Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters

Table of Contents

Ingredients:

2 medium zucchinis
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free option)
1/4 cup grated mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (such as basil, parsley, or dill)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 egg, beaten
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Cooking spray or oil for greasing the air fryer basket

Instructions:

Prepare the Zucchini:
- Grate the zucchinis using a box grater or food processor.
- Place the grated zucchini in a colander or sieve, sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of salt, and allow it to sit for about 10 minutes. The salt will help draw out excess moisture from the zucchini.
Squeeze Out Excess Moisture:
- After the 10 minutes, use your hands to squeeze and press the grated zucchini to remove as much moisture as possible. You can also wrap the zucchini in a clean kitchen towel and twist to extract more water. This step is important to prevent soggy fritters.
Mix the Fritter Batter:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the drained zucchini, grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, grated mozzarella cheese, chopped fresh herbs, minced garlic, beaten egg, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly until everything is well-combined.
Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
Form the Fritters:
- Shape the zucchini mixture into small patties or fritters. You can make them small (about 2 inches wide) for even cooking.
Grease the Air Fryer Basket:
- Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or a small amount of oil to prevent the fritters from sticking.
Cook the Fritters:
- Arrange the zucchini fritters in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure there’s some space between each fritter. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.
- Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes. Flip the fritters halfway through the cooking time for an even golden brown finish. The fritters should be crispy and golden when done.
Serve:
- Remove the fritters from the air fryer and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
- Serve the zucchini fritters hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as tzatziki, marinara sauce, or garlic aioli.

Q&A for Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters:

Q1: Can I make these zucchini fritters ahead of time?

A1: Yes, you can prepare the fritters ahead of time. After forming them into patties, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. You can also freeze them. To freeze, place the fritters in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. To cook, just air fry from frozen, adding an extra 2-3 minutes to the cooking time.

Q2: Can I substitute the breadcrumbs with something else?

A2: Yes! If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs, oat flour, or even almond flour as a substitute for regular breadcrumbs. For a lower-carb option, almond flour works great.

Q3: How do I know when the fritters are done cooking?

A3: The fritters are done when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. You can also check the internal temperature with a thermometer – it should reach around 165°F (74°C). Flip them halfway through the cooking time to ensure an even golden color.

Q4: Can I use frozen zucchini?

A4: It’s best to use fresh zucchini for this recipe, as frozen zucchini tends to release too much moisture and may make the fritters soggy. If using frozen zucchini, ensure you thaw and squeeze out as much moisture as possible before using it.

Q5: Can I add other vegetables to the fritters?

A5: Absolutely! You can add other grated vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or even sweet potatoes to mix up the flavor and texture. Just be sure to squeeze out any excess moisture from these veggies as well.

Q6: What’s the best dipping sauce to serve with these fritters?

A6: Zucchini fritters pair well with a variety of dipping sauces. Tzatziki, marinara sauce, garlic aioli, or even a simple sour cream dip work great. If you like a bit of spice, try a sriracha mayo or a creamy chipotle sauce.

Enjoy these crispy, savory zucchini fritters as a healthy snack or appetizer. The air fryer makes them crispy without the need for deep frying, making them a lighter and healthier option!