Grate the zucchinis using a box grater and place them in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to drain excess moisture, then transfer to a mixing bowl.
Add the flour, salt, black pepper, and lemon zest to the grated zucchini and stir to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.
Crack the egg into the mixture and fold everything together until well combined and the mixture is slightly sticky but holds together when pressed.
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly brush or spray the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Using a spoon or your hands, form the zucchini mixture into small patties, about 2-3 inches in diameter, and place them in the air fryer basket, spacing them out.
Spray the top of the fritters lightly with additional olive oil to encourage crisping.
Cook in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping or gently shaking the basket halfway through, until the fritters are golden brown and crispy around the edges.
Once cooked, carefully remove the fritters from the air fryer and transfer to a plate or cooling rack. Let them rest for a minute as they firm up slightly.
Serve the zucchini fritters warm, garnished optionally with a squeeze of lemon or fresh herbs for extra flavor.