Zucchini Ricotta Fritters

Our mom’s Zucchini Ricotta Fritters are wildly! These are pillowy soft and so straightforward to prepare. You combine the ingredients, form them into patties and air fry. This dish is on rotation in our household and requires no fuss or mess at all when using the air fryer. These pair perfectly with a refreshing yogurt sauce or a nice green salad on the side.

What stands out

These Zucchini Ricotta Fritters are ridiculously straightforward to prepare, and a hit with everyone who tries them. They’re a great way to use up all of that garden zucchini and the ricotta cheese is such a great addition! They’re not heavy at all, and by squeezing out all the excess water you will always get a fluffy and bite.

How to Prepare

Start by using a box grater to grate your zucchini (you should have about 1 cup total).

Then, place the zucchini into a nut milk bag or cheesecloth (or use your clean hands).

Squeeze out as much water as you can.

Now, add the ricotta, egg salt grated zucchini, parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and basil to a bowl. Mix well until fully combined.

Using a 1/4 cup measure scoop out a portion of the mixture into your hands and then roll into a ball and flatten into a disc. Repeat this step for the rest of the mixture; you should have 6-7 discs in total.

Spray the discs with cooking spray and cook in a 400F (200F) air fryer for about 10 minutes, or until lightly browned all over.

Kitchen tip

Make sure your fritters are light and fluffy by removing as much moisture as possible from the grated zucchini. We like to squeeze the zucchini by hand, using cheesecloth a nut milk bag or even a clean kitchen cloth.

Swaps

1. Instead of Parmesan cheese, you can use any low-moisture cheese such as pecorino Romano, grated Manchego, or gruyere.
2. You can substitute basil with fresh dill, parsley, or any herb of your choosing.
3. Make these Zucchini Ricotta Fritters by using your favorite gluten-free breadcrumb instead of regular breadcrumbs.

Serve it with

• A big, fresh salad like our Wedge Salad or Simple Green Salad.
• Try these Zucchini Ricotta Fritters topped with a poached or fried egg.
• A creamy yogurt-based dip, like a garlic sauce or even a Tzatziki would be nice!

Questions

what cheese can we use instead of parmesan?

Instead of Parmesan cheese, you can use any low-moisture cheese, such as pecorino romano, grated manchego, or gruyere. You can also use your favorite non-dairy Parm substitute.

what other herbs can we use in these zucchini ricotta fritters?

You can substitute basil with fresh dill, parsley, or any herb of your choosing.

which air fryer do you use?

We use this mark COSORI Pro II Air Fryer which we love! If you have another brand, please use their recommended temperature and cooking time as each appliance will vary.

can we make these zucchini ricotta fritters in the oven?

Yes, these fritters can also be baked in a 400F (200C) standard kitchen oven. They will likely take more time to cook than in the air fryer, so watch them carefully to ensure they do not burn, checking on them every 5 minutes or so.

can we make these on the stove top?

To make these on the stovetop, cover a skillet in a thin layer of neutral oil, such as avocado oil, and warm over medium-high heat. Cook the fritters for about 5 minutes on each side, or until lightly browned all over.

can we freeze these Zucchini ricotta fritters?

Yes, you certainly can freeze these fritters. We like to make a double batch and freeze for another meal.

can these be made gluten free?

Yes, feel free to use your favorite gluten-free breadcrumb to make these gluten-free.

how can we avoid dense zucchini ricotta fritters?

Make sure your fritters are light and fluffy by trying to remove as much moisture as possible from the grated zucchini. We like to squeeze the zucchini by hand either in mark cheesecloth, a nut milk bag or even a clean kitchen cloth.

Ingredients

Makes 6 fritters

• 1 medium zucchini
• ¾ cup ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• pinch of salt
• ½ cup grated parmigiano reggiano
• ½ cup Italian breadcrumbs
• few basil leaves, sliced, ripped or chopped

Equipment

• Box Grater
• Cheesecloth
• Nakiri Knife
• Cutting Board
• Mixing Bowls
• Measuring Cups + Spoons
• Oil Spray Bottle
• Air Fryer
• Redmond Real Salt

Method

1. Grate the zucchini; you should have about 1 cup. Place the zucchini into a nut milk bag, cheesecloth (or use your clean hands) and squeeze out as much water as you can. You can save the zucchini water for smoothies if you wish.
2. In a bowl, add the ricotta, egg, salt, grated zucchini, parm, breadcrumbs, and basil. Mix well until fully combined.
3. Using a 1/4 cup measure, scoop out a portion of the mixture into your hands. Roll the mixture into a ball and then flatten into a disc. Repeat this step for the rest of the mixture; you should have 6 discs in total.
4. Spray the discs with cooking spray and cook in a 400F (200C) air fryer for about 10 minutes, or until lightly browned all over. Be sure to preheat the air fryer first, if you have that setting, and make sure you check on the fritters around the 6 minute mark. Serve and enjoy.