• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
The Gracious Wife logo
  • Recipes
  • Family
    • Love & Marriage
    • Parenting
  • House & Home
    • Kitchen and Cooking Tips
    • Cleaning & Organization
    • Budget
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

Home » Recipes » Side Dishes

Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters

Aug 13, 2022 · 14 Comments

  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Yummly
  • Mix
Jump to Recipe Jump to Video
Collage with a stack of air fryer zucchini fritters topped with sour cream and fresh chopped chives on top, a fritter being dipped into a small bowl of sour cream topped with chopped chives on bottom, and the words "air fryer zucchini fritters" in the center.

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.

Stack of 4 air fryer zucchini fritters on a concrete background with a white linen. The top fritter is topped with sour cream and chives and there's a bite taken out

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.

Air fryer zucchini fritter in front of an air fryer being dipped into a small bowl of sour cream topped with chives.

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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.

Stack of 4 zucchini fritters on a concrete backdrop with chives scattered all around. The top fritter is topped with sour cream and chopped chives.

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

Stack of 4 zucchini fritters on a concrete backdrop with chives scattered all around. The top fritter is topped with sour cream and chopped chives.

Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters

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.
5 from 14 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 10 fritters
Calories: 47kcal
Author: Michelle

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

Serving: 1fritter | Calories: 47kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 18mg | Sodium: 225mg | Potassium: 156mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 148IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 50mg | Iron: 1mg
Did you make this recipe?I love seeing your creations. Snap a quick photo and mention @TheGraciousWife or tag #thegraciouswife on Instagram! Leave a STAR rating below!

Never Miss a Thing!

Join our newsletter to get new recipes, tips, tricks, and tutorials every week!

Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription.

There was an error submitting your subscription. Please try again.

Powered by ConvertKit
« Homemade Funfetti Cookies
Cinnamon Swirl Bread »
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Yummly
  • Mix

Appetizers, Dairy Free, Recipes, Side Dishes, Snacks, Snacks & Appetizers, Summer, Vegetarian, Veggies Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Casey Rooney says

    August 15, 2022 at 7:40 am

    We LOVED these! My kids loved them dipped in ranch dressing! Will def. be making again!

    Reply
  2. Toni says

    August 15, 2022 at 8:11 am

    I love the crispy outside and soft and yummy inside! Really amazing! Thanks for the recipe!

    Reply
  3. Ava M says

    August 15, 2022 at 8:18 am

    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 🙂

    Reply
  4. Dana Sandonato says

    August 15, 2022 at 8:53 am

    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.

    Reply
  5. Beth Sachs says

    October 06, 2022 at 7:56 am

    Another delicious recipe for my air fryer. So crispy on the outside. The kids loved them.

    Reply
  6. Glenda says

    October 06, 2022 at 8:11 am

    Being able to make these in the air fryer is game changing! Thanks for the terrific recipe.

    Reply
  7. Toni says

    October 06, 2022 at 8:14 am

    These were so good! Everyone at my house really enjoyed it!

    Reply
  8. Jen says

    October 06, 2022 at 8:34 am

    I really enjoy these zucchini fritters! They're delicious and easy to make!

    Reply
  9. Gloria Duggan says

    October 06, 2022 at 8:51 am

    Fritters are so delicious. I love my air fryer. These are perfect as a side dish or appetizer.

    Reply
  10. Dana Sandonato says

    October 29, 2022 at 7:17 am

    These are so perfectly crispy and I love how they aren't greasy! The air fryer is such a godsend.

    Reply
  11. Toni says

    October 29, 2022 at 8:22 am

    This is always a hit at my house!! My kids love these fritters every time!

    Reply
  12. Jen says

    October 29, 2022 at 9:03 am

    I enjoyed these fritters as snack!! So good and delish!

    Reply
  13. Gina Abernathy says

    October 29, 2022 at 9:06 am

    My family loved these. The crispy crunch was my favorite but the soft inside was amazing.

    Reply
  14. Kristine says

    October 29, 2022 at 9:10 am

    We loved these fritters. They're so flavorful and easy to make. Thanks for a GREAT recipe.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Picture of Michelle Medlin, The Gracious Wife

Hello! I'm Michelle!
I'm a comfort food lover and self-taught cook with five amazing kids and a firefighter husband, surviving mostly on coffee. I love to create easy and delicious family recipes, and share creative family tips I've learned along the way.
Welcome to The Gracious Wife!
MORE ABOUT ME>>

Spoon taking a bite out of curried carrot soup in a black matte bowl topped with a drizzle of cream, red pepper flakes, and fresh cilantro with a bunch of fresh cilantro and a linen napkin behind.

Curried Carrot Soup

Plate full of pan fried catfish next to lemon wedges next to a linen

Southern Pan Fried Catfish

A spoon taking a large scoop of turkey tetrazzini from a casserole dish

Turkey Tetrazzini

A red stuffed pepper topped with melted cheese and freshly chopped parsley with a bite taken out on a small white plate next to a fork.

Crock Pot Stuffed Peppers

Sloppy joe with a toasted bun sitting on a small plate in front of a Crock Pot

Crock Pot Sloppy Joes

Italian Beef Sandwich topped with provolone and giardiniera on a black plate with a second sandwich sitting behind.

Crock Pot Italian Beef Sandwiches

More Favorite Recipes

What's Trending Now:

  • A corner slice of chicken pot pie with golden crust on a small plate with a fork with a bite on it, on a rustic wood background with a striped linen The BEST Chicken Pot Pie
  • Biscuits stacked on a black matte plate on a white rustic wood background Southern Buttermilk Biscuits
  • Chicken Gnocchi Soup in a white bowl with a rustic wood background and breadsticks in a white and blue striped linen behind it. Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
  • Egg salad sandwich cut diagonally with the halves stacked on top of each other on a plate on a rustic wood background. Classic Egg Salad
  • Blueberry Cobbler topped with vanilla ice cream on a small white plate and the full cobbler in the background Blueberry Cobbler

Footer

  • About The Gracious Wife
  • Contact Us
  • Copyright Notice
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclosure

You can find me here too!

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Disclosure

The Gracious Wife is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. All our thoughts and opinions are our own and we are not paid for or mandated to provide a positive review.

2022© The Medlin Group
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • About Us

Copyright © 2023 The Gracious Wife ·

50 shares