Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters: The Lazy Person’s Green Snack

Forget the oil splatter

I’ve been turning over my kitchen fears lately. Like, what if I totally ruin something? This time it was zucchini fritters. Usually, I’d fry these on the stove and end up covered in oil. Not fun. Then I remembered the air fryer. No mess, no smell of burnt oil, just the satisfying crunch of a good fritter. I didn’t expect it to turn out this way—crispy on the outside, tender inside, and somehow not dry. It’s odd how tiny tweaks like switching from oil to air can make me actually WANT to eat vegetables.

Why right now

It’s mid-summer, the garden is throwing zucchinis left and right, and I’ve had enough of the same old salad. These fritters are a little rebellion—the kind of snack that feels like a cheat but isn’t. Plus, they’re quick, sneaky healthy, and perfect for when you’re tired but still want something fresh.

Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters

Zucchini fritters are pan-fried or air roasted patties made from grated zucchini combined with flour, eggs, and seasonings, resulting in a crispy exterior and tender interior. When prepared in the air fryer, they develop a golden-brown crust with a moist, flavorful center, avoiding excess oil and mess.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 150

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups grated zucchini about 2 medium zucchinis
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour or substitute
• 1 large egg beaten
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil for mixing

Equipment

• Grater
• Mixing bowl
• Air fryer
• Silicone spatula
• Cooking spray or oil

Method

 

1. Using a box grater, shred the zucchinis into a large mixing bowl. Use a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to squeeze out excess moisture until the mixture feels relatively dry.
2. Add the flour, beaten egg, salt, and black pepper to the grated zucchini. Stir with a silicone spatula until well combined and the mixture holds together when squeezed.
3. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
4. Form the zucchini mixture into small, flat patties using your hands or a cookie cutter. Place them into the prepared air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each.
5. Cook the fritters in the air fryer for 10 minutes, then carefully flip each patty using tongs or a spatula. Continue cooking for another 8-10 minutes until the fritters are golden brown and crispy around the edges.
6. Remove the fritters from the air fryer and let them cool slightly for 2-3 minutes. Serve warm, optionally garnished with fresh herbs or a dollop of sour cream.

Notes

For extra crispiness, slightly thicker fritters work best. Adjust cooking time based on the thickness of your patties.

A part of me thinks I should add a dollop of sour cream or something. Nah. Sometimes the simplest food is the best. That crispy, green, slightly salty bite—yeah. This might just become a summer staple. Or at least a good way to make those zucchinis disappear.

Anjali Arora