Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters!

🥒 Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters

🍽️ Serves: 4 (makes about 8–10 fritters)

⏰ Prep Time: 15 minutes

🔥 Cook Time: 10–12 minutes

⭐ Difficulty: Easy

🧂 Ingredients

• 2 medium zucchini, grated (about 2 cups)

• 1 egg, lightly beaten

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional but adds great flavor)

• ¼ cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for gluten-free)

• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour for gluten-free)

• 2 green onions, finely chopped (optional)

• 1 small garlic clove, minced

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Olive oil spray (for the air fryer basket)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Zucchini

1. Grate the zucchini and place it in a clean kitchen towel or paper towel.

2. Squeeze out as much liquid as possible — this is key to crispy fritters!

3. Transfer the squeezed zucchini to a large bowl.

Step 2: Make the Batter

1. Add the egg, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, flour, green onions, garlic, salt, and pepper to the zucchini.

2. Mix well until it forms a thick, slightly sticky batter.
   (If too wet, add a little more breadcrumbs or flour.)

Step 3: Shape the Fritters

1. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and shape into small patties (flatten slightly).

2. Place them on a parchment-lined tray or plate.

Step 4: Air Fry

1. Preheat your air fryer to 190°C (375°F) for 3 minutes.

2. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil.

3. Arrange fritters in a single layer (don’t overcrowd).

4. Spray the tops lightly with oil.

5. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

Step 5: Serve

• Serve warm with a dipping sauce such as Greek yogurt dip, tzatziki, or garlic aioli.

• Garnish with a sprinkle of Parmesan or fresh herbs (parsley, dill, or mint).

🌿 Optional Add-ins

• Add shredded carrots, corn kernels, or chopped spinach for more veggies.

• For extra flavor, mix in feta cheese or a pinch of chili flakes.

💡 Q&A Section

Q1: How do I make sure the fritters turn out crispy?
👉 The most important step is squeezing out all the water from the zucchini. Too much moisture will make the fritters soggy.

Q2: Can I make them ahead of time?
👉 Yes! You can refrigerate the uncooked mixture for up to 24 hours, or freeze cooked fritters for up to 2 months. Reheat in the air fryer for 5 minutes at 180°C (350°F).

Q3: Can I bake them instead of air frying?
👉 Definitely. Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and firm.

Q4: Can I make them dairy-free or vegan?
👉 Yes — skip the Parmesan and use nutritional yeast for flavor. Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water).

Q5: What can I serve them with?
👉 Great with:

• Greek yogurt or tzatziki

• Marinara or tomato dipping sauce

• A side salad or grilled chicken

🫒 Nutrition Highlights (per fritter)

(Approximate, may vary)

• Calories: 60–70 kcal

• Protein: 3–4 g

• Carbs: 5 g

• Fat: 3 g

• High in fiber and Vitamin C