Go Back
–+ servings
Air Fryer Zucchini Burgers

Air Fryer Zucchini Burgers (Crispy & Holds Together!)

5 from 5 votes
Author: Laurie Fleming
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
15 minutes
Total Time: 48 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings

Description

Crispy air fryer zucchini burgers made with shredded zucchini, panko breadcrumbs, egg, and Southwestern spices — ready in 20 minutes. The key is thoroughly squeezing moisture from the zucchini before forming patties. Vegetarian and easily made vegan or gluten-free.

Ingredients 

  • 2 medium zucchinis, about 1.5 cups after grating and squeezing
  • ½ small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg, or flax egg
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • Buns + toppings + chipotle mayo or tzatziki to serve

Instructions

  • Salt & squeeze zucchini — grate, spread on towel, salt, wait 15 min, squeeze DRY in kitchen towel. Most critical step.
  • Sauté onion and garlic until softened. Cool.
  • Mix — combine all ingredients. Should hold its shape when pressed. Add breadcrumbs if too wet.
  • Form 4 patties, ¾ inch thick. Chill 15 min if time allows.
  • Preheat air fryer to 375°F. Spray basket and tops of patties generously.
  • Air fry 8–10 min, flip carefully, spray again, air fry 6–8 more min until deep golden and firm.
  • Rest 2–3 min before assembling on toasted buns.

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Cooking Spray
  • Parchment Paper, optional

Notes

Cook time by patty thickness
Thickness Temp Total Time Best For
½ inch (thin) 375°F 12–14 min Crispy fritter-style
¾ inch ★ Standard 375°F 16–18 min Best burger format
1 inch (thick) 375°F 18–22 min Very tender center
Oven-style AF 370°F Add 3–4 min Middle rack
 
Why they fall apart — quick reference
  • Zucchini not dry enough
  • Most common cause. Keep squeezing until no liquid releases from pressed handful.
  • Not enough binder
  • Add breadcrumbs 1 tbsp at a time if mixture won't hold a ball shape.
  • Patties too thin
  • Minimum ¾ inch thick. Thin patties crack when flipped.Flipping too early
  • If patty resists spatula, give it 2 more minutes before trying again.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 74kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 4gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 47mgSodium: 377mgPotassium: 328mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 449IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 48mgIron: 1mg