Name: Crispy Zucchini Fritters: The Ultimate Air Fryer Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 medium zucchini, grated; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 large egg, lightly beaten; 1/4 cup all purpose flour; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil, for frying (or cooking spray for air fryer zucchini)

Crispy zucchini fritters, oh where do I even begin? These little bites of sunshine are more than just food to me; they’re a taste of my grandma’s garden, a whisper of summer evenings spent chasing fireflies. I remember her making these every year with the first harvest, and the aroma alone could bring the whole family running. Now it’s my turn to share the love, and these crispy zucchini fritters are about to become your new favorite way to use that end of summer bounty!

crispy zucchini fritters - Detail or variation — Close-up detail

Why You Will Love This crispy zucchini fritters Recipe

This recipe is pure comfort food, made even better because it’s incredibly quick and easy. Forget complicated recipes that take all afternoon. These crispy zucchini fritters come together in a flash, perfect for a weeknight snack or a weekend brunch. The fresh zucchini flavor shines through, complemented by the savory parmesan cheese and a hint of garlic.

What makes this recipe so special is the crispy exterior and tender interior. It’s a textural masterpiece! Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce, and you’ve got a dish that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Plus, leftovers (if there *are* any) are just as delicious the next day.

Ingredients Needed for This crispy zucchini fritters Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delectable crispy zucchini fritters:

2 medium zucchini, grated
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1/4 cup all purpose flour
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil, for frying (or cooking spray for air fryer zucchini)Preparation proces

How to Make This crispy zucchini fritters Recipe

Get ready to have delicious, crispy zucchini fritters on your table in no time!

Grate the zucchini using a box grater or a food processor. Place the grated zucchini in a colander set over a bowl. Sprinkle with salt and let it sit for 15 minutes to drain excess moisture. This step is CRUCIAL for achieving fritters that aren’t soggy.
After 15 minutes, squeeze as much excess moisture as possible from the zucchini. I like to use my hands or a clean kitchen towel to press out the liquid. A bonus tip: the drier the zucchini, the crispier your fritters!
In a medium bowl, combine the drained zucchini, egg, flour, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and black pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Alternatively, preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). See below for air fryer zucchini directions.
For skillet: Drop spoonfuls of the zucchini mixture into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 2 3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
For air fryer zucchini: Spray your air fryer basket with cooking spray. Working in batches, place fritters in a single layer into the air fryer basket. Cook for approximately 8 10 minutes, flipping the fritters halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. For another great zucchini side dish, check out this Cheesy Zucchini Air Fryer recipe!
Remove the crispy zucchini fritters from the skillet or air fryer and place them on a paper towel lined plate to drain excess oil.
Serve immediately and enjoy! Or, experiment with even more savory combinations within this Sauted Chicken Zucchini recipe.

How to Serve This crispy zucchini fritters Recipe

These crispy zucchini fritters are incredibly versatile. Serve them as a simple appetizer, a side dish to grilled chicken or fish, or even as a light lunch with a side salad.

Pair them with a variety of dipping sauces, such as:

Ranch dressing
Sour cream
Tzatziki sauce
Marinara sauce
Garlic aioli

For a more substantial meal, top them with a fried egg and a dollop of your favorite sauce.

How to Store This crispy zucchini fritters Recipe

Leftover crispy zucchini fritters can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

For longer storage, you can freeze them. Place the cooled fritters in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1 2 hours, or until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag or container and store for up to 2 months.

To reheat, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 5 7 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. You can also reheat them in an air fryer for a few minutes. Reheating them in a skillet is possible, but be careful not to burn them, as they’ll heat up quickly.

Tips to Make This crispy zucchini fritters Recipe

Don’t skip the salting and draining: This step is essential for removing excess moisture from the zucchini and preventing soggy fritters.
Squeeze, squeeze, squeeze: The more moisture you remove, the better. Get in there and squeeze out every last drop.
Don’t overcrowd the pan or air fryer: This will lower the temperature and result in steaming the fritters instead of frying them.
Use hot oil or a preheated air fryer: This will ensure a crispy exterior.

Helpful Notes for This crispy zucchini fritters Recipe

You can use any type of zucchini for this recipe, but smaller zucchini tend to have fewer seeds and less moisture.
Feel free to add other vegetables to the fritters, such as shredded carrots, onions, or bell peppers.
Adjust the amount of flour to your liking. If the batter seems too wet, add a little more flour.
Fresh herbs, like dill or parsley, can elevate your crispy zucchini fritters.

Variation of This crispy zucchini fritters Recipe

Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the batter for a little heat.
Herby: Mix in fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or chives for added flavor.
Cheesy: Use a different type of cheese, such as mozzarella, cheddar, or feta.
For another quick snack, check out these delicious Crispy Air Fryer Green Beans!

Conclusion

These crispy zucchini fritters are a delightful way to enjoy the flavors of summer. They’re easy to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for any occasion. So grab some zucchini, get cooking, and let me know what you think! And don’t forget to share your creations with me in the comments below. I can’t wait to hear what you think of these crispy zucchini fritters!