Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthier Alternative: Air frying requires minimal oil, resulting in a lower-calorie dish without compromising on crispiness.
- Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can have these fritters ready in under 30 minutes.
- Versatile: Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, and easily customizable to suit various taste preferences.
- Kid-Friendly: A great way to incorporate vegetables into a meal that even picky eaters will enjoy.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 medium zucchini
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray or olive oil for brushing
Directions
-
Prepare the Zucchini:
- Grate the zucchini using a box grater.
- Place the grated zucchini in a colander, sprinkle with salt, and let it sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
- After 10 minutes, use a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth to squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the zucchini.
-
Mix the Batter:
- In a large bowl, combine the drained zucchini, beaten egg, grated Parmesan cheese, Panko breadcrumbs, all-purpose flour, minced garlic, baking powder, and black pepper.
- Stir until all ingredients are well incorporated and the mixture holds together.
-
Form the Fritters:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Scoop approximately 2 tablespoons of the mixture and shape it into a small patty.
- Repeat with the remaining mixture to form additional patties.
-
Cook the Fritters:
- Lightly spray or brush the air fryer basket with cooking oil to prevent sticking.
- Place the fritters in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they do not touch.
- Lightly spray or brush the tops of the fritters with oil to enhance crispiness.
- Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes.
- Carefully flip the fritters and continue cooking for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
-
Serve:
- Remove the fritters from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving.
- Serve warm, optionally accompanied by a dipping sauce such as sour cream, tzatziki, or marinara.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes approximately 8-10 fritters
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15-17 minutes
- Total Time: 30-32 minutes
Variations
- Cheesy Twist: Incorporate shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese into the batter for a gooey, cheesy center.
- Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs such as dill, parsley, or chives to the mixture for added flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes or finely chopped jalapeños to introduce some heat.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour and Panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Allow the fritters to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Arrange cooled fritters in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 1 month.
- Reheating: To reheat, place fritters in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
FAQs
How do I prevent the fritters from becoming soggy?
Ensuring that you thoroughly drain and squeeze out excess moisture from the grated zucchini is crucial to achieving crispy fritters.
Can I bake these fritters instead of air frying?
Yes, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the fritters on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.
What dipping sauces pair well with zucchini fritters?
Popular options include sour cream, tzatziki, marinara sauce, or a simple garlic aioli.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
It’s best to cook the fritters immediately after preparing the batter to prevent the mixture from becoming too watery.
Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters
Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters are a light and flavorful way to enjoy zucchini. Air-frying minimizes oil use, making them a healthier alternative to traditional fried fritters. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, these fritters are quick, easy, and family-friendly!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-17 minutes
- Total Time: ~30 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 fritters
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchini, grated
- 1 tsp salt (to remove moisture)
- 1 large egg, beaten
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup Panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Cooking spray or olive oil, for brushing
Instructions
Prepare the Zucchini:
- Grate zucchini using a box grater.
- Place grated zucchini in a colander over the sink. Sprinkle with salt and let sit for 10 minutes.
- After 10 minutes, squeeze out as much liquid as possible using a kitchen towel or cheesecloth.
2. Mix the Batter:
- In a large bowl, combine:
- Drained zucchini
- Beaten egg
- Parmesan cheese
- Panko breadcrumbs
- All-purpose flour
- Minced garlic
- Baking powder
- Black pepper
- Stir until well combined and the mixture holds together.
3. Form the Fritters:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.
- Scoop 2 tbsp of the mixture and shape into small patties.
- Repeat until all the mixture is used.
4. Cook the Fritters:
- Lightly spray or brush the air fryer basket with cooking oil.
- Place fritters in a single layer (do not overcrowd).
- Lightly spray or brush the tops with oil to enhance crispiness.
- Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes.
- Flip and air fry for another 5-7 minutes, until golden brown & crispy.
5. Serve & Enjoy:
- Let fritters cool slightly before serving.
- Serve warm with dipping sauce (such as tzatziki, sour cream, or marinara).
Notes
- Cheesy Twist: Add shredded cheddar or mozzarella for a gooey center.
- Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh parsley, dill, or chives for extra flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or finely chopped jalapeños.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
- Extra Crispy: Add 1 tbsp cornstarch to the batter for even more crunch.
