Zucchini Fritters with Garlic-Dill Yogurt Sauce (Air Fryer Recipe)
These Zucchini Fritters with a tangy Garlic-Dill Yogurt Sauce are a delightful and healthy way to enjoy zucchini. The fritters are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and when paired with the creamy yogurt sauce, they make for the perfect snack or side dish. Plus, making them in the air fryer cuts down on the oil while still delivering that crispy texture we all love. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, snack, or a light meal, this dish will quickly become a favorite!
Necessary Kitchen Equipment
- Air fryer
- Box grater or food processor (for grating the zucchini)
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or cookie scoop
- Paper towels (for squeezing excess moisture from zucchini)
- Small bowl (for sauce)
- Parchment paper or non-stick spray (optional)
Overview of Ingredients
For the Zucchini Fritters
- Zucchini – The star ingredient, providing a mild flavor and moisture.
- Egg – Binds the ingredients together and gives structure.
- Breadcrumbs – Helps absorb moisture and adds texture to the fritters.
- Parmesan Cheese – Adds a savory, umami flavor and helps crisp up the fritters.
- Garlic Powder – For a subtle garlic flavor.
- Dried Oregano – Adds an herby, earthy note.
- Salt and Pepper – For seasoning.
For the Garlic-Dill Yogurt Sauce
- Greek Yogurt – Rich and creamy, serves as the base for the sauce.
- Garlic – Fresh garlic for that punch of flavor.
- Dill – Fresh or dried dill adds a refreshing, herby taste.
- Lemon Juice – Adds tanginess to balance the creaminess of the yogurt.
- Salt and Pepper – To season the sauce.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Zucchini
Grate 2 medium zucchinis using a box grater or food processor. Place the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and squeeze out the excess moisture. This step is crucial to prevent soggy fritters.
Make the Fritter Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine the grated zucchini, 1 beaten egg, 1/4 cup breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined. The mixture should be thick enough to hold its shape but not too dry. If needed, add more breadcrumbs to adjust consistency.
Form the Fritters
Use a spoon or cookie scoop to form small patties from the zucchini mixture. Gently press down to flatten them slightly.
Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
Air Fry the Fritters
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray or line it with parchment paper. Place the zucchini fritters in the basket in a single layer, making sure they’re not overcrowded. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until golden brown and crispy on both sides.
Prepare the Garlic-Dill Yogurt Sauce
While the fritters are cooking, mix 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, 1 clove garlic (minced), 1 tablespoon fresh dill (or 1 teaspoon dried dill), 1 teaspoon lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and well-combined.
Serve
Once the fritters are golden and crispy, remove them from the air fryer. Serve immediately with a side of the garlic-dill yogurt sauce for dipping.
Recipe Tips
- Squeeze the Zucchini Well: Don’t skip the step of squeezing out excess moisture. This is key to ensuring your fritters are crispy and not soggy.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the fritter mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to a day. Just form the patties and air fry when you’re ready to cook.
- Customize the Sauce: Feel free to adjust the garlic-dill yogurt sauce to your taste. Add a bit of honey for sweetness or more lemon juice for tang.
What to Serve with Zucchini Fritters
These fritters are perfect on their own with the garlic-dill yogurt sauce, but they also pair wonderfully with a fresh salad, a side of roasted vegetables, or even as a topping for a grain bowl or wrap.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen zucchini for this recipe?
Fresh zucchini is preferred for this recipe because frozen zucchini contains more water, which can make the fritters soggy. If you must use frozen zucchini, be sure to squeeze out as much moisture as possible.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can use any cheese you prefer. Feta or mozzarella would also work well in this recipe.
Can I make these fritters ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the fritters and store them in the fridge before air frying. Alternatively, you can freeze the formed fritters and air fry them when ready.
Ingredients
For the Zucchini Fritters
- 2 medium zucchinis
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil spray (for air fryer)
For the Garlic-Dill Yogurt Sauce
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Grate the zucchinis and squeeze out the excess moisture.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the zucchini with the egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
- Form the mixture into small patties.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Air fry the fritters for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- While the fritters cook, mix the garlic-dill yogurt sauce.
- Serve the fritters hot with the garlic-dill yogurt sauce on the side.
These Zucchini Fritters with Garlic-Dill Yogurt Sauce are a fantastic, light, and healthy dish, bursting with flavor and perfect for any occasion!
Zucchini Fritters with a tangy Garlic-Dill Yogurt Sauce
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Box grater or food processor (for grating the zucchini)
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or cookie scoop
- Paper towels (for squeezing excess moisture from zucchini)
- Small bowl (for sauce)
- Parchment paper or non-stick spray (optional)
Ingredients
- For the Zucchini Fritters
- 2 medium zucchinis
- 1 egg beaten
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil spray for air fryer
- For the Garlic-Dill Yogurt Sauce
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill or 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Grate the zucchinis and squeeze out the excess moisture.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the zucchini with the egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
- Form the mixture into small patties.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Air fry the fritters for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- While the fritters cook, mix the garlic-dill yogurt sauce.
