If you’ve got a couple of zucchinis and an air fryer, you’re halfway to a fast, feel-good snack or side. These zucchini fritters cook up golden and crisp without a ton of oil, and they’re ready in about 20 minutes. They’re light on the inside, crunchy on the outside, and perfect for dipping.
Serve them as an appetizer, pack them in lunch boxes, or add them to a simple salad for a complete meal.
Why This Recipe Works
- Air fryer = crisp without the grease: Hot, circulating air dries the surface quickly, creating a crunchy crust with minimal oil.
- Salting the zucchini draws out moisture: Removing excess water keeps the fritters from turning soggy.
- Simple binders hold everything together: Egg and a mix of flour and Parmesan create a sturdy, tender patty that doesn’t fall apart.
- Quick cook time: No standing over a skillet. Batch-cook easily and keep warm while you finish the rest.
What You’ll Need
- 2 medium zucchinis (about 1 lb), coarsely grated
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (for draining moisture)
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan (adds flavor and helps with crisping)
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free all-purpose blend)
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped green onion or chives
- 1 small garlic clove, minced (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)
- Olive oil spray or neutral cooking spray
- To serve: lemon wedges, Greek yogurt or sour cream, or your favorite dip
Instructions
- Prep the zucchini: Grate the zucchinis on the large holes of a box grater. Toss with 1 teaspoon salt and let sit in a bowl or colander for 10 minutes.
- Squeeze out moisture: Transfer the grated zucchini to a clean kitchen towel or several paper towels.
Squeeze hard to remove as much water as possible. The drier it is, the crispier the fritters.
- Make the batter: In a medium bowl, whisk the egg. Stir in Parmesan, flour, green onion, garlic (if using), pepper, and paprika.
Fold in the squeezed zucchini until well combined. The mixture should be thick and scoopable, not runny.
- Preheat the air fryer: Set to 390°F (200°C) for 3 minutes. Lightly spray the basket with oil to prevent sticking.
- Form the fritters: Scoop 2 tablespoons of mixture per fritter and gently flatten into 2.5–3-inch patties.
Don’t make them too thick or they won’t crisp well.
- Air fry the first batch: Arrange fritters in a single layer with space between them. Lightly spray the tops. Cook for 7–9 minutes, flipping halfway and spraying again after flipping, until golden brown and crisp.
- Repeat: Continue with remaining batter.
Keep cooked fritters warm in a 225°F (110°C) oven if needed.
- Serve: Squeeze with lemon and serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt or your favorite dip. Add extra salt to taste if desired.
Keeping It Fresh
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Place paper towels between layers to absorb moisture.
- Reheat: Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes until hot and crisp again.
Avoid the microwave—it softens the crust.
- Freeze: Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in the air fryer at 380°F (193°C) for 6–8 minutes.
Benefits of This Recipe
- Lighter than pan-frying: You get the crunch with a fraction of the oil.
- Vegetable-forward and protein-friendly: Zucchini keeps it fresh, while egg and cheese add a bit of protein.
- Fast and flexible: Great as a snack, side, or base for a light meal.
- Kid- and freezer-friendly: Mild flavor, easy to reheat, and good for meal prep.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the squeeze: Excess moisture is the number-one reason fritters turn soggy or fall apart.
- Overcrowding the basket: Air needs to circulate. Cook in batches for even browning.
- Making patties too thick: Thick fritters won’t crisp and may taste doughy inside.
Aim for thin, even discs.
- Not spraying the basket: A little oil prevents sticking and boosts browning.
- Under-seasoning: Zucchini is mild. Taste a test fritter and adjust salt, pepper, and lemon as needed.
Variations You Can Try
- Cheesy corn fritters: Add 1/2 cup corn kernels and swap Parmesan for shredded cheddar.
- Herb-loaded: Stir in chopped dill, parsley, or basil for a fresh twist.
- Spiced kick: Add 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne. Serve with harissa yogurt.
- Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend or 1/4 cup almond flour plus 2 tablespoons cornstarch.
- Protein boost: Add 1/4 cup crumbled feta or cooked, finely chopped shrimp or chicken.
- Vegan option: Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flax + 3 tablespoons water; rest 10 minutes) and use 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
FAQ
How do I keep the fritters from falling apart?
Make sure the zucchini is well drained and squeezed dry.
If the mixture still feels loose, add 1–2 extra tablespoons of flour, a little at a time, until it holds its shape when pressed into a patty.
Can I bake these instead of air frying?
Yes. Bake on a parchment-lined sheet at 425°F (220°C) for 12–15 minutes, flip, then bake 6–8 minutes more. Spray both sides with oil for better browning.
What dipping sauces work best?
Try lemon-garlic yogurt, tzatziki, chipotle mayo, pesto, or a simple squeeze of lemon with flaky salt.
These pair well with both creamy and zesty dips.
Do I need to peel the zucchini?
No. The skin is tender and adds color and nutrients. Just wash, trim the ends, and grate.
Can I make the mixture ahead?
It’s best cooked fresh, but you can grate and salt the zucchini up to a day ahead.
Store it squeezed and dry in the fridge, then mix with the remaining ingredients just before cooking.
Why are my fritters pale?
They likely need a bit more oil spray or a higher temperature. Make sure the air fryer is preheated and the fritters have space. Flip halfway and spray again.
What if my air fryer runs hot?
Reduce the temperature to 375°F (190°C) and check a minute or two early.
Every air fryer cooks a bit differently, so watch the first batch and adjust.
Can I use yellow squash?
Absolutely. Yellow squash works the same way. Grate, salt, squeeze, and follow the recipe as written.
How thick should the patties be?
Aim for roughly 1/3 inch thick and about 2.5–3 inches wide.
This gives a crisp exterior and a tender center without going mushy.
What can I serve with these fritters?
They’re great with a simple salad, grilled chicken or fish, or a bowl of soup. For brunch, add poached eggs and smoked salmon.
Wrapping Up
Air fryer zucchini fritters are a fast, healthy way to turn basic ingredients into something crisp and satisfying. With a quick squeeze, a few pantry staples, and a hot basket, you’ll have golden fritters in minutes.
Keep a couple of zucchinis on hand and this can be your go-to snack, side, or light meal any day of the week. Enjoy them fresh, share them hot, and don’t forget the lemon.