Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters

Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters are one of the tastiest ways to turn a few humble zucchinis into a crunchy snack or simple side. Made without deep frying, these golden fritters stay light but still satisfy that craving for a savory treat. Whenever my garden gives me a zucchini glut, this is how I use them up and keep everyone happy at the table.

My first success with these fritters came right after a summer storm when the zucchinis seemed to double overnight. I made a batch for afternoon snacking, and my kids polished off every single one before dinner.

Ingredients

• Zucchini: fresh medium-sized zucchini about six to eight inches long for the best texture, firm and shiny skin means freshness, shredded for easier mixing and crispy edges
• Egg: holds the fritters together and gives a tender bite, choose the freshest eggs for the brightest flavor
• Salt: brings out the natural sweetness of zucchini, try using flaky sea salt for finishing if you have it
• Baking powder: helps puff up the fritters just a little for a lighter inside
• Garlic powder: deepens the savory flavor, go for good quality granulated powder for the fullest taste
• Onion powder: boosts the overall umami with a mellow onion note
• Italian seasoning: gives a mix of herbs with earthiness, make sure your blend is aromatic and not faded
• Chili flakes: for a gentle heat, feel free to adjust or leave out for extra mild versions
• All-purpose flour: binds the ingredients and helps hold the shape, sift for lump-free batter
• Oil or cooking spray: makes the outside extra crispy with only a small spritz, use olive oil for richer flavor or spray for easy coating

Instructions

Prepare the Zucchini:

Shred zucchini using the large holes on a box grater or a food processor disk. Wrap the shredded pieces in cheesecloth or a clean towel and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. Removing moisture is essential for crispy fritters and will keep the batter from getting soggy and heavy.

Mix the Batter:

Add the squeezed shredded zucchini to a bowl. Crack in the egg then sprinkle in salt, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, chili flakes and all-purpose flour. Stir with a wooden spoon until the mixture is fully blended and evenly coated. If batter seems very wet sprinkle in just a bit more flour.

Shape the Fritters:

Using your hands or a spoon form the mixture into small patties about two inches wide and half an inch thick. Gently press to compact but do not flatten too much or they will not crisp properly. Aim for uniform shapes for even cooking.

Preheat the Air Fryer:

Set your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and let it heat up for about three to five minutes. This ensures the fritters start crisping right away once loaded.

Arrange in Basket:

Optional lay parchment or a small sheet of foil in the air fryer basket for easier cleanup. Place fritters in a single layer leaving a little room around each so air can circulate fully. Overcrowding will steam rather than crisp the fritters.

Apply Oil:

Lightly brush or spray the top of each fritter with oil or cooking spray. This is what helps create that golden crunchy shell in the air fryer.

Air Fry in Batches:

Cook for ten minutes then flip each fritter gently. Give the other side a light spray as well and return for another five minutes or until both sides are deeply golden and crisp.

Serve Hot:

Remove fritters with a spatula and serve while still hot. They are best eaten immediately with your favorite creamy dip.

I have a soft spot for zucchini itself. My kids actually call these green pancakes and one summer we made them together every week after picking zucchinis from the yard. Watching them press the mixture into little rounds made it feel like a food project more than a chore.

Storage Tips

Air fryer zucchini fritters will keep for three days in a well sealed container in the fridge. To freeze spread them on a tray first until solid then transfer to a freezer bag for up to two months. Reheat directly from frozen in your air fryer for the best texture. Avoid microwaving since that makes them soggy and limp.

Ingredient Substitutions

For gluten free fritters use chickpea or oat flour instead of all purpose. Any mild neutral oil works in place of olive. If you want richer flavor add grated parmesan cheese or swap in fresh herbs for the Italian seasoning. For a non spicy version skip the chili flakes. If you are out of zucchini grated yellow squash behaves the same way.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these fritters hot with dips like ranch greek yogurt dip or creamy tzatziki. They make a crunchy topping for grain bowls or salads or a veggie burger in a sandwich. My favorite is to put them beside a big bowl of tomato soup as a dunkable snack.

Cultural and Seasonal Context

Zucchini fritters take cues from summer vegetable fritters served in Greek Turkish and Italian home kitchens. In the height of summer when squash grows fast these are a classic way to use excess without waste. If your garden is giving you more zucchini than you can handle this recipe is a solution my grandmother always approved of.

Seasonal Adaptations

Add fresh corn kernels in midsummer for a sweeter twist. Toss in grated carrot or yellow squash for color and extra veggies. Top with sliced cherry tomatoes for a garden party platter.

Success Stories

So many home cooks have reported that these fritters won over even stubborn veggie skeptics. The air fryer keeps things hands off so you can greet guests or prep the rest of dinner. When my neighbors dropped by unexpectedly one night these were the impromptu snack that disappeared fastest.

Freezer Meal Conversion

Shaped raw fritters can be frozen on a lined baking sheet then bagged for future use. When ready simply air fry from frozen adding an extra minute or two to the cooking time. This makes a big batch ready for lunch boxes or last minute snacks.

I learned the hard way not to skip preheating the air fryer. It is what makes the first side of each fritter set right away so they do not stick or fall apart.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ How do I make zucchini fritters crispier?

Thoroughly squeeze out excess liquid from shredded zucchini before mixing. This helps achieve a crispy texture when air fried.

→ What dipping sauces go well with zucchini fritters?

Pair with ranch dressing, tzatziki, spiced yogurt, or sour cream for a refreshing complement to the fritters.

→ Can I freeze leftover fritters?

Yes, let fritters cool then store in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months and reheat in the air fryer for best results.

→ Do I need to preheat the air fryer?

Preheating is recommended for even cooking. Set the air fryer to 350°F for a few minutes before adding fritters.

→ What are good garnish or mix-in ideas?

Try grated parmesan, cheddar, green onions, or fresh herbs. Adjust spices to taste or add chili flakes for heat.