For the first time, a ferrite nanocomposite photoelectrode (FNCP) has been fabricated and investigated for photoelectrochemical hydrogen production from water under simulated solar light. The ZnFe₂O₄:Fe₂O₃ nanocomposite photoanode has been fabricated via a single step methodology using a novel approach involving the solution precursor plasma spraying technique. The FNCP is achieved by optimal phase formation during the deposition of the ferrite film (∼10 μm) over a stainless steel substrate. It exhibits an enhanced photoactivity 6 times higher compared to pure ZnFe₂O₄ (ZFO), under simulated-solar (AM1.5 G) illumination. Its Mott–Schottky characterization reveals an n-type semiconducting behaviour, indicating an order of magnitude higher donor density (N_d ∼ 10¹⁷ cm⁻³) than the pure phase ZnFe₂O₄ electrode. It also exhibits a low band gap of 1.94 eV demonstrating that it can more efficiently absorb visible light photons than other systems comprising of bare zinc ferrite or iron oxide. The FNCP yielded a solar-to-hydrogen conversion efficiency of 1.25% under simulated solar radiation (AM1.5 G) with a hydrogen evolution rate of 99 μmol h⁻¹. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy of the FNCP revealed a significantly improved charge transfer characteristic compared to ZnFe₂O₄. An enhanced photoactivity for the oxidation of water from the FNCP is attributed to its improved optical absorption and better charge transfer properties induced by the existence of Fe₂O₃ in ZnFe₂O₄.