There’s something so satisfying about a crispy little fritter, especially when it manages to be both light and flavorful at the same time. These air fryer zucchini fritters check all the boxes — crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside, and full of cheesy, herby flavor. Plus, since they’re cooked in the air fryer, they feel lighter than the pan-fried version, but you still get that golden crispness.
I started making these one summer when zucchini seemed to be taking over my kitchen garden, and now they’re my go-to whenever I need a quick snack or an easy side dish. The air fryer does most of the work, and all you have to do is a little mixing and shaping.
Ingredients You’ll Need
2 medium zucchinis
1 teaspoon salt
1 egg
⅓ cup flour (almond flour works too)
⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 green onion, finely chopped
Sour cream and extra green onion for garnish (optional)
Tip: Grating the zucchini and salting it to draw out excess water is the key to making sure your fritters turn out crispy instead of soggy. Don’t skip that step!
How to Make Them
Start by grating the zucchini over a strainer placed on a clean towel. Sprinkle it with salt, mix it well, and let it sit for a few minutes so it releases its water. While that’s happening, whisk together the egg, flour, Parmesan cheese, baking powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and chopped green onion in a bowl.
Next, pat the zucchini dry with a towel — squeeze gently to get rid of as much water as possible — and add it into the bowl. Stir until you have a uniform batter that holds together. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray the basket with oil. Shape the mixture into four fritters and place them in the basket. Cook for 10 minutes, flip carefully, and cook for another 5 minutes until golden and crisp.
Serve them warm, with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh green onion if you like. They’re delicious on their own but also make a great side to grilled chicken or fish.
Why You’ll Love These Fritters
They’re quick, wholesome, and a fun way to sneak in extra vegetables. The Parmesan gives them a rich, savory flavor while the zucchini keeps them light. Plus, the air fryer means you don’t have to hover over a frying pan or deal with excess oil.
Storage and Serving
These fritters are best eaten fresh from the air fryer when they’re still crispy, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. To reheat, just pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes to bring back the crunch.
They make a great snack, appetizer, or side dish, and I promise they’ll disappear quickly at the table.