Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters

Air fryer zucchini fritters are my go—to when I want something crisp and savory that uses up leftover zucchini in the fridge. This recipe packs loads of flavor without the extra oil and fuss of stove frying, which means less mess and a quick route to a delicious snack, appetizer, or veggie side. I make these fritters for family gatherings or lazy Sunday lunches, and every time they disappear faster than I can plate them.

These fritters first saved me on a busy week when my zucchini plants exploded with harvest. The air fryer made things so much easier and cleanup was no sweat.

Ingredients

• Zucchini: select medium size 6 to 8 inches dark green skin for top texture and flavor, shred for best results
• Egg: gives fritters structure and richness, always use fresh
• Salt: essential for balancing flavors and drawing moisture from zucchini
• Baking powder: helps fritters puff slightly for a lighter bite, look for aluminum free
• Garlic powder: adds savory depth, choose a fresh jar for strongest taste
• Onion powder: gives gentle warmth, make sure yours is aromatic not stale
• Italian seasoning: delivers herbs and spice, look for a blend with oregano, basil, thyme
• Chili flakes: optional for a mild kick, try a pinch more if you want added heat
• All—purpose flour: binds it all together, sift it for the smoothest batter
• Oil or cooking spray: just a little creates a golden crust in the air fryer, choose olive oil for flavor

Instructions

Shred the Zucchini:

Shred zucchinis on the large holes of a box grater or use a food processor for speed. Pile shreds into a clean kitchen towel, cheesecloth, or several paper towels. Squeeze hard over the sink to extract as much moisture as possible. This step is key to making crispy fritters.

Mix the Batter:

In a medium bowl combine squeezed zucchini, egg, salt, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, chili flakes, and flour. Stir well with a wooden spoon until you have a thick, slightly sticky mixture.

Shape the Fritters:

Scoop about two tablespoons of mixture and shape into small, flatter patties using your hands. You should get around nine or ten fritters. Wet hands help prevent sticking, let kids help with this part.

Preheat the Air Fryer:

Switch air fryer to 350 degrees F and let it run empty for three minutes. This helps fritters start crisping right away. Line basket with a square of parchment or foil if you want easier cleanup but always check your air fryer manual.

Arrange in the Basket:

Arrange patties in a single layer with a little space in between. Work in batches if needed. Spray or brush tops with a little olive oil so the crust crisps evenly. Do not overcrowd or fritters will steam instead of fry.

Cook the First Side:

Cook fritters for ten minutes. Open basket halfway through and check for even browning. Rotate basket if your air fryer has hot spots.

Flip and Finish:

Flip the fritters over gently with a spatula. Spritz more oil on the new tops. Cook about five minutes longer or until the edges are deeply golden and crisp.

Serve Hot:

Transfer fritters to a plate and serve right away. Top with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or Parmesan. These are so good with ranch dressing, tzatziki, or a squeeze of lemon.

My absolute favorite part is the crisp golden crust that the air fryer gives these fritters. My kids have loved to help squeeze the zucchini dry ever since we started making these together which always gets a giggle and a little splash at the kitchen sink.

Storage Tips

Let fritters cool completely before storing for best texture. Refrigerate in a tightly sealed container for up to five days. If you want to freeze them lay the cooked fritters out on a tray first then pack into bags once solid—this keeps them from sticking together. Always reheat in the air fryer or oven for best crunch.

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap all—purpose flour with gluten free blend or chickpea flour for a protein boost. If you prefer less spice skip the chili flakes. For extra flavor add a handful of grated parmesan or cheddar to the mix. You can use fresh herbs instead of Italian seasoning—chopped dill, parsley, or basil all work well.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with a side of sour cream, yogurt dip, or lemon wedges. These fritters are also delicious tucked into pita bread with greens and a little feta cheese. I often pair them with a big salad or simple grilled chicken for a filling dinner.

Cultural Context

Zucchini fritters have roots in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines where vegetables are often transformed into crispy savory snacks or meze. The air fryer brings a modern update to this classic comfort food so you can enjoy the flavor without all the oil.

Seasonal Adaptations

In spring try adding shredded carrots or scallions. Summer is ideal when fresh zucchini is in abundance. Come autumn a pinch of cumin or smoked paprika builds warming flavor.

Success Stories

After sharing these fritters at a family BBQ last summer they completely vanished before the burgers even hit the grill. My neighbor now texted for the recipe and told me it turned her picky eater into a zucchini lover.

Freezer Meal Conversion

Once cooled you can freeze fritters in a single layer in a ziptop bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your air fryer. Recrisp for four to six minutes at 350 degrees F for make ahead snacks or school lunches.

Enjoy every crisp bite of these zucchini fritters fresh from the air fryer. They are sure to disappear quickly!

FAQs About This Recipe

→ How do I prevent soggy zucchini fritters?

Remove as much moisture as possible from shredded zucchini using a cheesecloth or paper towels before mixing with other ingredients. This step helps ensure crisp results.

→ What dipping sauces pair well with zucchini fritters?

Creamy dips like ranch, tzatziki, Greek yogurt with spices, or sour cream all complement the savory flavor and crispy texture.

→ Can I add cheese to the mixture?

Yes, grated parmesan, cheddar, or feta can be added for a richer flavor and extra texture. Stir into the batter before shaping the fritters.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Place completely cooled fritters in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for about 2 months.

→ What’s the best way to reheat zucchini fritters?

For the crispiest texture, reheat fritters in the air fryer or oven. Avoid the microwave, which may cause sogginess.

→ Can I make these fritters less spicy?

Simply leave out the chili flakes or use a smaller amount if you prefer a milder flavor.