Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters are stuffed with prosciutto and mozzarella and are a great appetizer for any family occasion! These are the best to dip in your favorite marinara sauce!
If you're looking for some equally delicious and easy appetizers, try Air Fryer Garlic Parm Wings or Pepperoni Bread (Stromboli).
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The Non-Traditional Zucchini Fritter
These are not a traditional zucchini fritter. They are more like a zucchini roll-up, but they are a million times less work. My wife and I came up with these one Sunday morning when we were trying to figure out an appetizer for the football games.
I really wanted to include prosciutto in the recipe so this was the best way to do that. It is not your typical fritter but they are so delicious and perfect when dipped in marinara sauce or served alongside soup like Classic Italian Minestrone or Roasted Carrot Ginger Soup!
Substitution and Ingredient Notes
Zucchini. The zucchini needs to be thinly sliced and FRESH. Otherwise, it will crack and not roll up. I had two old zucchini and 2 fresh ones when I made this and that is exactly what happened to the older ones. They become slightly dried out and difficult to work with.
Breadcrumbs. Use regular breadcrumbs, not panko. Regular breadcrumbs will cover more surface area and stick to the zucchini better. Panko is better if you're using a thick batter.
Prosciutto. I like to throw my prosciutto in the freezer for 5 before this. It will make it easier to pull apart and easier to cut into portions that work for wrapping the mozzarella.
Mozzarella. A mini mozzarella ball or a block of mozzarella chopped into cubes works best. If you use shredded, the cheese leaks out and it is harder to keep the zucchini wrapped around the prosciutto.
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1 (preparation): In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs, parsley, parmesan, garlic powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg. Slice the zucchini long ways with a sharp knife to make thin slices or use a mandoline.
Step 2: Cut the mozzarella block into ½-inch squares. Take a slice of prosciutto, separate it into 4 pieces, and wrap each piece around a mozzarella square. The prosciutto can be a little bit difficult to work with but try to make sure all sides of the mozzarella are covered with prosciutto so that it doesn't melt out of the zucchini.
Pro-tip
- Place the prosciutto in the freezer for fifteen minutes before wrapping the mozzarella. It makes the prosciutto a little sturdier.
Step 3: Place the prosciutto-wrapped mozzarella on the end of a zucchini slice and roll it up. Use a toothpick to lock in the roll.
Step 4: Dip the zucchini on a toothpick into the egg making sure it covers the entire thing. Drop the roll into the breadcrumbs and completely coat it. I find it best to press the breadcrumb onto the zucchini so it sticks. It is a little more difficult to have breadcrumbs stick on a zucchini than it is on a Italian chicken cutlet.
Step 5: Preheat the air fryer to 400℉. Cook the zucchini for 20 minutes repositioning them or flipping after 10 minutes. Serve them with your favorite marinara sauce or leftover Sunday sauce!
FAQs
10 minutes in the oven at 350℉ or 8 minutes in the air fryer at 400℉. Super easy to make in advance and then reheat at someone's house.
Yes. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes at 350℉. You can prep these hours in advance and cook right when you're ready. I like the air fryer option if you're just cooking one batch, but if you're making a ton of them, the oven is the way to go.
Leave a review below to let me know what you think of this recipe! Follow us on Instagram @vindelgiudice.
More Easy Delicious Appetizers
📖 Recipe
Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters
Equipment
- air fryer
Ingredients
- 2 zucchini, thinly sliced long ways
- 1 cup breadcrumb
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 egg
- 1 6 oz package prosciutto
- ¼ lb block mozzarella
- 1 cup favorite marinara sauce
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs, parsley, parmesan, garlic powder, and salt. Whisk the egg in a separate bowl. Slice the zucchini long ways with a sharp knife to make thin slices or use a mandoline.
- Cut the mozzarella block into ½-inch squares. Take a slice of prosciutto and separate it into 4 pieces and wrap each piece around a mozzarella square. Place the prosciutto-wrapped mozzarella on the end of a zucchini slice and roll it up. Use a toothpick to maintain the roll.
- Dip the zucchini on a toothpick into the egg making sure it covers the entire thing. Drop the roll into the breadcrumbs and completely coat it.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400℉. Cook the zucchini for 20 minutes repositioning them or flipping after 10 minutes. Serve them with your favorite marinara sauce.
Vinny
Perfect app to dip in marinara! I know you'll enjoy this on a football Sunday or your next cocktail party.