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Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these high protein zucchini fritters use eggs and chickpea flour for a nutritious low carb side or light meal, made quick and clean with the air fryer.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium zucchini (about 400g), grated
  • 1 teaspoon salt (for drawing out moisture)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/3 cup chickpea flour
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • Olive oil spray

Instructions

  1. Grate the zucchini and toss with 1 tsp salt in a colander; let sit 10 minutes to draw out moisture.
  2. Press or squeeze the grated zucchini until completely dry using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
  3. Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (390°F) for about 3 minutes.
  4. In a large bowl, combine the drained zucchini with eggs, chickpea flour, Parmesan, garlic, black pepper, onion powder, and parsley; stir until a thick batter forms.
  5. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil.
  6. Scoop heaping tablespoons of batter into the basket and press each into a flat patty, leaving space between fritters and working in batches if needed.
  7. Spray a little olive oil over the tops of the fritters.
  8. Air fry at 200°C (390°F) for 10–12 minutes.
  9. Carefully flip the fritters and air fry for another 8 minutes until golden brown and firm.
  10. Let the fritters rest for 2 minutes before serving.

Notes

Ensure zucchini is thoroughly squeezed to remove moisture for crispy fritters., Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket; cook in batches to maintain crispness., If chickpea flour is unavailable, oat flour can be used though protein content will be slightly lower., Leftover fritters reheat well in the air fryer at 180°C for 4 to 5 minutes., Batter can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator, draining excess liquid before cooking., For dairy-free, omit Parmesan and add nutritional yeast as a substitute., Egg-free option: replace eggs with flax eggs (2 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 5 tbsp water)., Add-ins such as crumbled feta, dill, smoked paprika, cumin, red onion, or shredded carrot can be used for variety.

  • Author: Ashley
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Side Dish
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 3 fritters
  • Calories: 130 kcal per serving
  • Fat: Not specified
  • Carbohydrates: Low carbohydrate content
  • Protein: 12-14 grams per serving