I make these air fryer zucchini fritters whenever I have a couple of extra zucchini on hand. They come together quickly and are a reliable way to get a crisp, golden snack or side without much fuss. The air fryer keeps them light and avoids the mess of pan-frying.

These fritters are a staple in my kitchen because they’re versatile—great as an appetizer, tucked into a lunchbox, or served alongside grilled chicken for dinner. The aroma of fresh herbs and the sizzle as they cook is always inviting. I love the contrast between the tender inside and the crisp edges, especially when dipped in a little yogurt or sour cream.

What makes them special is how adaptable they are. I can tweak the herbs or cheese depending on what’s in the fridge, and they always turn out satisfying. They’re also a practical way to use up zucchini during peak season.

I usually serve them hot, straight from the air fryer, but they’re just as good at room temperature. The mild flavor and crunchy texture make them a hit with kids and adults alike.

Quick Facts

Why You’ll Love It

These air fryer zucchini fritters are easy, quick, and deliver satisfying crunch without deep-frying. They’re a great way to use up zucchini and work for snacks, sides, or light meals. The recipe is forgiving and easily customized to your taste.

• No need for deep frying—less mess and lighter result
• Crispy outside, tender inside
• Great for using up extra zucchini
• Customizable with different herbs or cheese
• Kid-friendly and freezer-friendly
• Ready in about 30 minutes

Ingredients

These fritters use basic pantry staples and fresh zucchini. Grated zucchini is combined with egg, flour, cheese, and herbs for flavor and structure. You can swap in what you have on hand for the herbs or cheese. Make sure to squeeze out the zucchini well for the best texture.

• 2 medium zucchini (about 1 pound), grated
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more for seasoning
• 1 large egg
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or dill
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• Olive oil spray

Step-by-Step Instructions

The key to crisp fritters is squeezing out as much moisture from the zucchini as possible. Mix everything in one bowl, shape into patties, and air fry until golden. You may need to cook in batches depending on your air fryer size.

1. Grate the zucchini and toss with 1/2 teaspoon salt. Let sit in a colander for 10 minutes.
2. Using a clean kitchen towel, squeeze out as much liquid from the zucchini as possible.
3. In a large bowl, beat the egg. Add the squeezed zucchini, flour, Parmesan, herbs, garlic powder, black pepper, and baking powder. Mix until combined.
4. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
5. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil.
6. Form the mixture into 8 small patties (about 2 tablespoons each) and place in the basket in a single layer. Work in batches if needed.
7. Lightly spray the tops of the fritters with olive oil.
8. Air fry for 7 minutes, flip, then air fry for another 7 minutes, until golden and crisp.
9. Remove and sprinkle with a little extra salt, if desired. Serve warm.

Chef Tips

Getting the right texture and flavor is all about a few small details. Here are some tips I’ve learned after making these fritters many times.

• Squeeze zucchini thoroughly to avoid soggy fritters.
• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer—work in batches.
• Use parchment or a silicone liner if your basket tends to stick.
• Add extra herbs for more flavor.
• Let fritters cool slightly to firm up before serving.
• Serve with a dip like Greek yogurt or sour cream.

Substitutions

This recipe is flexible, so you can swap ingredients based on what you have. Here are some easy substitutions that work well without sacrificing flavor or texture.

• Use whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose.
• Swap Parmesan for feta or shredded cheddar.
• Try chives, basil, or cilantro in place of parsley or dill.
• Add a pinch of chili flakes for heat.
• Replace garlic powder with 1 minced garlic clove.
• For dairy-free, omit cheese and add 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast.

Storage & Reheating

These fritters store well and can be reheated for quick snacks or lunches. Here’s how to keep them fresh and crisp.

• Store cooled fritters in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes to restore crispness.
• Freeze cooked fritters in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
• Reheat frozen fritters directly in the air fryer—add 2–3 extra minutes.
• Avoid microwaving, as it softens the texture.

Perfect Pairings

These fritters are versatile and pair well with a variety of dips, salads, or mains. I like to serve them with something tangy or fresh to balance the richness.

• Greek yogurt with lemon and herbs
• Simple green salad with vinaigrette
• Grilled chicken or salmon
• Chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc

FAQs

Home cooks often have a few common questions about making zucchini fritters in the air fryer. Here are some answers to help you get the best results every time.

Nutritional Note

Nutrition will vary by portion and substitutions, but each fritter is relatively light and provides a mix of vegetables, protein, and a bit of cheese.