Crispy Zucchini Fritters with Corn and Parmesan

It’s summertime, and life is easy, especially with an Air Fryer and a fantastic recipe like these crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters! Full of sweet corn, fresh zucchini, and a touch of Parmesan, these fritters are so flavorful that you’ll be making them over and over again.

Don’t have an Air Fryer? No worries! You can still enjoy these scrumptious fritters by making my pan-fried zucchini fritters with quinoa. They’re equally delicious and a perfect alternative!

Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters

One of the joys of summer is the abundance of fresh, flavorful produce. Sometimes, the variety can be a bit overwhelming. That’s why I love recipes like these air fryer zucchini fritters. Combining zucchini and corn, this delightful fritter recipe highlights the natural sweetness of the ingredients, making the most of your summer harvest! Or, try the same ingredients in a salad with my delicious grilled zucchini salad!

Fritters are small fried patties made from fruits or vegetables, and while they seem simple, deep-frying can be a hassle. The process involves dropping food into hot oil, lifting it out, draining it, and repeating, all while dealing with the mess, smell, and potential burns.

Enter the air fryer! This nifty kitchen appliance crisps up foods perfectly, delivering that classic fried texture and taste with minimal oil. Even better, cleanup is a breeze with virtually no mess. Simply spray the fritters lightly with oil, place them in the fry basket, and let the convection heat do the rest!

What You’ll Need

Golden, crispy, and utterly delicious, this easy Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters recipe requires just a few wholesome ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. For exact measurements, be sure to scroll down to the recipe card.

• Fresh Zucchini – Grate the zucchini using the large holes of a cheese grater.
• Corn Kernels – Fresh, frozen, or even canned corn will work.
• Parmesan Cheese – I use grated Parmesan to add a salty, umami flavor to the fritters.
• Onion – Grate the onion the same way as the zucchini.
• Spices and Seasonings – Salt, black pepper, paprika, along with dried parsley, basil, and oregano. Feel free to swap with your favorite seasonings or fresh, finely chopped herbs for an extra burst of flavor.
• Eggs – Two eggs will help bind the ingredients together.
• Flour – I used almond flour, but all-purpose or gluten-free flour also work well.
• Baking Powder – This leavening agent helps the fritters puff up and become light and airy.
• Oil Spray – Any high-heat cooking spray will do.

How To Make Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters

Follow these simple steps to create crispy zucchini cakes with corn and enjoy all the deliciousness without the hassle! Serve them with a relish like Ajvar, and watch them disappear in no time.

1. Prepare Zucchini and Onion: Grate the zucchini and onion separately using the large holes of a box grater. Place the grated zucchini on a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much moisture as possible.
2. Mix the Fritter Batter: In a large bowl, combine all ingredients except flour, baking powder, and oil spray. Mix well, then gently stir in the flour and baking powder until just combined.
3. Form Patties: The batter should be firm enough to shape into patties. If needed, add more flour to achieve a firmer consistency. Form the batter into 10 to 12 patties.
4. Air-Fry the Fritters: Spray the air fryer basket with oil. Place the fritters in the basket (cook in batches to avoid overcrowding). Lightly spray the fritters with oil and cook for 6 minutes. Flip, spray again, and cook for another 6 minutes.

Recipe Tips

• Remove Excess Moisture: Grate the zucchini and squeeze out as much water as possible using a clean towel or cheesecloth. This step prevents soggy fritters.
• Even Sizing: Shape the fritters into even sizes to ensure they cook uniformly.
• Bread ‘Em Up: For extra crunch, press a layer of breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds onto the outside of the fritters before air frying.
• Chill the Patties: To ensure the fritters hold their shape, chill the formed patties for 5 to 10 minutes before cooking.
• Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheating the air fryer for a few minutes helps achieve a perfectly crispy texture.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Arrange the fritters in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overlapping. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking.

Serving Suggestions

These zucchini fritters are perfect as an appetizer or side dish for a laid-back meal. Serve them alongside a juicy pork chop, like my Instant Pot pork chops, or pair them with my stovetop chicken breasts for a satisfying meal.

For a Southwest twist, try serving them with my easy Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Soup. The Tex-Mex flavors of the soup pair wonderfully with the zucchini and corn in the fritters! You can also enjoy the fritters with any dip you like, such as homemade Ranch dressing, honey mustard, French onion, or guacamole!

How To Store and Reheat Leftovers

To store leftovers, wrap the fritters loosely in paper towels to absorb excess moisture, then pack them in food storage bags or containers. They’ll keep for up to 5 days in the fridge or 2 to 3 months in the freezer.

If reheating from frozen, thaw the fritters in the refrigerator first. Unwrap them and place them on a baking sheet or dish. Heat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.