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Zucchini Fritters

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I’m excited to share with you one of my absolute favorite recipes: Zucchini Fritters! If you’re a fan of crispy, flavorful bites without all the guilt of deep frying, then you’re in for a treat. Zucchini fritters are a classic, but when you make them in the air fryer, they reach a new level of deliciousness. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with all the goodness of zucchinis, these fritters are a crowd-pleaser for sure.

Zucchini Fritters

What you’ll love about this recipe:

  • KID FRIENDLY – Zucchini fritters are a fantastic way to sneak some veggies into your kid’s diet without them even realizing it! The crispy exterior and delicious flavor make them irresistible to even the pickiest eaters. Plus, they’re fun to eat with your hands, making them a hit with children of all ages.
  • HEALTHY – These fritters are a nutritious option for any mealtime. Zucchinis are low in calories and packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium. By using minimal oil and opting for baking or air frying methods, you can enjoy all the crunchy goodness without the added guilt of deep frying.
  • INEXPENSIVE – Zucchini is one of the most budget-friendly vegetables out there, making this recipe a wallet-friendly option for families looking to save a few bucks. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch of delicious fritters that won’t break the bank.

Zucchini Fritters Ingredients

  • 2 Zucchini medium size
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup all purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp chives
  • Salt and Pepper to taste
Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters

Zucchini Fritters Recipe

Air Fryer directions:

  • Start by shredding the zucchini using a Box grater or food processor.
  • Then, using a cheesecloth or a clean kitchen towel, squeeze out as much liquid from the shredded zucchini.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded zucchini, egg, flour, chopped chives, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.
  • Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions and shape each portion into a patty.
  • If desired, place the patties in the freezer for 5-10 minutes to help them hold their shape better.
  • Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the zucchini patties in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not touching each other. Air fry for 5 minutes.
  • After 5 minutes, flip the patties over using tongs and air fry for an additional 5-10 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Baking:

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the zucchini patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each patty. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.

Fry:

  • Heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the cook the fritters in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the skillet. Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Zucchini Fritters on a plate

Tips & Tricks

  • Remove Excess Water: After shredding the zucchinis, use a cheesecloth or kitchen towel to squeeze out as much water as possible. This will prevent your fritters from becoming soggy.
  • Mix Ingredients Well: Ensure that all ingredients, including the zucchini, egg, flour, and seasonings, are thoroughly combined for even flavor throughout the fritters.
  • Shape Patties Evenly: Divide the mixture into equal portions and shape them into patties of uniform size. This helps them cook evenly and ensures a consistent texture.
  • Chill in Freezer (Optional): If the mixture seems too soft, chilling the patties in the freezer for 5-10 minutes can help them hold their shape better during cooking.
  • Preheat Air Fryer/Oven: Always preheat your air fryer or oven before cooking the fritters. This ensures even cooking and helps them achieve that crispy exterior.
  • Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer/Oven: Arrange the zucchini patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket or on the baking sheet, leaving some space between each patty. This allows for proper air circulation and ensures they cook evenly.
  • Flip Halfway Through Cooking: Whether you’re air frying, baking, or frying, flip the patties halfway through the cooking time to ensure they brown evenly on both sides.
  • Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on the fritters towards the end of the cooking time to prevent them from burning. They should be golden brown and crispy on the outside and cooked through on the inside.
  • Serve Immediately: Zucchini fritters are best enjoyed fresh and hot, so serve them immediately for the crispiest texture and maximum flavor.

FAQs about Zucchini Fritters

Zucchini fritters pair well with a variety of dipping sauces, such as tzatziki Sauce, marinara sauce, aioli, or a simple yogurt-based dip flavored with lemon juice and herbs.

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend to make the recipe gluten-free.

Yes, you can prepare the mixture for the fritters ahead of time and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Shape the patties and cook them when ready to serve for the best results.

  1. Refrigeration: If you have leftover cooked zucchini fritters, allow them to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, transfer them to an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Place a piece of parchment paper between each layer to prevent them from sticking together. Refrigerate the fritters for up to 3-4 days.
  2. Freezing: To freeze uncooked zucchini fritters, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place the baking sheet in the freezer and freeze until the fritters are solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Label the container with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. To cook frozen fritters, follow the recipe instructions, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
  3. Reheating: When ready to enjoy your refrigerated or frozen zucchini fritters, you can reheat them in a preheated oven or air fryer until heated through and crispy. Avoid using the microwave, as it may make the fritters soggy.
  4. Avoiding Sogginess: If you’re storing cooked fritters in the refrigerator, place a paper towel at the bottom of the container to absorb any excess moisture and help keep the fritters crispy.
  1. Excess Moisture in Zucchini: Zucchinis naturally contain a lot of water, and if this moisture isn’t properly removed before making the fritters, it can result in soggy fritters. Make sure to thoroughly squeeze out the excess water from the shredded zucchini using a cheesecloth, kitchen towel, or paper towels.
  2. Not Enough Binding Agent: The binding agent in the fritters, such as egg and flour, helps hold everything together and absorb excess moisture. If you’ve used too little binding agent or omitted it altogether, your fritters may end up soggy. Double-check that you’ve included enough egg and flour in the mixture.
  3. Overcrowding the Pan: When cooking the fritters, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cooking too many fritters at once can lower the temperature of the oil or air in the air fryer, resulting in slower cooking and soggy fritters. Cook the fritters in batches if necessary.
  4. Not Draining Cooked Fritters: After cooking the fritters, it’s important to drain them on paper towels to remove any excess oil or moisture. Skipping this step can lead to soggy bottoms.
  5. Cooking Temperature: Cooking the fritters at too low a temperature can also cause them to become soggy. Make sure your oil is hot enough when frying, or your air fryer is preheated to the correct temperature.

More Zucchini Recipes:

Zucchini-Fritters
Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters

The Best Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters

Yield: 8
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

 Zucchini fritters are a classic, but when you make them in the air fryer, they reach a new level of deliciousness. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with all the goodness of zucchinis, these fritters are a crowd-pleaser for sure.

Ingredients

  • 2 Zucchini medium size
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup all purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp chives
  • Salt and Pepper to taste

Instructions

    Air Fryer directions:

    1. Start by shredding the zucchini using a Box grater or food processor.
    2. Then, using a cheesecloth or a clean kitchen towel, squeeze out as much liquid from the shredded zucchini.
    3. In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded zucchini, egg, flour, chopped chives, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.
    4. Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions and shape each portion into a patty.
    5. If desired, place the patties in the freezer for 5-10 minutes to help them hold their shape better.
    6. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the zucchini patties in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not touching each other. Air fry for 5 minutes.
    7. After 5 minutes, flip the patties over using tongs and air fry for an additional 5-10 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.

    Baking:

    1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the zucchini patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each patty. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.

    Fry:

    1. Heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the cook the fritters in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the skillet. Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

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    Nutrition Information:
    Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1
    Amount Per Serving: Calories: 102Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 37mgSodium: 140mgCarbohydrates: 8gFiber: 1gSugar: 1gProtein: 5g

    Did you make this recipe?

    Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

    © Adventures of a Nurse
    Cuisine: American / Category: Air Fryer

    Pin This Recipe!

    Welcome to the place where my two passions—healthcare and culinary arts—merge. I’m Carla Bushey, and I’ve transitioned from a dedicated nursing career of over 25 years into the dynamic world of food blogging. This space is dedicated to bringing you a treasure trove of recipes, each a testament to the tastes and traditions that resonate with my soul. My home, the beautiful Upstate New York, serves as the backdrop to my culinary creations, often inspired by the rich cultural heritage and the classic Italian cuisine of my hometown, Utica. Dishes like the beloved Chicken Riggies and the comforting Utica Greens are more than just recipes—they are stories, shared from my kitchen to yours.

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    21 Comments

      1. Spray the fritters with olive oil before, during & after air frying for a bit more of a traditional fried fritter.

        Reply

    2. So good! I only had one zucchini , so I minced onion, grated carrot and some red pepper. Served with a salsa from last years garden, delish! Come on summer and a bumper crop of zucchini- this’s recipe is a winner!

      Reply
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    6. There’s no mention of the cheddar cheese in the method. Assume it’s all mixed together. Doing now, will let you know.

      Reply
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    8. I used 1/2 flour and 1/2 almond flour to cut down on carbs and Tony’s seasoning instead of salt for a bit of spice. These were fantastic!!

      Reply

    9. These were amazing, even with using reduced-fat cheese and egg beaters. I also used a bit less flour. But really delicious, thanks!

      Reply

    10. Excellent – held together well, nice combination of flavors, except quite heavy on the pepper. Also, I substituted almond flour and they still held up. Next time I’m spraying so they stick less, and I’m trying with 1/4 tsp or less. This is a new late summer/early fall favorite!

      Reply
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    12. Your recipe calls for cheddar cheese but you instructions don’t tell when to include it and if you should add the cheese at the end or mix it with all the other ingredients.

      Reply

    14. All my zucchini are different sizes when I grow my own. Can you tell me how many cups of shredded zucchini this recipe calls for?

      Reply

    16. Hey! Excited to try this. There’s no info in the recipe on how to place the patties in the fryer. Are they just stacked on top of each other? Wouldn’t they stick and not cook that way? Are they done in batches? Do you have special equipment that allows you to raise each layer from the one below? Inquiring minds want to know 🙂

      Thanks!

      Reply
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