I have to admit, my air fryer has become my kitchen sidekick, a trusty companion in the quest for crispy perfection. These chicken zucchini fritters are the culinary equivalent of a warm hug—golden, crunchy, with a tender heart of zucchini goodness. I can’t help but think of them as the love child of summer’s garden bounty and a crispy dream.
Steps
- Grate the zucchini and place it in a colander. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of salt and let it sit for 10 minutes to draw out moisture. Squeeze the zucchini by hand or with cheesecloth to remove as much liquid as possible, then transfer it to a large mixing bowl.
- Into the bowl with the drained zucchini, add ground turkey or chicken, the remaining teaspoon of salt, black pepper, chopped green onions, an egg, pressed garlic, and ricotta cheese. Mix everything together until well combined.
- Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add 3-4 tablespoons of olive oil. Shape the mixture into round patties about 1/3-inch thick using your hands. Cook each patty for 3 minutes on one side, then flip, cover the skillet, and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until thoroughly cooked. Repeat with remaining mixture, adding more oil to the pan as necessary.
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchini (approximately 1 1/4 lbs), grated (use a mix of green zucchini and yellow squash)
- 2 teaspoons salt, divided
- 1 pound ground turkey or chicken
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1/4 cup green onions or chives, finely chopped
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces ricotta cheese (or half of a 15-ounce tub)
- Olive oil for sautéing
FAQ
- Can I use chicken or turkey for these fritters?
- Yes, you can use either ground chicken or turkey for this recipe. Both will provide a delicious and juicy base for the fritters.
- How do I prepare the zucchini for the fritters?
- Grate the zucchini and then sprinkle it with salt. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Afterward, squeeze out as much juice as possible before adding it to the other ingredients.
- What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
- If you don’t have ricotta cheese, you could try using cottage cheese or even Greek yogurt as an alternative. Keep in mind that these substitutions might slightly alter the texture and flavor.
- How do I ensure the fritters are cooked properly?
- Cook the fritters in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Start by cooking them uncovered for about 3 minutes, then flip and cover the skillet, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until they are fully cooked through.
- Can I prepare these fritters ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator for a few hours before cooking. Alternatively, you can cook the fritters and reheat them when needed.
Tips
- Ensure you thoroughly drain the grated zucchini after salting it. Consider using a double layer of cheesecloth to squeeze out as much moisture as possible, which will help the fritters hold their shape better when cooking.
- When forming the patties, use a heaping tablespoon of the mixture and shape it into a round patty about 1/3-inch thick. This size ensures even cooking and a nice texture.
- Cook the fritters in batches, adding more olive oil to the pan as needed to prevent sticking and to achieve a golden brown crust.
- If you have leftover zucchini juice, think of creative uses for it, such as adding it to smoothies or soups for extra nutrients.
Equipment
- Colander/Bowl Set – For draining the zucchini.
- Cheesecloth – Optional, for squeezing juice from the zucchini.
- Non-stick Skillet – For cooking the fritters.
- Garlic Press – For pressing garlic cloves.
