Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters: A Quick Snack (Print Version)
Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters are crispy, simple, and packed with garden fresh flavor. A light snack or side, perfect for using up summer zucchini.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian
# Ingredients:
→ Base Ingredients
01 -
2 medium zucchini, grated
02 -
1 large egg, beaten
03 -
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
04 -
1/4 cup Panko breadcrumbs
05 -
1/4 cup grated yellow onion
→ Flavor Boosters
06 -
1/2 tsp garlic powder
07 -
1/2 tsp dried dill
08 -
1/2 tsp salt
09 -
1/4 tsp black pepper
→ Make It Special
10 -
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
11 -
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
→ For Air Frying
12 -
Cooking oil spray
# Instructions:
01 -
First up, grate those zucchinis! I use the large holes on a box grater. Then, this is the *most important* step, honestly: place the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or several layers of paper towels, gather the ends, and squeeze, squeeze, squeeze! You want to get out as much liquid as humanly possible. I can't stress this enough. If you skip this, your fritters will be soggy, and we don't want soggy, do we? You'll be amazed how much water comes out; it's a real arm workout!
02 -
In a large bowl, toss together your well-squeezed zucchini, grated onion, egg, flour, and Panko breadcrumbs. Now, for the flavor party: add the garlic powder, dried dill, salt, and black pepper. If you're feeling fancy (and I usually am), stir in that Parmesan cheese too. Mix everything until it's just combined. Don't overmix, or you'll get tough fritters. You should have a thick, somewhat sticky mixture that holds its shape. This is where I sometimes taste a tiny bit to check the seasoning, oops, habit!
03 -
Alright, time to get your hands a little messy! Take about 1-2 tablespoons of the mixture and gently form it into small, flat patties, about 1/2 inch thick. They don't need to be perfectly round; rustic is charming, right? Just make sure they're not too thick, or they won't crisp up nicely in the air fryer. I usually lay them out on a parchment-lined tray as I go, just to keep things organized before they hit the heat.
04 -
Go ahead and preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This step is often overlooked, but trust me, it makes a difference! A hot air fryer means those fritters start crisping the moment they go in, giving them a much better texture. While it's preheating, you can give your air fryer basket a light spray with cooking oil, just to prevent sticking. I once forgot to do this, and let's just say a few fritters had a *very* close relationship with the basket. Live and learn!
05 -
Carefully place the zucchini fritters in a single layer in your preheated air fryer basket. Seriously, don't overcrowd it! This is where patience is key. Overcrowding leads to steaming, not crisping, and we're aiming for crispy, remember? Depending on your air fryer's size, you'll probably need to work in batches. Give them a good spray with cooking oil on top – this helps achieve that beautiful golden-brown color and extra crunch.
06 -
Air fry for about 8-10 minutes, then carefully flip them over. Give the other side another quick spray of oil and continue to air fry for another 5-8 minutes, or until they're golden brown and wonderfully crispy. What you're looking for is that deep golden hue and a firm texture. The smell filling your kitchen will be incredible, honestly, a mix of fresh herbs and savory goodness. Pull them out, and admire your handiwork! They should be hot and delightful.
# Notes:
01 -
Squeeze out all the zucchini liquid for truly crispy fritters.
02 -
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days; reheat in air fryer or oven.
03 -
Swap dried dill for fresh chives or a pinch of oregano if you prefer.
04 -
Serve with a tangy Greek yogurt dip for a refreshing contrast.
# Equipment Needed:
01 -
Box grater
02 -
large mixing bowl
03 -
clean kitchen towel
04 -
air fryer
05 -
cooking oil spray
06 -
spatula
# Nutrition (Per Serving):
Calories: 120 kcal
Total Fat: 5g
Total Carbohydrate: 15g
Protein: 6g