Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters

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Golden, crispy on the outside, and perfectly tender on the inside, these Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters are the ultimate way to enjoy fresh zucchini. They’re lightly seasoned, packed with herbs, and made even more irresistible with a creamy dipping sauce on the side. Whether you’re serving them as a quick snack, a savory appetizer, or a veggie-loaded side dish, they deliver on both flavor and texture—without deep frying.

Thanks to the air fryer, these fritters come together quickly and with minimal oil, making them a healthier option than traditional pan-fried versions. Zucchini shines as the star ingredient, while Parmesan and herbs boost the flavor to new heights. They’re ideal for summer when zucchini is abundant, but honestly, they’re crave-worthy any time of year.

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters Recipe

• Light, crispy, and satisfying without excess oil
• Easy to make with just a few fresh ingredients
• Great way to use up garden zucchini
• Kid-friendly and perfect for dipping
• Naturally vegetarian and adaptable to gluten-free diets

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make the best zucchini fritters, you’ll need just a few kitchen essentials:

• Box Grater or Food Processor: Crucial for shredding the zucchini quickly and finely.
• Cheesecloth or Clean Kitchen Towel: Used to squeeze out excess moisture from the zucchini. This step is key to achieving crispiness.
• Mixing Bowls: One for the zucchini, another for combining the batter.
• Air Fryer: The star of this method—gives the fritters a golden, crispy finish without frying in oil.
• Spatula or Scoop: Helps shape and transfer the batter into patties for the fryer.

Each tool plays an important role in delivering fritters that are crisp, golden, and cooked evenly throughout.

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Preparation Tips

Always start by salting your shredded zucchini and letting it sit for about 10 minutes to draw out moisture—this is essential for crisp texture. Be generous when squeezing the liquid out, as excess water will lead to soggy fritters. Don’t overmix the batter; just stir until the ingredients are combined. When shaping the fritters, make sure they’re compact but not too thick, so they cook evenly in the air fryer. Preheating the air fryer for a few minutes ensures a better sear and crunch on the outside. Finally, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket; leave space between fritters for hot air to circulate.

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Ingredients for This Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters Recipe

• 2 medium zucchinis, grated
• 1 teaspoon salt (for drawing moisture)
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free)
• 1 large egg
• 2 green onions, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or dill)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Olive oil spray (for air frying)

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Step 1: Prep the Zucchini

Grate the zucchini using a box grater or food processor. Place it in a bowl, sprinkle with salt, and let it sit for 10 minutes. This helps draw out moisture, which is essential for crispy fritters.

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Step 2: Squeeze Out Moisture

Transfer the salted zucchini to a cheesecloth or clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. The drier the zucchini, the crispier the fritters.

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Step 3: Mix the Batter

In a large bowl, combine the squeezed zucchini, Parmesan cheese, flour, egg, green onions, parsley, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir until well mixed, but avoid overmixing.

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Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat for about 3 minutes. This helps the fritters get an initial crisp when placed in the basket.

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Step 5: Shape the Fritters

Use your hands or a scoop to form the zucchini mixture into small patties, about 2-3 inches wide. Flatten them slightly so they cook evenly.

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Step 6: Air Fry the Fritters

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray. Place the fritters in a single layer with space between them. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

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Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the fritters hot, optionally garnished with more green onions or parsley. Pair with a dipping sauce like sour cream, tzatziki, or garlic yogurt.

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Notes

Zucchini contains a lot of water, so it’s essential to drain it thoroughly before mixing your batter—this makes the difference between soggy and crispy fritters. For a richer flavor, you can add a tablespoon of finely grated onion or swap Parmesan with sharp cheddar. The recipe is forgiving, so you can experiment with herbs like dill, basil, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Skipping the moisture removal: If the zucchini isn’t properly squeezed, your fritters will turn out mushy.
• Overcrowding the air fryer: Without enough space, hot air won’t circulate and the fritters won’t crisp up evenly.
• Not preheating the air fryer: A cold start can lead to uneven browning and soggy texture.
• Using too much flour: This can make the fritters doughy rather than light and veggie-packed.
• Undercooking: Check both sides for a golden-brown color before serving—if they look pale, give them a few extra minutes.

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Storage Instructions

Let the fritters cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes to bring back their crispiness. You can also freeze cooked fritters between layers of parchment paper for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in the air fryer until warmed through and crisp.

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Estimated Nutrition

(Per fritter, based on a recipe making 10 fritters)

• Calories: ~90 kcal
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 1g
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Cholesterol: 25mg
• Sodium: 180mg
• Sugar: 1g

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these zucchini fritters gluten-free?

Yes! Just substitute the all-purpose flour with almond flour, chickpea flour, or a gluten-free blend.

How do I keep the fritters from falling apart?

Make sure to squeeze out the zucchini well and don’t skip the egg—it acts as a binder.

Can I use yellow squash instead of zucchini?

Absolutely. Yellow squash works just as well and brings a slightly different flavor profile.

What sauce goes best with these fritters?

Garlic yogurt, sour cream, or a light tzatziki are all great options for dipping.

Can I prep the batter ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the batter and refrigerate it for up to 8 hours before cooking.

How many fritters does this recipe yield?

You should get about 10 fritters from the quantities listed.

Can I cook these in a pan instead of an air fryer?

Yes. Pan-fry in a bit of oil over medium heat, flipping once, until both sides are golden.

Do I need to peel the zucchini?

No need—just wash them well. The skin adds texture and nutrients.

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Conclusion

Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters are the perfect mix of healthy, quick, and delicious. With minimal ingredients and a speedy cook time, you’ll have a crispy, veggie-packed dish in no time. Perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or light dinners, these fritters prove that healthy doesn’t have to mean boring. Give them a try and see how addictively tasty they are!

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