Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Corn Fritters - Easy Zucchini Recipe! (2024)

Jump to RecipeRate This Recipe

Katerina

4.94 from 16 votes

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

Summertime, and the livin’ is easy… especially when you have an Air Fryer and a great recipe! And these Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Corn Fritters are that recipe. Filled with sweet corn, fresh zucchini, and a hint of satisfying Parmesan, they are so full of flavor, you’ll make them again and again!

Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Corn Fritters - Easy Zucchini Recipe! (2)

    CRISPY AIR FRYER ZUCCHINI CORN FRITTERS

    One of the awesomest things about summer is the explosion of fresh, delicious produce. In fact, sometimes the sheer amount and variety of seasonal produce is a little overwhelming. That’s what I love about recipes like this. Combining zucchini and corn, this fabulous fritter recipe showcases and enhances the natural delicacy and sweetness of the ingredients — and helps use up your summer bounty of fresh veggies! 🙌

    WHY USE AN AIR FRYER FOR FRITTERS?

    So fritters, by definition, are little fried patties, usually of fruit or veggies. So far, so good, right? But let’s be honest: deep-frying is kind of a pain. Dropping food into a saucepan or skillet full of hot oil, carefully lifting out the food items, draining them, and repeating the process – it’s a lot.

    The mess, odor, and potential for injury (um, yikes?!) is enough to make you avoid deep-frying completely. Not to mention the health risks associated with typical frying oils, and the cost of using oil in large volumes, only to toss it afterwards!

    Air Fryers, on the other hand, work super well to crisp up foods, giving them that classic fried texture and taste – with hardly any oil! Even better, there’s virtually no mess, so cleanup is easy and quick. All you have to do is lightly spray your fritters with healthy cooking oil, place into the fry basket, and go! The convection heat does the rest!

    Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Corn Fritters - Easy Zucchini Recipe! (3)

    RECIPE INGREDIENTS

    • Fresh Zucchini: Grate your zucchini with the large holes of a cheese grater.
    • Corn Kernels: You can use fresh, frozen, and even canned.
    • Parmesan Cheese
    • Onion: The onion should be grated like the zucchini.
    • Salt, Pepper, and Paprika
    • Dried Parsley, Basil, and Oregano: You can also use fresh, finely chopped.
    • Eggs
    • Flour: You can use all-purpose, or go with almond flour for a keto, low carb, GF version.
    • Baking Powder
    • Oil Spray: Any high-heat cooking oil spray will work.

    Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Corn Fritters - Easy Zucchini Recipe! (4)

    HOW TO MAKE THESE ZUCCHINI CORN FRITTERS

    1. Prepare Zucchini and Onion: Using the large holes on a box grater, grate the zucchini and onion separately. Place the grated zucchini into a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much water as possible.
    2. Mix Up the Fritter Batter: In a large bowl, combine all ingredients except flour, baking powder, and oil spray. Mix well to combine, and then gently stir in the flour and baking powder until just combined.
    3. Make Patties: The batter should be firm enough to make into patties, rather than runny. If necessary, add more flour to get a firm consistency. Shape into 10 to 12 patties.
    4. Air-Fry the Fritters and Serve: Spray the air fryer basket with oil. Place fritters in basket (work in batches so you don’t crowd the fritters). Spray the fritters lightly with oil and cook 6 minutes. Turn, spray again, and cook 6 minutes more. Serve warm.

    TIPS FOR THE BEST FRITTERS

    Follow these tips to make the most of this tasty dish!

    • Chill out: To ensure the fritters are firm and won’t fall apart, try chilling the formed patties for 5 to 8 minutes before frying.
    • Bread ‘Em Up: For extra crunch, try pressing a layer of breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds onto the outside of the fritters before frying.

    Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Corn Fritters - Easy Zucchini Recipe! (5)

    SERVING SUGGESTIONS

    These fritters are perfect as an appetizer, or as a side dish for a casual meal! Here are a few of my favorite serving ideas to really bring out the flavors:

    • Pork Chops: Try serving the fritters alongside a juicy pork chop recipe, like my Instant Pot Pork Chops with Creamy Ranch Sauce.
    • Chicken Enchilada Soup: Take things for a Southwest spin with my easy Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Soup. The Tex-Mex flavors of the soup work perfectly with the zucchini and corn in the fritters!
    • With a Variety of Dips: You can also serve the fritters with any dip you like, from french onion to jalapeno guacamole!

    HOW TO STORE AND REHEAT LEFTOVERS

    • To Freeze: Wrap fritters tightly in freezer paper or plastic wrap to keep out as much air as possible. Then place the wrapped fritters in freezer bags, pushing out as much air as possible before sealing.
    • To Refrigerate: Wrap the fritters loosely with paper towels to absorb any excess moisture, and then pack the wrapped fritters in food storage bags or containers. Store for up to 5 days.
    • To Reheat: If reheating from frozen, first thaw in the refrigerator. Then, unwrap the fritters and place on a jelly roll pan or other baking dish. Heat in the oven at 350˚F until warmed through.

    Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Corn Fritters - Easy Zucchini Recipe! (6)

    More Zucchini Recipes

    • Creamy Parmesan Baked Zucchini
    • Grilled Zucchini Salad with Corn and Tomatoes
    • Zucchini Tomato Casserole

    ENJOY!

    Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Corn Fritters - Easy Zucchini Recipe! (7)

    Air Fryer Zucchini Corn Fritters

    Katerina | Diethood

    A light and summery fritter recipe combining sweet corn, fresh zucchini, onion, and Parmesan.

    4.94 from 16 votes

    Servings : 10 to 12 fritters

    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save

    Prep Time 15 minutes mins

    Cook Time 15 minutes mins

    Total Time 30 minutes mins

    Ingredients

    • 1 pound zucchini, (about 2 medium zucchinis)
    • 1 cup corn kernels, (canned or frozen)
    • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
    • 1/4 cup yellow onion, grated
    • 1 clove garlic, finely minced
    • 1 tablespoon dried parsley
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
    • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
    • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
    • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
    • 2 eggs, lightly beaten
    • 1 cup almond flour, OR all-purpose flour
    • 1 teaspoon baking powder
    • oil spray
    • sour cream, yogurt, herb dip, ranch dressing, etc..., for serving, optional

    Instructions

    • Preheat Air Fryer to 360˚F.

    • Shred the zucchini using the large holes on a box grater; transfer grated zucchini to a kitchen towel.

    • Wrap kitchen towel around the zucchini and squeeze out as much water as you possibly can. Transfer zucchini to a large bowl.

    • To the zucchini, add corn kernels, cheese, onion, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, basil, oregano, paprika, and beaten eggs; stir to combine.

    • Add flour and baking powder; stir until everything is well incorporated. If mixture is too wet, add more flour. The drier the zucchini, the less flour you'll need to use.

    • Shape the mixture into 10 to 12 patties.

    • OPTIONAL: Place the raw patties in the freezer for around 5 to 8 minutes to keep their shape.

    • Grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray.

    • Working in batches - DO NOT crowd the air fryer basket - place the patties in the air fryer in a single layer and spray each patty with cooking spray. Cook for 6 minutes.

    • Flip over the patties; spray with cooking spray and continue to cook for 6 to 8 more minutes, or until browned.

    • Remove from air fryer and serve.

    Notes

    • OPTIONAL: Place the raw patties in the freezer for around 5 to 8 minutes to keep their shape.
    • NET CARBS: 5 g

    Nutrition

    Calories: 95 kcal | Carbohydrates: 7 g | Protein: 5 g | Fat: 6 g | Saturated Fat: 1 g | Cholesterol: 35 mg | Sodium: 319 mg | Potassium: 205 mg | Fiber: 2 g | Sugar: 2 g | Vitamin A: 192 IU | Vitamin C: 9 mg | Calcium: 80 mg | Iron: 1 mg

    Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients and tools used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed info.

    Course: Side Dish/Appetizer

    Cuisine: American

    Keyword: air fryer, best zucchini recipes, corn side dish recipe, zucchini fritters

    Did you make this recipe?Leave a Rating!

    Categories:

    • Air Fryer
    • Appetizers
    • Dinner Recipes
    • Recipes
    • Side Dishes
    Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Corn Fritters - Easy Zucchini Recipe! (2024)

    FAQs

    Does baking soda make fritters crispy? ›

    Is baking soda or powder best for frying? A pinch of baking soda can help produce crispy fried foods. It reacts with the acid in the batter to create carbon dioxide bubbles. These lead to an airy batter and a crisper, fluffier result.

    Why are my fritters not crispy? ›

    A common reason for soggy fritters is because they have not had all the moisture drained from them properly, AND from undercooking. To remedy this, make sure you squeeze out as much extra liquid as possible, fry them until very crispy, and drain them on a paper towel to retain the crispiness.

    How do you make fritters less soggy? ›

    The eggs you use need to be small and cold. Larger eggs have more water from the egg white, resulting in wetter batter and soggy fritters. Add flour to your wet batter! Most veggies have a high water content (which we know equals soggy fritters).

    Why are my vegetable fritters falling apart? ›

    If your zucchini fritters are falling apart, it's likely because the batter was too wet or the fritters are sticking to the skillet.

    What makes batter crispy baking soda or baking powder? ›

    Baking soda doesn't, but baking powder does. Don't use it in huge quantities, but like, a teaspoon of baking powder to a cup of flour when making a batter will elicit extra crispiness.

    What makes stuff crispy baking soda or baking powder? ›

    Baking powder, it turns out, is good for quite a lot more than baking. The slightly alkaline mixture raises the skin's pH levels, which allows proteins to break down more efficiently, giving you crisper, more evenly browned results.

    What makes frying more crispy? ›

    Use the Right Batter: Using a light batter or tempura mix will help keep your fried foods extra crispy while still sealing in moisture and flavor. Monitor Oil Temperature: Maintaining a consistent temperature when deep-frying is key to achieving a perfect crunch.

    Why do you put baking powder in fritters? ›

    Baking soda (bi-carb) OR baking powder – just a touch, to aerate the batter every so slightly (without it, it's slightly denser); Parmesan – for a good hit of savoury flavour AND to make the fritters extra crispy! Green onion and coriander – for a hit of freshness.

    Why is my fried zucchini mushy? ›

    Mushy veggies are also often the result of overcooking. When the interior is loaded with moisture, you have to cook it for much longer to evaporate all of the water and avoid the interior having the unappealing, spongy, raw texture that eggplant and zucchini are notorious for.

    Why are my corn fritters falling apart? ›

    If your oil temperature drops, the fritters will soak up excess oil while cooking, leaving them soggy. Why are my corn fritters falling apart? If using frozen or canned corn, make sure to drain well to eliminate excess moisture. Always spoon and level dry ingredients to make sure your measurements are consistent.

    Why are my zucchini fritters sticking to the pan? ›

    If your zucchini fritters are falling apart, it's likely because the fritters are sticking to the skillet or the batter was too wet. Getting the zucchini dry before preparing the batter so the binding agents can hold the fritter together. If you have a non-stick frying pan, opt for that as well.

    How can I thicken my fritter batter? ›

    Adding flour to a wetter batter will give you the thick consistency you want. Add crumbled stock cubes for a flavourful kick! Add as little or as much as you like (or none at all), depending on the flavour you want.

    How do you know when fritters are cooked? ›

    Fry the fritters: Let the fritters cook undisturbed until browned on the bottom, 2 to 3 minutes. Flip the patties with the spatula and cook until browned on the second side, 2 to 3 minutes more. Drain the fritters: Remove the fritters to a paper towel-lined large plate.

    What is used to coat fruit for fritters? ›

    Batter is a simple mixture of flour and water is used to make crepes and pancakes. It is also used to coat fruit for fritters.

    What does baking soda do in fritters? ›

    Baking soda (bi-carb) OR baking powder – just a touch, to aerate the batter every so slightly (without it, it's slightly denser); Parmesan – for a good hit of savoury flavour AND to make the fritters extra crispy!

    How do you keep fritters crispy? ›

    If you're not serving fried food immediately, you'll need to keep it warm to prevent it from getting cold and losing crispiness. One way to do this is to place the fried food on a wire rack in the oven at a low temperature, around 200°F to 250°F. This will keep the food warm without overcooking it.

    Does baking powder make batter crispy? ›

    Water: Use very cold water for the crispiest results. Baking powder: Baking powder ensures a light and crispy exterior. Salt: A teaspoon of salt enhances the overall flavor of the fish batter.

    Top Articles
    Latest Posts
    Article information

    Author: Greg O'Connell

    Last Updated:

    Views: 6303

    Rating: 4.1 / 5 (42 voted)

    Reviews: 89% of readers found this page helpful

    Author information

    Name: Greg O'Connell

    Birthday: 1992-01-10

    Address: Suite 517 2436 Jefferey Pass, Shanitaside, UT 27519

    Phone: +2614651609714

    Job: Education Developer

    Hobby: Cooking, Gambling, Pottery, Shooting, Baseball, Singing, Snowboarding

    Introduction: My name is Greg O'Connell, I am a delightful, colorful, talented, kind, lively, modern, tender person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.