Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters

Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters: Your Ultimate Easy & Low-Carb Snack

Get ready to transform simple zucchini into an irresistible, crispy, and flavorful delight with this easy Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters recipe! These fritters are an absolute sensation at my house, disappearing almost as quickly as I can make them. If you’re on the hunt for a delicious, guilt-free snack or appetizer that’s low in carbs and packed with wholesome goodness, then look no further. This recipe promises perfectly golden-brown fritters with a satisfying crunch, all achieved with the magic of your air fryer.

Zucchini fritters stacked on a plate and topped with fresh parsley.

Making homemade zucchini fritters is incredibly simple, requiring just 2-3 shredded zucchini and a handful of common pantry ingredients. In under 30 minutes, you can have a batch of these delightful “zucchini cakes” ready to serve, whether it’s for a quick snack, a light lunch, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer for your next gathering.

Why Make Zucchini Fritters in the Air Fryer?

The air fryer is a game-changer for achieving maximum crispiness with minimal oil. Unlike pan-frying, which can leave fritters greasy, the air fryer circulates hot air, cooking them evenly and creating that coveted golden-brown, crunchy exterior without deep-frying. This method not only makes them healthier but also incredibly convenient, allowing you to enjoy your favorite fritters with less mess and fuss.

The Amazing Benefits of Zucchini

Beyond their delicious taste, zucchini offers a host of health benefits. This versatile vegetable is low in calories, rich in vitamins (like Vitamin C and A), minerals (such as potassium), and antioxidants. It’s also a good source of fiber, supporting digestive health. Incorporating zucchini into your diet, especially in a tasty form like these fritters, is an excellent way to boost your nutrient intake. Learn more about the comprehensive benefits of zucchini.

If you’re an air fryer enthusiast like me, always looking for new ways to use this fantastic appliance, then you’ll love adding these zucchini fritters to your repertoire. And while you’re at it, be sure to explore other air fryer vegetables to expand your healthy meal options!

Enhance Your Zucchini Fritters with Toppings

These crispy zucchini fritters are wonderful on their own, but they truly shine when paired with your favorite toppings. Consider a dollop of cool sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh green onions, grated Parmesan cheese, or a mix of fresh herbs and spices like dill or chives to elevate their flavors. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to customize each bite to your liking.

My air fryer has become an indispensable tool in my kitchen. It’s my go-to for countless recipes, especially for side dishes. Some of my other top picks include perfectly golden air fryer french fries, tender air fryer eggplant wedges, and nostalgic air fryer tater tots. Once you start air frying, you’ll wonder how you ever cooked without it!

Ingredients for Perfect Zucchini Fritters

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to making these delightful fritters. Here’s what you’ll need, along with a little insight into why each component is important:

  • 2-3 medium/large zucchini: The star of our dish! Opt for fresh, firm zucchini for the best flavor and texture.
  • 1 teaspoon salt: Crucial for drawing out excess moisture from the zucchini, which is key to achieving crispy fritters, and for enhancing overall flavor.
  • 1 large egg: Acts as a binding agent, helping to hold the shredded zucchini and other ingredients together so your fritters don’t fall apart during cooking.
  • 3 Tablespoons all-purpose flour: Another essential binder that contributes to the fritters’ structure and helps achieve that desirable crispy exterior.
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a savory depth that complements the mildness of the zucchini.
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder: Provides a subtle, aromatic flavor that pairs beautifully with garlic and zucchini.
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika: Offers a warm, slightly smoky flavor that truly elevates the fritters.
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper: A fundamental seasoning that adds a touch of pungency and balances the other flavors.

While this blend of seasonings is my personal favorite, feel free to experiment with other spices and herbs that suit your taste preferences. A pinch of dried dill, some fresh chives, or a dash of cayenne pepper could all add exciting twists!

A collection of ingredients laid out, ready to make Zucchini fritters in the air fryer.

For shredding zucchini, I find a box grater works perfectly for a medium shred. Alternatively, a handheld cheese grater is just as effective, or if you prefer a quicker method, a food processor with a grating attachment can get the job done in seconds.

How to Make Zucchini Fritters in the Air Fryer

Follow these simple steps to create perfectly crispy and delicious zucchini fritters:

  1. Prepare the Zucchini: Using a grater (box, handheld, or food processor), shred 2 or 3 medium zucchini into a bowl.
  2. Shredded Zucchini resting on a white plate, ready for the next step.
  3. Remove Excess Moisture: Add the teaspoon of salt to the grated zucchini and mix well. Let this mixture sit for 10 minutes. The salt will help draw out a significant amount of water. After 10 minutes, firmly squeeze out all the water and excess liquid from the zucchini using a strong paper towel, cheesecloth, or a clean kitchen towel. This step is crucial for crispy fritters!
  4. Preheat Air Fryer: While the zucchini sits, preheat your air fryer to 360°F (180°C). Prepare the air fryer basket with a light spray of nonstick cooking spray or line it with parchment paper designed for air fryers to prevent sticking.
  5. Whisk the Egg: In a small bowl, whisk the large egg until it’s well beaten.
  6. Combine Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, add the squeezed shredded zucchini, whisked egg, all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and a uniform batter forms.
  7. Zucchini fritter batter mixed and ready to be placed into the air fryer basket.
  8. Form and Place Fritters: Use an ice cream scoop (approximately 2 tablespoons per scoop) to portion out the zucchini fritter batter. Gently flatten each scoop into a small patty and carefully place it into the prepared air fryer basket. Ensure you leave enough space between each fritter to allow for proper air circulation, which is vital for crispiness. You should be able to fit about 4-5 fritters per batch, depending on your air fryer size.
  9. Zucchini fritter batter carefully scooped onto the basket of the air fryer, ready to cook.
  10. Spray for Extra Crisp: Lightly spray the tops of each fritter with cooking spray. I highly recommend an olive oil spray for an extra crispy finish and golden color.
  11. Air Fry to Perfection: Air fry the zucchini fritters for approximately 12 minutes, or until they are beautifully golden brown and crispy. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model.
  12. Freshly fried zucchini fritters, golden and crispy, in the basket of the air fryer.
  13. Serve Immediately: Carefully remove the hot fritters from the air fryer. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving with your favorite dipping sauce.

For more incredibly easy and flavorful air fryer recipes, don’t miss out on these fantastic ideas: air fryer roasted garlic, air fryer poached eggs, a vibrant air fryer stir fry, and creative air fryer pesto pinwheels. Your air fryer can do so much!

NOTE: This recipe was developed using a Cosori 5.8qt Air Fryer. Cooking times may vary slightly based on your specific air fryer brand and model. It’s always a good idea to monitor your food and adjust cook times by a minute or two as needed to achieve your desired level of crispiness.

Every time I make these air fryer zucchini fritters, they turn out perfectly – a wonderfully crispy exterior giving way to a tender, flavorful inside. They truly are a delightful and satisfying snack!

Delicious Zucchini fritters arranged on a white plate, garnished with fresh parsley flakes.

Expert Tips for the Crispiest Zucchini Fritters

  • Proper Zucchini Preparation is Key: For truly crispy fritters, meticulous moisture removal from the grated zucchini is paramount. After salting, allow the zucchini to sit and release its water, then vigorously squeeze out every last drop using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. This prevents soggy fritters and ensures a perfectly crunchy outcome.
  • Don’t Skimp on Seasoning: Zucchini has a mild flavor, so don’t be shy with your seasonings. Our suggested blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika creates a balanced and savory profile. Taste a small amount of the mixed batter (before adding egg if you are sensitive to raw egg) to ensure it’s seasoned to your liking before cooking.
  • Binding Agents are Your Friends: The combination of egg and flour is essential for holding these fritters together. If you find your mixture is too wet, you can add a touch more flour (or a gluten-free alternative like almond flour or chickpea flour) until it’s just firm enough to form into patties without crumbling.
  • Avoid Overcrowding the Air Fryer: For optimal crispiness, ensure there’s enough space between each fritter in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding reduces air circulation, which can lead to steaming instead of frying, resulting in less crispy fritters. Cook in batches if necessary.
  • Even Thickness for Even Cooking: Try to make each fritter roughly the same thickness. This ensures they cook uniformly and reach that golden-brown crispiness at the same time, preventing some from burning while others remain undercooked.

Storage and Reheating Zucchini Fritters

If you happen to have any leftover crispy zucchini fritters (a rare occurrence in my house!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. While they won’t be as incredibly crispy as fresh from the air fryer, they’ll still be delicious.

To reheat, simply place the fritters back into the air fryer at 360°F (180°C) for 1-2 minutes, or until they are heated through and have regained some of their crispness. Avoid microwaving, as this will make them soft and rubbery.

Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters

Can you make Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters become Crispy?

Absolutely! The air fryer is excellent for achieving that perfect crispy texture. The most crucial step is to vigorously squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the grated zucchini after salting it. This prevents sogginess. While I used a Cosori basket-type Air Fryer for this recipe and found 12 minutes to be ideal, cooking times can vary by air fryer brand, so always check for golden-brown crispiness.

Do you take off the skin before making zucchini fritters in the Air Fryer?

This is entirely up to your preference! The skin of the zucchini contains beneficial vitamins and nutrients, and it also adds a lovely pop of color to your fritters. Personally, I often skin one zucchini and leave the skin on the other to get a mix of textures and nutrients without a dominant skin flavor.

Can I use a substitution for the flour for the air fryer fritters?

Yes, if you’re looking for an alternative to all-purpose flour, you can certainly experiment with other flour types. Almond flour or chickpea flour are popular choices that can work well, offering a gluten-free option while still helping to bind the fritters.

How do you serve Zucchini Cakes?

Zucchini fritters, often called zucchini cakes, are incredibly versatile! I love serving them with a dollop of sour cream and a touch of hot sauce for a kick, or with a fresh Tzatziki sauce. You can also top them with grated Parmesan cheese, crumbled feta cheese, or even a sprinkle of blue cheese for added richness. They make a fantastic side dish or a light main course.

Can I make zucchini fritter batter ahead of time?

While you can prepare the shredded zucchini and squeeze out the moisture a few hours in advance, it’s best to mix the batter (with egg and flour) right before you plan to air fry. The zucchini will continue to release moisture over time, even after squeezing, which can lead to a less firm batter and soggier fritters if left to sit too long.

Perfectly crispy Zucchini fritters arranged beautifully on a white plate, ready to serve.

I genuinely hope you enjoyed this recipe for making crispy zucchini fritters in your air fryer. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy vegetables, and a delicious addition to any meal plan, especially if you’re looking for low-carb options. For even more air fryer inspiration, check out these related recipes:

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Close up of stacked crispy air fryer zucchini fritters.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars (7 votes)

Servings: 5

Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters

By: Jen

These easy Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters are a huge hit at my house. So much that they disappear as fast as I can make them. If you’re looking for a delicious, crispy, low carb snack, this is going to be a good one!

Prep time: 10 mins | Cook time: 12 mins | Total time: 22 mins

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Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Box Grater (or Food Processor)
  • Mixing Bowls
  • Ice Cream Scoop (or large spoon)

Ingredients

  • 2-3 medium/large zucchini
  • 1 Tablespoon salt
  • 1 large egg
  • 3 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Take a grater and shred 2 or 3 medium zucchini.
  2. Add salt to the grated zucchini and mix. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes and then drain out all the water and excess liquid out of the fresh zucchini with a strong paper towel or clean kitchen towel.
  3. Preheat air fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit (180°C). Prepare the air fryer basket with nonstick spray or parchment paper if needed.
  4. Whisk together the egg.
  5. In a medium mixing bowl, add the egg, flour, and spices to the shredded zucchini. Mix well.
  6. Use an ice cream scoop to scoop 2 tbsp of the zucchini fritter batter and place into the bottom of the prepared air fryer basket. You should be able to make 4-5 fritters per batch, leaving room in between each one.
  7. Spray the tops of each fritter with cooking spray for a crispier fritter. Olive oil spray is recommended.
  8. Air fry the zucchini fritters for about 12 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
  9. Let cool for a few minutes and then serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

  • This recipe was made using a Cosori 5.8qt Air Fryer. If you are using a different brand of air fryer, you may need to adjust the cook times by adding or taking away a minute or two.
  • No one wants soggy zucchini fritters, so make sure you squeeze out as much liquid from the zucchini as possible with a strong paper towel or cheese cloth. This step is non-negotiable for crispy results!
  • The skin of the zucchini has extra vitamins and nutrients and also gives the fritters a bit of added color. I typically will skin one of the zucchini and leave the other with the skin on for a balance.

Nutrition

Calories: 47kcal, Carbohydrates: 7g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 33mg, Sodium: 1415mg, Potassium: 243mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 2g, Vitamin A: 305IU, Vitamin C: 14mg, Calcium: 23mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation.