Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters
Description
Crispy air fryer zucchini fritters made with shredded zucchini, Colby Jack cheese, flour, and breadcrumbs — ready in 30 minutes with no oil mess. The key is thoroughly squeezing moisture from the zucchini before mixing. Vegetarian, kid-friendly, and easily made gluten-free.
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded zucchini, 2 medium zucchinis
- 1 cup Colby Jack, shredded
- 1/3 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- ½ teaspoon minced onion
- 1/2 teaspoon dry basil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Salt and squeeze zucchini — grate, sprinkle salt, wait 20 min, squeeze hard in kitchen towel until dry. Most critical step.
- Mix batter — combine all ingredients. Should hold a mound shape when scooped. Add flour if too wet.
- Shape — 1/4 cup per fritter, press into 3/4-inch patties. Chill 15 min if possible.
- Preheat AF to 360°F. Spray basket and tops of fritters generously.
- Air fry 9 min, flip carefully, spray again, 8–9 more min until deep golden on both sides.
- Cool on a wire rack 5 min — fritters crisp further as they cool. Never cool on a plate.
Equipment
- Cooking Spray, or olive oil cooking spray
- Parchment Paper, optional
Notes
Cheese and coating variations
Why they're soggy — quick troubleshooting
Parmesan + panko (crispiest): Replace Colby Jack with 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan. Replace breadcrumbs with panko. Maximum crunch.
Greek style: Add 1/4 cup crumbled feta (reduce Colby Jack to 3/4 cup), replace basil with dill, add lemon zest.
Italian herb: Swap basil for Italian seasoning, add garlic powder and red pepper flakes. Serve with marinara.
Gluten-free: Use GF all-purpose flour + GF breadcrumbs in same quantities. All other ingredients naturally GF.
Zucchini not dry: Salt, wait 20 min, squeeze until no liquid releases. Most common cause.
Batter too loose: Add flour 1 tbsp at a time until mixture holds a mound shape.
Basket overcrowded: Cook in two batches. Fritters need air on all sides.
Cooled on plate: Always cool on a wire rack — plates trap steam and soften the bottom.
Nutrition
Serving: 1ServingCalories: 127kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 7gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 62mgSodium: 299mgPotassium: 139mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 294IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 136mgIron: 1mg