Description

Crispy Air Fryer Sunflower Seed Veggie Fritters deliver a golden-brown, crunchy exterior with a tender, veggie-packed interior. Coated with a nutty sunflower seed crust and air-fried for a guilt-free healthy brunch or snack, these fritters combine fresh grated vegetables, aromatic spices, and a protein-rich seed coating. Perfect as a handheld treat or party appetizer, they are easy to customize and pair beautifully with an optional creamy herb yogurt dip.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 cup grated carrots
1 cup grated zucchini (squeezed dry)
½ cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
¼ cup finely diced red bell pepper
2 tablespoons chopped green onions

Sunflower Seed Coating

¾ cup raw unsalted sunflower seeds
¼ cup sunflower seed flour (or finely ground seeds)

Wet Mix

2 large eggs
¼ cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Seasonings

½ teaspoon sea salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon ground cumin
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Optional Dipping Sauce

½ cup Greek yogurt (or plant-based yogurt)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
Pinch of salt

Instructions

Preparing the Veggie Base: Start by grating the carrots and zucchini onto a clean kitchen towel. Sprinkle the grated zucchini with a pinch of salt and squeeze firmly to remove excess water, preventing soggy fritters. In a large bowl, combine the drained carrots, zucchini, corn kernels, red bell pepper, and green onions. Toss with sea salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, and fresh parsley until evenly seasoned.
Making the Sunflower Seed Coating: While the vegetables rest, place raw sunflower seeds in a food processor and pulse until they form a coarse meal with some chunkiness remaining for texture. Transfer this to a shallow dish and stir in the sunflower seed flour. This mixture will act as a gluten-free breadcrumb, creating a nutty crust that adheres well to the wet batter.
Assembling & Air Frying: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and flour until smooth. Pour this wet mixture over the seasoned vegetables, folding gently until a cohesive batter forms. Using a tablespoon, scoop portions of the batter, roll them lightly in the sunflower seed coating, and place them on a parchment-lined air-fryer basket ensuring they don’t touch. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes. Spray the tops lightly with oil, then air-fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until fritters are deep golden-brown and firm. If not crisp enough, air-fry for an additional 2 minutes while monitoring closely to avoid over browning.
Finishing & Serving: Remove the fritters from the basket and let them rest for 2 minutes to allow the interior to set. Serve hot with the optional creamy herb-yogurt dip, a squeeze of fresh lemon, or on their own. For a complete brunch plate, pair with a light mixed green salad.

Notes

Dry the zucchini thoroughly to avoid soggy fritters.
Use a light spray of oil to help the crust crisp without greasiness.
Space fritters at least an inch apart in the air fryer to prevent steaming.
Flip fritters halfway through cooking for even browning.
Pulse sunflower seeds carefully to maintain a coarse texture and avoid turning into butter.
The internal temperature of the fritters should reach 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
Serve immediately for maximum crispness; reheating quickly in the air fryer or skillet is preferred over microwaving.
Customize by adding lemon zest, sun-dried tomatoes, or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
To make vegan, replace eggs with a flax-egg and use plant-based milk and yogurt.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat in air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 4-5 minutes to restore crispness.

Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Category: Appetizers
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: International

Keywords: air fryer fritters, sunflower seed fritters, vegetable fritters, healthy brunch recipe, crispy veggie snack, gluten-free coating, vegetarian appetizer