Recipe and keep them crispy, the best method is to pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you can, as that can make them soggy. This way, they regain their delightful crunch and warmth.
FAQs
Can I use frozen zucchini for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen zucchini but be sure to thaw and squeeze out all the excess moisture thoroughly. Frozen zucchini tends to hold even more water, so this step is critical to avoid soggy fritters.
What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?
If you don’t have Parmesan, try Pecorino Romano or a sharp cheddar for a different but delicious flavor. Nutritional yeast also works well if you want a dairy-free option with a cheesy taste.
Can I bake these fritters instead of air frying?
Absolutely! Bake them on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 425°F (220°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be quite as crispy as air frying but will still be tasty and healthier than pan-frying.
Are these fritters gluten-free?
As written, they use all-purpose flour which contains gluten. To make them gluten-free, simply swap the flour for a gluten-free blend or almond flour, adjusting the amount as needed to get the right batter consistency.
Can I add other vegetables to the fritters?
Definitely! Finely grated carrots or corn kernels can add sweetness and texture. Just make sure to adjust the flour and moisture levels if adding wetter vegetables to maintain the right consistency in the batter.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am for you to try this Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters Recipe. It’s an easy, adaptable, and absolutely delicious way to enjoy fresh zucchini any time of year. Crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with flavor, these fritters are destined to become a quick favorite in your kitchen. Grab your grater, fire up that air fryer, and get ready for some serious yum!
Print
Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters made with grated zucchini, Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs, cooked to golden perfection using an air fryer for a healthier take on classic fritters. Perfect as a snack or side dish ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups grated zucchini (about 2 medium zucchinis)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill or parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Prepare the zucchini: Wash and grate the zucchini. Use a clean kitchen towel to squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible to prevent soggy fritters.
- Mix the batter: In a mixing bowl, combine the drained grated zucchini with flour, eggs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, chopped herbs, salt, and pepper. Stir until you form a thick, cohesive batter.
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat for a few minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Form the fritters: Shape the zucchini mixture into patties roughly half an inch thick to ensure they cook evenly and hold together well.
- Prepare the air fryer basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the fritters in a single layer without overcrowding to allow air circulation.
- Cook the fritters: Air fry the patties for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through cooking to achieve an evenly golden brown and crispy crust.
Notes
- Make sure to squeeze out as much moisture from the zucchini as possible to avoid watery fritters.
- You can substitute fresh dill with parsley or any preferred fresh herb.
- For extra crispiness, you can lightly spray the tops of the fritters before cooking or add a little oil to the batter.
- Serve with a dollop of sour cream or your favorite dipping sauce for extra flavor.
- These fritters can also be made gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
