Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters Recipe

Healthy, Crispy, and Irresistible: Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters Recipe

There’s something magical about summertime — the longer days, the vibrant farmer’s markets, and especially the fresh, overflowing baskets of veggies like zucchini. Every year when the season hits, I’m looking for fun, easy snacks to make with the bounty. One dish I always come back to? These Healthy, Crispy, and Irresistible Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters.

They’re the perfect mix of healthy and comforting. They’re crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and unbelievably easy to whip up in an air fryer — my absolute favorite kitchen gadget.

And today, I’m sharing not just my go-to zucchini fritters recipe air fryer version, but also some personal tips, tricks, and product recommendations to make your fritters the best you’ve ever tasted!

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Why Zucchini Fritters Are the Best Healthy Snack

Zucchini fritters check all the boxes for a healthy, satisfying snack. They're packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals from fresh vegetables, and when you use an air fryer instead of deep-frying, you cut down significantly on oil and fat.

And if you’re thinking about easy side dishes or light lunches, these little patties are so versatile! They pair beautifully with salads, grilled meats, or even stand on their own with a delicious dip.

Bonus: If you’re following a vegan or plant-based lifestyle, you can easily adapt the recipe without losing flavor or crunch. I’ll share a quick vegan tip later!

If you’re asking yourself what to do with huge zucchini from your garden this summer — this is your answer.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s exactly what you’ll need to create these crispy little bites of heaven:

2 cups grated zucchini (about 2 medium zucchinis)

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for vegan version)

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

1 large egg (or flax egg for vegan: 1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water)

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Olive oil spray (for air frying)

Optional Add-ins:

1/4 cup chopped scallions

1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (for a spicy kick)

How to Make the Best Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters (Step-by-Step)

Making these fritters is almost effortless — but a few small steps make a huge difference!

Step 1: Prep Your Zucchini

After you shred or grate your zucchini, place it in a colander over a bowl. Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt and toss gently. Let it sit for 10 minutes — this pulls the water out.

Afterward, squeeze the zucchini using a clean towel or cheesecloth until almost dry. (Trust me, this step is essential for crispy fritters!)

Step 2: Mix It Up

In a large bowl, combine:

Grated, squeezed zucchini

1/4 cup flour

1/4 cup Parmesan (if using)

2 tablespoons parsley

1 egg (or flax egg)

2 cloves minced garlic

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Mix everything well until a thick batter forms.

Step 3: Shape and Cook

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

Scoop about 2 tablespoons of batter per fritter, shape into patties, and place them into the basket in a single layer (don’t overcrowd!).

Spray the tops lightly with olive oil spray.

Air fry for 8 minutes, then flip and spray again.

Cook for another 5–7 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.

Your kitchen will smell amazing — earthy, savory, and fresh!

Amazon Must-Have #1: Best Air Fryer for Perfect Fritters

Ninja AF101 Air Fryer

If you’re serious about making the best air fryer snacks, investing in a top-quality air fryer is key. I love the Ninja AF101 because it heats evenly, has a perfect-sized basket for small batches like fritters, and is easy to clean.

Get the Ninja AF101 Air Fryer here on Amazon!

Don’t wait — your crispy fritters will thank you!

Tips for Super Crispy Zucchini Fritters

Here’s how to ensure your fritters are extra crispy:

Drain the zucchini thoroughly. Even a little extra moisture makes a big difference!

Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary.

Lightly spray with oil. This helps mimic that “fried” texture without the extra calories.

Use baking powder. It adds a slight puff that gives lightness to the fritters.

When I started testing air fryer fritters years ago, I realized that these tiny adjustments made the difference between soggy fritters and that perfect crunch.

Variations and Add-Ins

While I adore the classic version, you can totally customize your zucchini fritters:

Vegan Version: Use flax egg and skip Parmesan. Add 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor.

Spicy Kick: Add 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes or diced jalapeños.

Extra Veggies: Fold in shredded carrots or chopped spinach for more veggie power!

It’s the perfect way to sneak in more fresh vegetables — especially for picky eaters.

Amazon Must-Have #2: Best Shredder for Veggies

OXO Good Grips Box Grater

Getting evenly grated zucchini is so much easier with a sturdy box grater. The OXO Good Grips Box Grater is my personal favorite because it’s super sharp but safe, and it has a handy container that catches the shredded veggies underneath.

Grab the OXO Good Grips Box Grater on Amazon here!

Level up your prep game today — you’ll use it for so much more than just zucchini!

What to Serve with Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters

There are so many fun ways to enjoy your fritters:

As Easy Snacks: Dip in Greek yogurt, ranch dressing, or spicy mayo.

As a Light Lunch: Serve with a big green salad and a drizzle of lemon vinaigrette.

As Side Dishes: Pair with grilled chicken, salmon, or veggie burgers.

I love setting out a big tray of these for summer parties — they disappear fast!

What to Do with Huge Zucchini? Make Fritters!

When zucchini grows huge in the summer garden, it can be overwhelming. But huge zucchini are perfect for fritters!

Simply slice them open, scoop out any extra seeds, and grate the firm flesh.

Because larger zucchini tend to be more watery, just make sure to squeeze the shredded zucchini extra well before using.

Your fritters will still turn out crispy, flavorful, and packed with summery goodness.

Amazon Must-Have #3: Best Serving Platter for Snacks

Sweese Porcelain Serving Platter Set (Set of 3)

Presentation is everything, right? I love plating my fritters on these Sweese Porcelain Platters — they’re elegant, durable, and just the right size for serving a big batch beautifully.

Elevate your summer snacks — get the Sweese Platters here on Amazon!

Perfect for everything from fritters to fruit platters!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I freeze air fryer zucchini fritters?

Yes! Let them cool completely, then freeze in a single layer. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5–6 minutes for a crispy texture.

How do I make them extra crispy?

Drain your zucchini really well, don’t overcrowd the basket, and spray lightly with oil.

How do I make these vegan?

Use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) and skip the Parmesan cheese.

Conclusion: Your New Favorite Summer Snack!

There’s just something so satisfying about taking a simple, fresh vegetable and turning it into something crave-worthy.

These Healthy, Crispy, and Irresistible Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters are hands-down one of my favorite easy snacks to make all summer long.

I hope you feel inspired to grab that huge zucchini sitting on your counter, shred it up, and treat yourself to these golden beauties.

If you try this zucchini fritters recipe air fryer style, I’d love to hear about it! Share your creations, variations, or questions in the comments. And don’t forget to pin and share this post to inspire other veggie lovers too!

Happy cooking.