Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters With Feta Recipe

When summer brings an abundance of zucchini to the local market, these air fryer zucchini fritters are my go-to. As a parent juggling work and family life, I love how these crispy bites turn a simple vegetable into something my whole family loves to eat.

The magic lies in how the salty feta cheese mixes with fresh herbs and zucchini, creating perfectly golden fritters without the mess of traditional frying. My kids even call them "green pancakes," and I wouldn’t dream of correcting them—especially when they’re happily eating their veggies! The air fryer gives that irresistible crunch while keeping everything cheesy and tender inside.

These fritters have been a lifesaver on hectic after-school afternoons, ready in just 20 minutes for kids who "can’t wait" for dinner. They’re equally great as a side dish for weeknight meals or as appetizers when friends show up unexpectedly.

My favorite part about making these is how my kids have become enthusiastic little assistants. They take turns pressing the water out of the zucchini and mixing in the feta cheese. Sure, some cheese mysteriously disappears during the process, but seeing them excited about cooking makes up for it. 

The air fryer takes what could be a messy, oil-splattered task and makes it simple and hands-off. And really, what busy parent doesn’t love a healthy recipe that earns enthusiastic thumbs-ups all around?

• Zucchini - grated zucchini forms the base of the dish, providing moisture and a mild flavor.
• Feta cheese - crumbled feta adds a tangy and creamy element to the dish.
• Egg - acts as a binding agent, helping to hold the ingredients together.
• All-purpose flour - provides structure to the mixture, allowing it to hold its shape during cooking. Make it with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
• Baking powder - helps the mixture rise and become light and fluffy.
• Fresh herbs - such as dill, parsley, or thyme, add a burst of flavor and freshness to the dish.
• Garlic - minced garlic contributes aromatic flavor.
• Black pepper - adds a hint of spice.
• Olive oil spray (or any high-point smoke oil) - used for cooking, it helps to achieve a nice golden color and prevents sticking.
• Greek yogurt - serves as a creamy and tangy  topping.
• Lemon wedges - provide a fresh burst of acidity when squeezed over the dish.

See the recipe card for exact quantities.

If you're looking for a new air fryer recipe that's great for making use of fresh vegetables, these air fryer zucchini fritters with feta are an excellent choice. They are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with flavor from the feta and herbs. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or even a light meal, these fritters are easy to prepare and cook quickly in the air fryer. Follow the step-by-step instructions below to create this delicious dish!

Prepare the Zucchini

Start by grating the zucchini using a box grater or a food processor. Once grated, place the zucchini in a bowl and sprinkle it with salt. Allow the salted zucchini to sit for about 10 minutes. This step is crucial as the salt will draw out excess moisture from the zucchini, which helps prevent the fritters from becoming soggy. After 10 minutes, take a clean kitchen towel or several layers of paper towels and place the grated zucchini inside. Squeeze the towel to remove as much moisture as possible. This will make sure that your fritters have the right texture when cooked.

Mix the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained zucchini with crumbled feta cheese, a beaten egg, all-purpose flour, baking powder, chopped dill, minced garlic, and black pepper. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix the ingredients thoroughly until everything is well combined. The mixture should be thick enough to hold its shape when formed into patties.

Preheat the Air Fryer

While you’re mixing the ingredients, preheat your air fryer to 200°C (390°F). Preheating is important as it helps the fritters cook evenly and become crispy on the outside.

Form the Patties

Once the mixture is ready, take about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and shape it into small patties. Aim for uniform size to ensure even cooking. Place the formed patties on a plate or cutting board as you work, making sure they are not touching each other.

Prepare the Air Fryer Basket

Before cooking, lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil. This will help prevent the fritters from sticking and contribute to a crispy texture.

Cook the Fritters

Carefully place the patties in the air fryer basket, ensuring there is enough space between each fritter for air circulation. This is important for achieving a crispy exterior. Once the fritters are arranged, lightly spray the tops with olive oil to enhance browning. Cook the fritters for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. They should be golden brown and crispy when finished.

Work in Batches if Necessary

If your air fryer cannot fit all the fritters at once, cook them in batches. Keep the cooked fritters warm in a low oven while you finish cooking the remaining patties.

Serve

Once all the fritters are cooked, serve them hot with a dollop of Greek yogurt on the side for dipping. Add lemon wedges for a refreshing burst of flavor when squeezed over the fritters. Enjoy your delicious air fryer zucchini fritters with feta!