Air Fryer Zucchini Potato Fritters

Ingredients

For the Fritters

• 2 medium zucchini (about 1 lb / 450g)
• 2 medium Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes (peeled, about 1 lb / 450g)
• 1 tsp coarse salt (for drawing out moisture)
• 2 large eggs (lightly beaten)
• ½ cup green onions (finely chopped)
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free 1:1 baking flour)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (adds rich, savory depth)
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
• Cooking spray (high-smoke-point oil like avocado or olive oil spray)

For the Lemon-Garlic Herb Dip

• ½ cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic (minced)
• 1 tbsp fresh dill or chives (finely chopped)
• Pinch of salt and black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Prep and Shred the Vegetables

1. Wash the zucchini thoroughly and trim off the stems.
2. Peel the potatoes.
3. Using the coarse side of a box grater or a food processor fitted with a shredding disc, grate both the zucchini and potatoes into a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Draw Out the Moisture (Crucial Step)

1. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of coarse salt over the grated zucchini and potatoes. Toss well to distribute.
2. Transfer the mixture into a fine-mesh strainer set over a sink or large bowl. Let it sit for 15 minutes. The salt will draw out excess water, which is key to preventing soggy fritters.
3. Wrap the shredded vegetables in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Twist and squeeze with as much force as possible to wring out all excess liquid. You should extract at least ½ to ¾ cup of water.

Step 3: Mix the Batter

1. Transfer the dried zucchini and potato shred into a clean bowl.
2. Add the beaten eggs, green onions, flour, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper.
3. Stir until all ingredients are evenly combined and form a cohesive, holdable mixture.

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer

1. Set your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and let it preheat for 3 to 5 minutes.
2. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Shape and Cook the Fritters

1. Scoop roughly ¼ cup of the mixture per fritter. Press tightly between your hands to form patties about ½-inch thick.
2. Place 4 to 5 fritters into the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap.
3. Lightly spray the tops of the fritters with cooking spray.
4. Cook at 380°F (193°C) for 12 minutes total : Cook for 7 minutes on the first side.
5. Carefully flip each fritter using a thin spatula.
6. Lightly spray the flipped side and cook for another 5 minutes until golden-brown and crispy.
7. Repeat with the remaining batch.

Step 6: Make the Dip & Serve

1. While the fritters cook, whisk together the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
2. Serve the fritters hot out of the air fryer with a side of dipping sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 185 kcal · Protein: 9g · Fat: 6g Saturated Fat: 2g · Carbohydrates: 24g Dietary · Saturated Fat: 2g Trans · Fiber: 3g · Sugar: 3g · Sodium: 420mg