Air Fryer Zucchini Corn Fritters (with skillet option!) with fresh shredded zucchini, cheddar cheese and corn air fried to crisp. Easy, delicious snack, lunch or side dish. Watch the VIDEO!
See how to make the BEST Cheesy Zucchini Corn Fritters – easy, delicious and crisp – in your air fryer using very little oil!
With fresh locally grown produce everywhere right now you’re going to want to make this recipe. They’re the ideal summer lunch or snack. Or pair with chicken or grilled steak for a tasty side dish.
I know some people are still on the fence about getting an air fryer so I included instructions for making these fritters in a skillet on the stove. The process leading up to cooking is the same.
do I leave the skin on the zucchini?
The choice is yours. I leave the skin on because it adds extra nutrition and color to the fritters but you can peel the zucchini if you prefer.
tips for crispy air fryer zucchini fritters:
- Coarsely grate the zucchini for better texture.
- Don’t skip the salting and waiting process. This step is really important for crisp fritters.
- Squeeze as much liquid as possible from the zucchini.
- After turn the fritters over gently press down on them with a spatula so they cook evenly and aren’t mushy in the middle.
what’s in air fryer zucchini corn fritters?
This is a small batch recipe and will make 4 zucchini fritters (using a 1/4 cup measuring scoop). Double the recipe if you’d like more.
- shredded zucchini
- salt
- egg
- onion
- garlic powder
- flour
- shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- corn (fresh, frozen or can)
- cooking spray
how to make zucchini fritters:
Cut the ends off the zucchini then shred using a box grater.
Transfer the shredded zucchini to a colander then sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Gently toss with your hands then leave it sit for 10 minutes.
Place the colander in the sink or inside a bowl to catch the moisture from the zucchini.
After 10 minutes squeeze out the excess water from the zucchini using your hands OR place the zucchini in a clean dish towel and wring out the moisture.
The goal is to get as much moisture out of the zucchini as possible.
Place the drained shredded zucchini in a bowl then add the egg, onion and garlic powder. Sprinkle the flour over the surface then mix with a spoon just until it’s combined. Stir in the cheese and corn then set aside.
NOTE: the batter should be thick but still moist and able to form into patties (your hands will get a little messy).
air frying the zucchini corn fritters:
Preheat the air fryer to 400° for 3 minutes then lightly spray the air fryer basket.
Using a 1/4 cup measuring scoop form 4 zucchini fritter patties and gently place in the air fryer. Season with salt to taste then air fry for 8-10 minutes total, turning halfway through.
After turning them over, lightly spray the top of each fritter with cooking spray and continue air frying.
NOTE: cooking times vary with air fryer brands. Remove from the air fryer when they’re golden and crispy.
how to make zucchini corn fritters in a skillet:
After making the batter, add 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil to a skillet (you’ll want enough to coat the bottom of the skillet so they don’t stick).
Once it’s hot, using a 1/4 cup measuring cup scoop the batter into the skillet. Season with salt then cook 3-4 minutes or until you see the underside starting to brown.
Turn them over, gently press down on them with a spatula and continue cooking until they’re golden and crispy on both sides. Serve warm.
what to serve with zucchini corn fritters:
These Zucchini Corn Fritters are great all on their own. I prefer a dipping sauce. Here are few ideas:
- marinara or pizza sauce
- plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- ranch dressing
They make a great light lunch or snack but would also be really good side with chicken or this grilled flank steak for dinner.
storing, freezing and reheating zucchini corn fritters:
If you happen to have leftovers, here’s how to store and reheat them:
To freeze, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap then place in freezer safe zip to bags. Store up to 2 months in the freezer.
In the refrigerator, cover with plastic wrap and store up to 3 days.
To reheat in the air fryer, unwrap and reheat at 350° (or use the reheat button if your AF has one) 2-3 minutes or until they’re warmed through. They won’t be as crispy as when they were first air fried but will still be delicious.
Looking for more air fryer recipes?
Air Fryer Oreos – warm Oreo cookies wrapped in dough, air fried until golden then dusted with powdered sugar. Uses NO oil!
Crispy Air Fried Buffalo Cauliflower – crispy cauliflower outside, tender inside and loaded with bold Buffalo flavor. Serve with ranch or blue cheese for dipping.
Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon – BEST Air Fryer Salmon with easy teriyaki glaze – cooks perfectly every tie in just 10 minutes.
Enjoy!
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If you tried this Air Fryer Zucchini Corn Fritter recipe or any other on the blog then I hope you’ll leave a comment and some stars!
Air Fried Cheesy Zucchini Corn Fritters (+ skillet instructions)
Equipment
- Air fryer
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded zucchini about 2 medium size zucchini
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons onion finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/3 cup flour
- 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 1/2 cup corn can use fresh, frozen or canned
- cooking spray
Instructions
Air Fryer Method:
THE BATTER:
- Cut the ends off the zucchini then shred using a box grater.
- Transfer the shredded zucchini to a colander then sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Gently toss with your hands then leave it sit for 10 minutes. Either place the colander in the sink or inside a bowl to catch the moisture from the zucchini.
- After 10 minutes squeeze out the excess water using your hands OR place the zucchini in a clean dish towel and wring out the moisture. The goal is to get as much moisture out of the zucchini as possible. This will help crisp the fritters.
- Place the zucchini in a bowl then add the egg, onion and garlic powder. Sprinkle the flour over the surface then mix with a spoon just until it’s combined. Stir in the cheese and corn then set aside.NOTE: the batter should be thick but still moist and able to form into patties (your hands will get a little messy).
AIR FRYING:
- Preheat the air fryer to 400° for 3 minutes then lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Using a 1/4 cup measuring scoop form 4 zucchini fritter patties. Gently place them in the air fryer and season with salt to taste.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes total, turning halfway through. After turning them over, lightly spray the top of each fritter with cooking spray and continue air frying.NOTE: cooking times vary with air fryer brands. Remove from the air fryer when they’re golden and crispy.
Skillet/Stovetop Method:
- Follow the above instructions to prepare the fritter batter.
- Add 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil to a skillet (you’ll want enough to coat the bottom of the skillet so they don’t stick). Once it’s hot, using a 1/4 cup measuring cup spoon the batter into the skillet. Cook 3-4 minutes or until you see the underside starting to brown.Turn them over, gently press down on them with a spatula and continue cooking until they’re golden and crispy on both sides.
My second time making it, love it.
Do use a towel to squeeze out the excess water and a little more flower.
Hi Linda – I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe (both times!) – thank you! Yes – really important to get as much moisture out as possible – great tip! — and yes – depending on how much moisture is left a little more flour can help – thanks! 🙂 — Bernie
I too had an issue with sticking. They turned out well but I have some extra batter and I am going to cook then in the skillet. I felt that they needed a little more seasoning so I will add some to the leftover batter. I will have to refrigerate what is left because I didn’t feel well enough tonight to cook the rest. Hopefully, it will be ok.