These easy vegan zucchini fritters in the air fryer are a delicious and healthy snack that can be enjoyed any time of day, whether served as a light meal, a great side dish, or a dinner appetizer. They are vegan and gluten-free, and made with a creamy vegan tzatziki sauce. This recipe is super simple and requires only a few ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen.
What you will need to make your vegan zucchini fritters
Fritter Ingredients
- fresh zucchini
- oat flour: I like using oat flour because it has great flavor and is a great gluten-free flour option. However, you can also use regular flour such as all purpose flour or whole wheat flour. This recipe will not work with almond flour. Chickpea flour is another flour option that works great in zucchini fritters, but I have not tested it in this recipe specifically, so I cannot say if you can substitute it for the oat flour used here.
- cornstarch: also known as cornflour if you are in the UK.
- ground flax seeds: these serve as the egg replacer in this recipe.
- nutritional yeast: nutritional yeast gives these fritters a delicious cheesy flavor, while still keeping this recipe plant-based.
- green onions / spring onions
- garlic cloves
- chopped fresh dill
- baking powder
- olive oil
- sea salt and black pepper
Vegan Tzatziki Sauce Ingredients
- vegan yogurt: try to find a really thick and creamy one. I like the brands Culina and Cocojune. If you are not vegan, you can use Greek yogurt instead.
- cucumber
- fresh dill
- garlic clove: you can also use garlic powder instead.
- fresh lemon juice: you can use lime juice if you don't have lemon on hand, but lemon is preferred.
- sea salt
The vegan tzatziki sauce is absolutely amazing and I highly recommend making it to pair with your vegan fritters. However, if you are strapped for time and don't feel like making it, you can also top these healthy zucchini fritters with a dollop of vegan sour cream, vegan ranch, or any of your favorite dipping sauces.
The full ratios and nutritional information are at the bottom of the post in the recipe card.
How to make these vegan air fryer zucchini cakes
Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F / 200 degrees C.
Start by shredding the zucchini. Using the large holes of a box grater, shred medium zucchini into a large bowl.
Once you have shredded all the zucchini, sprinkle it with a teaspoon of salt and let it sit for about 10 minutes. This will help remove excess water from the zucchini, which is important to ensure that the fritters turn out crispy.
Next, use a clean dish towel, paper towels, or a cheese cloth to squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the grated zucchini.
Now make your flax eggs by mixing the ground flax seeds with water.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded zucchini, oat flour, cornstarch, flax egg, nutritional yeast, chopped green onions, minced or chopped garlic cloves, chopped dill, olive oil, baking powder, black pepper, and salt.
Mix the ingredients until they form a thick batter and the zucchini mixture holds together when squeezed.
Line your air fryer tray or air fryer basket with parchment paper.
Using an ice cream scoop, scoop out some of the zucchini mixture. Roll each one into a ball in your hands and flatten it gently to form a patty. Then place it on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
Spray the tops of the patties with cooking spray (I used olive oil spray). Then place the zucchini patties in the preheated air fryer.
Air fry the zucchini patties for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through until they are golden brown and crispy.
While the fritters are cooking, prepare the vegan tzatziki sauce.
Start by peeling and grating the cucumber. Then squeeze out the excess liquid from it using a paper towel or a clean kitchen towel.
In a small bowl, mix the vegan yogurt, grated cucumber, chopped dill, chopped or minced garlic, lemon juice, and salt. Mix until it's well combined.
Once they are done, serve the crispy fritters with the vegan tzatziki sauce and enjoy!
You can also top the fritters with fresh herbs, or vegan parmesan cheese.
Video
If you liked these air fryer zucchini patties, you might also like these other yummy vegan recipes
- crispy garlic smashed potatoes
- lemon garlic pasta
- roasted red pepper and tomato soup
- roasted beet hummus
Vegan Zucchini Fritters in the Air Fryer
Equipment
- air fryer
Ingredients
Zucchini Fritter Ingredients
- 2 zucchini when drained of the excess water, this will measure to be about 1 ½ cups / 250 grams
- ⅓ cup oat flour
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons ground flax seeds + 2 tablespoon water
- ¼ cup nutritional yeast
- 2-3 green onions
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
Vegan Tzatziki Dip Ingredients
- ½ cup thick vegan yogurt
- ½ small cucumber
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- 1 minced garlic clove
- ½ teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F / 200 degrees C.
- Start by shredding the zucchini. Using the large holes of a box grater, shred medium zucchini into a large bowl.
- Once you have shredded all the zucchini, sprinkle it with a teaspoon of salt and let it sit for about 10 minutes. This will help remove excess water from the zucchini, which is important to ensure that the fritters turn out crispy.
- Next, use a clean dish towel, paper towels, or a cheese cloth to squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the grated zucchini.
- Now make your flax eggs by mixing the ground flax seeds with water.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded zucchini, oat flour, cornstarch, flax egg, nutritional yeast, chopped green onions, minced or chopped garlic cloves, chopped dill, olive oil, baking powder, black pepper, and salt.
- Mix the ingredients until they form a thick batter and the zucchini mixture holds together when squeezed.
- Line your air fryer tray or air fryer basket with parchment paper.
- Using an ice cream scoop, scoop out some of the zucchini mixture. Roll each one into a ball in your hands and flatten it gently to form a patty. Then place it on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Spray the tops of the patties with cooking spray (I used olive oil spray). Then place the zucchini patties in the preheated air fryer.
- Air fry the zucchini patties for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through until they are golden brown and crispy.
- While the fritters are cooking, prepare the vegan tzatziki sauce.
- Start by peeling and grating the cucumber. Then squeeze out the excess liquid from it using a paper towel or a clean kitchen towel.
- In a small bowl, mix the vegan yogurt, grated cucumber, chopped dill, chopped or minced garlic, lemon juice, and salt. Mix until it's well combined.
- Once they are done, serve the crispy fritters with the vegan tzatziki sauce and enjoy!
Video
Nutrition
How to store the vegan zucchini fritters
You can transfer any leftover fritters to an airtight container or wrap them in plastic wrap.
Store them in the fridge for up to three days. They also freeze well, so you can store them in a freezer bag for later use.
Why make the zucchini fritters in the air fryer
Air frying is a healthier alternative to deep-frying. When you cook food in the air fryer, it uses hot air to circulate around the food, creating a crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist and tender. It's also a great way to cut down on the amount of oil used in cooking. Vegan zucchini fritters in the air fryer are a delicious and healthy snack that's high in fiber and packed with nutrients. They're a great option for vegetarians and vegans looking for a tasty and healthy snack.
This air fryer zucchini fritters recipe is a great one to add to your collection of easy air fryer recipes. It's a low-carb option that's perfect for those following a low-calorie diet or looking for easy zucchini recipes. With its crispy texture and delicious taste, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
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