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Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Patties (No Soggy Centers!)

A stack of three golden brown air fryer zucchini patties garnished with fresh parsley on a white plate.

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Make perfectly crispy zucchini patties using your air fryer. This recipe avoids the sogginess often associated with vegetable fritters by focusing on proper moisture removal and quick cooking.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium zucchini (about 1 pound)
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour for low carb zucchini fritters)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Cooking spray (for air fryer basket)

Instructions

  1. Grate the zucchini using the large holes of a box grater. Place the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or several layers of paper towels.
  2. Squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the zucchini. This step is crucial for crispy zucchini in air fryer. Twist the towel tightly over the sink until very little moisture remains.
  3. Transfer the dried zucchini to a medium bowl.
  4. Add the beaten egg, flour, Parmesan cheese (if using), salt, pepper, garlic powder, and parsley to the bowl. Mix gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
  6. Form the mixture into small, flat patties, about 1/2 inch thick. You should get 6 to 8 patties.
  7. Carefully place the patties in the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch. Work in batches if necessary.
  8. Lightly spray the tops of the patties with cooking spray.
  9. Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping the patties halfway through the cooking time. The patties should be golden brown and firm.
  10. Remove from the air fryer and serve immediately.

Notes

  • For a vegetarian air fryer snack that is vegan, substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes).
  • If your patties are still too wet after squeezing, add one more tablespoon of flour.
  • These make ahead air fryer vegetable patties can be assembled, placed on parchment paper, and frozen. Cook directly from frozen, adding 3-5 minutes to the cook time.
  • Serve with a simple Greek yogurt dip or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

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