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Crispy vegan air fryer zucchini fritters made with shredded zucchini and fresh herbs, cooked until golden brown
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Air Fryer Vegan Zucchini Fritters – Crispy, Simple, and Flavorful

Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time12 minutes
Total Time27 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 medium zucchinis (about 1 lb/450 g), coarsely grated
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt (for drawing out moisture, plus more to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
  • 2.5 tablespoons water (for flax “egg”)
  • 1/2 cup chickpea flour (also called gram or besan flour)
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch (or arrowroot/tapioca starch)
  • 2 scallions, thinly sliced (or 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley or dill, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional) and 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder (optional, for a lighter texture)
  • Olive oil spray (or avocado oil spray)
  • Serving ideas: vegan yogurt or tahini sauce, hot sauce, lemon wedges

Instructions

  • Prep the flax “egg”: In a small bowl, mix ground flaxseed with water. Stir and let it thicken for 5–10 minutes.
  • Grate and salt the zucchini: Coarsely grate the zucchinis into a bowl. Toss with 1 teaspoon salt and let sit for 10 minutes to draw out moisture.
  • Squeeze out liquid: Transfer zucchini to a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Twist and squeeze firmly until most of the liquid is released. The drier the better.
  • Build the batter: In a mixing bowl, combine squeezed zucchini, flax “egg,” chickpea flour, cornstarch, scallions, garlic, herbs, lemon zest/juice, pepper, and baking powder if using. Mix until evenly combined. The mixture should be thick and scoopable, not wet.
  • Taste and adjust: Cook a small test patty in a skillet or air fryer for 2–3 minutes to check seasoning. Add more salt, pepper, or lemon if needed.
  • Preheat the air fryer: Set to 390°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes. Lightly spray the basket with oil.
  • Shape the fritters: Scoop about 2 tablespoons of batter per fritter. Gently flatten into 1/2-inch thick rounds. Don’t make them too thick or they won’t crisp.
  • Air fry the first side: Arrange fritters in a single layer without crowding. Lightly spray tops with oil. Cook for 7–9 minutes until golden at the edges.
  • Flip and finish: Flip carefully with a thin spatula, spray again, and cook 5–7 more minutes, until crisp and cooked through.
  • Serve: Sprinkle with a pinch of salt while hot. Add lemon juice or your favorite dip. Repeat with remaining batter.