These Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters are perfectly crispy on the outside and soft and warm on the inside, without any of the mess, hassle, or calories from frying oil. They're the perfect way to use fresh zucchini that even the kids will gobble up.
Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters
Zucchini is one of the few veggies that my kids object to. They don't like the texture when cooked. But when I whip up these air fryer zucchini fritters, they're always begging for more! And who could blame them.
These air fryer zucchini fritters are golden and crispy on the outside, and soft and warm on the inside, with a hint of salty-nuttiness from the parmesan. We love to top ours with sour cream and fresh chives.
Air fryer zucchini fritters are a healthy way to make a delicious savory comfort food, without the mess or calories from frying oil.
Do You Need to Take the Skin off Before Making Zucchini Fritters in the Air Fryer?
Nope, no need. Just shred the zucchini with the skin on. It will soften as it cooks and you won't even know it's there. Plus, leaving it adds a little extra fiber to the dish.
Recipe Variations
This is a great recipe already, and it's also a great base ready if you're looking to get a little creative with flavors. Try these variations.
- Your favorite cheese - the recipe calls for Parmesan. You can also add up to a half-cup of any of your favorite cheese, such as gouda, smoked cheddar, or pepper Jack.
- The spice factor - add some spice with a couple dashes of Tabasco, red pepper flakes, or chopped jalapeno (canned or fresh)
- More veggies - add some more vegetables to the mix, such as corn or chopped bell pepper. Be aware that adding more vegetables may require you to add more filling and egg to keep the fritter from falling apart.
- Fresh herbs - add chives, fresh parsley, basil, oregano, or whatever fresh herb you have on hand or growing in your garden.
How Do You Know When Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters Are Done?
Think of zucchini fritters like little pancakes filled with zucchini. You can tell they're done when they're browned and crispy on the outside. The inside will still be soft, but it will be set like a pancake, not gooey like raw batter. If your fritters are not cooked all the way through, pop them back in the air fryer for another minute or two.
How to Serve Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters
Air fryer zucchini fritters make a great side dish or snack, but they're also hearty enough to be the main course.
If you're serving them as a side dish, I like to make a simpler dish for the protein, like quickly grilled chicken legs or pork chops since air fryer zucchini fritters take a little more effort.
You can also serve them as a main dish alongside some rice or mashed potatoes and a fresh green salad.
Serve warm, preferably with a dipping sauce, such as sour cream, ranch, aioli, tzatziki, hot sauce, or remoulade.
Why Are My Zucchini Fritters Falling Apart?
If your zucchini fritters are falling apart, it's probably for one of these two reasons.
- The fritters are too wet. This might mean there's too much zucchini or that it's not strained properly (you can read more tips on how to strain and dry zucchini for fritters here.) You can remedy this by adding a little more flour and an egg to your batter.
- The fritters are undercooked in the center. This usually happens when the outsides cook too quickly and the center doesn't have enough time to cook through. To fix this, you can turn down your heat a little bit and make your fritters a little thinner in the pan.
How Do You Crisp Soggy Zucchini Fritters?
In the air fryer, of course! If your leftover fritter are a bit soggy, reheat them in the air fryer. Start at 370°F for about 3 minutes, cooking for an additional minute if necessary until they're crisped up and heated through.
How to Store and Freeze Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters
Air fryer zucchini fritters are best served immediately after cooking for freshest, crispiest results. Anything after that, may have a slightly more soggy texture. But if you have leftovers or you really need to make them ahead, here's what to do.
Storage
Zucchini fritters store well in airtight containers or baggies in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Freezer Directions
To freeze, lay cooked air fryer zucchini fritters flat in a single layer on a lined baking sheet. Place in the freezer for an hour or 2. Transfer fritters to a large freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before following the reheating instructions below.
Reheating Directions
To re-heat, place in the air fryer at 370°F for about 2-4 minutes or until crispy on the outside and heated through.
Alternatively, place fritters in a lightly greased skillet over medium heat and cook until warmed throughout OR place in a pre-heated 375 Fahrenheit oven until warmed throughout.
Less ideally, they can also be warmed in the microwave for 30 seconds to a minute. The microwave will be quick but leave your fritters pretty soggy.
More Zucchini Recipes You'll Love
- Air Fryer Zucchini Fries - a fun alternative to classic fries, and a great way to use up fresh zucchini. Make these garlicky, parmesan breaded zucchini fries in the air fryer and serve with your favorite sauce.
- Sauteed Zucchini and Summer Squash - my favorite summer time side dish. Quick, easy, and a hit every time!
- Vegetable Tian - a beautiful layered dish with fresh zucchini, yellow squash, potato, tomato, onions, and garlic, all baked in a dish and topped with freshly grated parmesan cheese.
- Lemon Zucchini Bread - a fresh lemony twist on classic zucchini bread.
- Taco Zucchini Boats - these are so good, you won't even believe they're good for you too!
Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters Video
Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters
Ingredients
- 1 pound zucchini (about 1 large or 2-3 medium)
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg lightly beaten
- ½ cup all purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped chives plus more for serving
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Sour cream for serving
Instructions
- Wash zucchini and trim off ends. Grate on the large holes of a box grater or using the grater attachment for the food processor.
- Place zucchini in a large colander over the sink. Toss with salt. Let sit 10 minutes.
- After 10 minutes, squeeze handfuls of zucchini tightly over the sink to remove extra water. You can also use a tea towel or cheesecloth to wring out the water. You should be left with about 1.5-2 cups dry zucchini.
- Add all ingredients, including zucchini, into a large mixing bowl and stir to combine.
- Drop batter by rounded tablespoonfuls, flattening with back of the spoon into air fryer (can line with parchment paper to prevent sticking.) (I can usually do 2-4 at a time, depending on air fryer size)
- Cook in air fryer at 370°F for 10 minutes. Serve when cooked through and crispy on the outside.
- Serve warm with a dollop of sour cream and chives for garnish.
Video
Notes
- To make this recipe dairy free, omit the parmesan.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To reheat, cook in the air fryer at 370°F for about 2-4 minutes or until heated through and crispy on the outside.
- Freezer Directions: Lay cooked air fryer zucchini fritters flat in a single layer on a lined baking sheet. Place in the freezer for an hour or 2. Transfer fritters to a large freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before following the reheating above.
Nutrition
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Casey Rooney says
We LOVED these! My kids loved them dipped in ranch dressing! Will def. be making again!
Toni says
I love the crispy outside and soft and yummy inside! Really amazing! Thanks for the recipe!
Ava M says
I can literally eat zucchini each day without getting bored. Is the most versatile and amazing vegetable in the world (IMO). Thank you so much for the easy recipe 🙂
Dana Sandonato says
I loved zucchini fritters as a kid. These are so much better! They don't end up greasy so you can actually feel good about eating them! Which is great because I couldn't stop eating them, lol.