Air-Fryer Zucchini Fritters: Quick, Healthy, And Delicious!

Zucchini fritters are a tasty and nutritious snack, appetizer, or side dish. They are usually fried or baked, but an air fryer can be used to make them without the mess and potential danger of deep-frying. The air fryer also reduces the amount of oil needed and makes cleanup easier. To make zucchini fritters in an air fryer, grate the zucchini and squeeze out the excess water, then mix in the other ingredients, form the mixture into patties, and air fry for 10–15 minutes.

Zucchini fritter ingredients

Zucchini fritters are a tasty and easy-to-make treat, perfect for using up a surplus of zucchini or summer squash. The basic ingredients are simple and available all year round in most grocery stores.

The key ingredient is, of course, zucchini. You will need about 1 pound of fresh zucchini, which is usually 2-3 medium-sized zucchini, or 1 large one. You can also add yellow squash for a summer squash fritter. The zucchini should be firm with minimal blemishes.

The next step is to grate the zucchini and then squeeze out as much water as possible using a cheesecloth, kitchen towel, or paper towels. This is an important step as zucchini naturally contains a lot of water, and if this moisture isn’t removed, it can result in soggy fritters.

Next, you will need a binding agent to help hold everything together and absorb excess moisture. Eggs are the most common binding agent used, with 1 large egg usually being enough. You can also add all-purpose flour to help bind the fritters, with some recipes calling for 1 and a half cups of flour.

To add flavour to your fritters, you can add various seasonings and ingredients. Some common additions include:

• Scallions or green onions
• Garlic
• Fresh dill or parsley
• Lemon zest
• Chives
• Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper
• Parmesan cheese
• Breadcrumbs
• Corn

Grating and mixing the batter

Zucchini has a high water content, so it's important to remove as much moisture as possible before mixing the batter to prevent soggy fritters. To do this, grate the zucchini, then place the shreds in a clean dish cloth or paper towel and squeeze out the water. You can also use a cheesecloth or a French press to extract the liquid. Adding salt to the zucchini and letting the mixture sit for about 10 minutes can also help draw out the moisture.

Once the zucchini is grated and dried, transfer it to a mixing bowl. The basic ingredients for zucchini fritters are zucchini, egg, flour, and seasonings, but you can also add breadcrumbs, cheese, herbs, and other flavourings. For extra crunch, try pressing a layer of breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds onto the outside of the fritters before frying.

In the mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients except the flour, baking powder, and oil spray. Mix well, then gently stir in the flour and baking powder until just combined. The batter should be firm enough to form patties; if it's too runny, add more flour.

Form the mixture into patties of uniform size. This helps the fritters cook evenly and ensures a consistent texture. You can chill the patties in the freezer for 5-10 minutes before frying to help them hold their shape better during cooking.

Forming the fritters

Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini Mixture

Start by grating the zucchini using a box grater or a food processor with a grating attachment. Place the shredded zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and wring out or squeeze as much liquid as possible to prevent soggy fritters. Transfer the dried zucchini to a mixing bowl and add the rest of your chosen ingredients, such as eggs, flour, cheese, breadcrumbs, herbs, and seasonings. Stir the mixture well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.

Step 2: Divide and Shape the Mixture

Divide the zucchini mixture into equal portions and shape them into patties of uniform size and thickness. This step ensures even cooking and a consistent texture throughout all the fritters. The size of the patties can vary, but they are typically around 3 inches in diameter. You can adjust the size according to your preference and the capacity of your air fryer.

Step 3: Optional Chill or Freeze

If your mixture seems too soft or you want to prepare the fritters ahead of time, you can place the formed patties in the freezer for 5-10 minutes or even chill them overnight in the refrigerator. This step helps the fritters hold their shape better during cooking and ensures they don't fall apart easily.

Step 4: Forming the Final Shape

After chilling, you can press down on the patties slightly to form the final fritter shape. If desired, you can also add a layer of breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds to the outside of the fritters for extra crunch.

Step 5: Arrange in the Air Fryer Basket

Lightly spray your air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking. Place the formed fritters into the basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overlapping or touching each other. Leave some space between each fritter to allow for proper air circulation and even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer basket, you might need to cook the fritters in batches.

Now that your fritters are formed and ready in the air fryer basket, you can proceed to cook them according to your preferred recipe and timing!

Cooking the fritters

Zucchini fritters are a quick, easy, and healthy snack or side dish that can be made in an air fryer. The air fryer is a handy kitchen gadget that crisps up foods to perfection, giving them a classic fried texture and taste with minimal oil.

Preparing the Zucchini:

First, shred or grate the zucchini using a box grater, a handheld cheese grater, or a food processor. Place the shredded zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or paper towel and wring out or squeeze as much liquid as possible to prevent soggy fritters. You can also use salt to draw out the moisture by adding a generous pinch of salt to the grated zucchini, mixing, and letting the mixture sit for about 10 minutes before draining out the water.

Mixing the Ingredients:

In a large bowl, mix the zucchini with the rest of the ingredients, including the binding agents (eggs, flour, and breadcrumbs), cheese, seasonings, and any vegetables or herbs you wish to add. Mix until all the ingredients are well combined, ensuring an even flavour throughout the fritters. The mixture should be firm enough to form patties. If it seems too soft, add more flour or chill the mixture in the freezer for 5-10 minutes.

Forming the Fritters:

Divide the mixture into equal portions and shape them into patties of uniform size. This helps them cook evenly and ensures a consistent texture. You can form the fritters by hand or use an ice cream scoop to portion out the batter.

Preheat your air fryer to 350-375°F (175-190°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil to prevent sticking. Place the zucchini patties in the basket in a single layer, making sure they are not touching each other to ensure proper air circulation and even cooking. Air fry for 10-15 minutes, flipping the patties halfway through. The fritters are done when they are golden brown and crispy. You can cook them for an additional minute or two if you want them crispier.

Storing and Reheating:

Leftover zucchini fritters can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They can be eaten cold, but they will lose their crispy texture. To reheat, place them in the air fryer or oven for a few minutes, but note that they may dry out.

Storing and reheating the fritters

Storing your zucchini fritters in an airtight container in the fridge will keep them fresh for up to four days. To prevent sogginess, which can occur due to the high water content of zucchinis, place a paper towel at the bottom of the container to absorb any excess moisture.

If you want to store them for longer, you can freeze uncooked zucchini fritters. First, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place the baking sheet in the freezer and freeze until the fritters are solid. Transfer them to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, label the container with the date, and freeze for up to three months.

To reheat refrigerated or frozen zucchini fritters, it is best to use an oven or air fryer. Reheating them in the air fryer will help retain their crispy texture. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F and heat the fritters for 4-5 minutes. Alternatively, you can reheat them in an oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes, or on a pan over medium heat until warm. Avoid using a microwave, as it may make the fritters soggy.

Frequently asked questions