Air fryer Kolokithokeftedes are the perfect no-fuss Greek appetizer.
Kolokithokeftedes. Say it three times fast. This tongue twister of a zucchini patty appetizer is one of Greece’s most beloved dishes. Traditionally, you would make them as a shallowly fried fritter. In my recipe for Opa! The Healthy Greek Cookbook, I developed a method for baking the zucchini patties. This cuts down on your active cooking time, and is much healthier. I don’t think they skimp on texture or taste either. They are always the first to disappear on any mezze spread I make. And I make them all the time for my Los Angeles personal chef clients.
Air Frying Kolokithokeftedes
But now we’re in the age of the air fryer and it is here to stay. And guess what? It’s the perfect vehicle to make beautifully textured, light and healthy Kolokithokeftedes. My recipe is actually the same. The zucchini patties blend the freshly grated squash with scallions, herbs, feta cheese and kefalotiri. If you can’t find kefalotiri at your Greek grocer or international market, a pecorino romano is a great substitute.
What Air Fryer to use for Kolokithokeftedes
What distinguishes this recipe is purely the cooking method. I tested it in the Ninja Foodi 10-in-1 XL Pro. And was able to fit an entire batch in the basket. I imagine the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer and similar models would work the same. If you have a different type of air fryer, you may have to cook them in separate batches because they all need to be cooked in a single layer. So just keep an eye on your surface area. Also, check them about half way through to make sure they are cooking evenly. If you see more color on some than others, you may want to rotate their position.
Freezing Kolokithokeftedes
This is also the perfect recipe to double up on and freeze the extras (if you have any). To freeze: after cooking let the patties cool. Then lay in plastic wrap or a parchment sheet on a baking sheet that will fit in your freezer. Place the patties in a single layer on the baking sheet and freeze them. Once they are frozen, transfer them to a freeze bag. Squeeze out all the air and seal. The patties should keep for about 3 months.
No matter when you’re enjoying them, these Kolokithokeftedes are perfect with tzatziki — especially my Sun-Dried Tomato Tzatziki recipe. The contrast of colors and bright flavors are perfect together.
Air Fryer Kolokithokeftedes (Greek Zucchini Fritters)
Ingredients
- 3 zucchini (about 1 ½ pounds), grated
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ cup chopped scallion, white and green parts
- 1 garlic clove, grated
- 1 cup bread crumbs, I like to use panko for a lighter texture
- 1 cup feta cheese
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ cup shredded kefalotiri, (or any hard, salty cheese like parmesan or romano)
- 1 large egg, if mixture still seems dry after mixing, you can add an additional egg
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh dill
- Baking spray or olive oil, for brushing air fryer basket and zucchini patties
Instructions
- Grate zucchini on a box grater or in a food processor with grater blade. Place the zucchini in a fine-mesh strainer, sprinkle with the salt, mix thoroughly, and let it drain in the sink for 30 minutes.
- Squeeze out as much liquid as possible. If you line the strainer with a cheesecloth or tea towel, this will be easier.
- In a medium bowl, combine the zucchini, scallion, garlic, bread crumbs, baking powder, feta and kefalotiri cheeses, first beaten egg, and dill. If the mixture is dry and not sticking together, add the additional egg.
- Brush your air fryer basket with olive oil or spray with baking spray.
- Form the zucchini mixture into 1-inch balls. Lightly smash the balls into patties and place on the prepared basket. Brush the tops with remaining olive oil or spray with baking spray.
- Cook at 375ºF for 20-25 minutes, checking half way to make sure they are cooking evenly. I had to rotate some of mine from the edge to the middle because the patties on the edge were browning faster. This is largely determined by what type/brand of air fryer you have.
- Let stand for 5-10 minutes to set. Then remove from the basket and serve.
Notes
Freezing Kolokithokeftedes
This is also the perfect recipe to double up on and freeze the extras (if you have any). To freeze: after cooking let the patties cool. Then lay in plastic wrap or a parchment sheet on a baking sheet that will fit in your freezer. Place the patties in a single layer on the baking sheet and freeze them. Once they are frozen, transfer them to a freeze bag. Squeeze out all the air and seal. The patties should keep for about 3 months.