These addicting air fryer zucchini fries will revolutionize your snacking game!
Cheesy, crunchy, and tender, they’re an irresistible low-carb French fries alternative. They taste like a guilty pleasure. And yet, they’re actually healthy.
They’re the perfect sidekick for juicy burgers, chicken nuggets, battered fish, and more.
I promise you’ll love them!
Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
Air fryer zucchini fries are not your average veggie side dish. These crispy delights are addictively delicious, surprisingly fast, and so healthy.
They contain far fewer calories and carbs than regular fries. Not to mention, they’re way less greasy.
Making them in the air fryer calls for very little oil. Just a light spritz makes the seasoned batter extra crisp.
So forget those greasy, carb-laden, calorie-bomb fries. Instead, satisfy your crunchy cravings with these air fryer zucchini fries.
Ingredients
With a handful of pantry staples, you can doctor up zucchini to make these fries! They’re perfect for snack attacks or dinner sides.
Here’s what you need for this recipe:
- Zucchini – Only use fresh, firm zucchini. Frozen zucchini has too much moisture. So the fries will be soggy rather than crispy.
- Flour – A light coating of all-purpose flour helps the eggs stick to the zucchini.
- Garlic Powder – Garlic powder gives the breading a wonderful flavor.
- Italian Seasoning – A dash of Italian seasoning takes the aromatics and flavor up a notch.
- Salt and Pepper – You can’t season properly without this duo! Regular salt and black pepper are what I use.
- Eggs – You need two large eggs. They help the breadcrumbs adhere to the zucchini.
- Panko Breadcrumbs – For the crunch factor!
- Parmesan Cheese – Freshly grated Parmesan will melt the best.
- Cooking Spray – I prefer to use olive oil cooking spray. It’s a healthy fat and has a more neutral flavor. Canola oil also helps develop a nice crunch.
How to Make Zucchini Fries in the Air Fryer
What makes these zucchini fries so irresistible is the batter!
It’s a quick and easy way to turn them into a scrumptious snack. And thanks to the air fryer, there’s less mess.
Here are the basic instructions:
1. Preheat the air fryer. Set it to 400°Fahrenheit.
2. Prep the zucchini. Slice the washed and dried zucchini into thin sticks.
3. Make the batter. Combine the flour, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. In a second bowl, add the eggs and beat them. In a third bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan.
4. Coat the zucchini. Dip the zucchini sticks in the flour mixture. Next, dip them in the egg mixture. Then, dip them in the breadcrumb mixture.
5. Air fry the zucchini. Place the coated zucchini in the air fryer basket. Spray the tops with cooking spray. Cook for 15 minutes.
6. Serve. Serve with your dipping sauce of choice.
Tips for the Best Zucchini Fries
The process of making air fryer zucchini fries is super easy. Still, getting them crispy can be a bit tricky.
I’ve included some helpful tips to ensure you get the best zucchini fries!
- Pay attention to the timer. Depending on the air fryer, cooking times may vary. So check the zucchini fries early and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Be an even Steven. For even cooking, slice the zucchini into uniform sizes. That way, they all are ready at the same time.
- Don’t ditch the skins! For this recipe, I recommend not peeling the zucchini. The skins help the batter stick and give the fries more texture.
- Work some batch bliss. For the crispiest fries, don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. It will make the zucchini fries soggy rather than crispy. Instead, work in batches so they cook evenly.
- Amp up the crispiness. The secret to extra crispy zucchini fries is patting them dry before breading. This will help remove excess moisture. Also, lightly spray them with cooking oil.
- Salt to your heart’s content. Another method for getting crispy zucchini fries is with salt. Sprinkle some on top and let sit for 30 minutes to draw out moisture. Then, rinse and pat dry.
- Give them a pop quiz. Do the zucchini fries need more or less time? Is the temperature working with the thickness of the slices? I recommend doing a test batch to troubleshoot. That way, you can adjust the recipe to your air fryer without wasting fries.
Dipping Sauces
Do you know what these zucchini fries are missing? A dipping sauce!
Classic ketchup, spicy aioli, or chipotle ranch are some ideas. Serve these fries with your favorite or try something new.
Here are some of my favorite dipping sauces:
- Heinz Chili Sauce
- Authentic Tzatziki
- Ranch Dressing
- Marinara Sauce
- In N Out Sauce
- Arby’s Horsey Sauce
- Honey Mustard Dressing
How to Store Leftovers
Because of the moisture content, leftover zucchini fries are best kept in the refrigerator. Freezing will result in soggier fries.
Although, they’re so delicious, I doubt you’ll have leftovers! If you do, follow these tips for storing and reheating:
To Store: Place the leftover zucchini fries in an air-tight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
To Reheat: Reheat in the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warm.
Easy Air Fryer Zucchini Fries (Extra Crispy Recipe)
4
servings15
minutes15
minutes30
minutesThese air fryer zucchini fries are a healthy snack you can feel good about! The crunchy, cheesy coating is impossible to resist!
Ingredients
2 medium zucchinis
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Cooking spray (olive oil or canola oil)
Dipping sauce for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°Fahrenheit (200°Celsius).
- Wash and pat dry the zucchini. Cut into thin sticks, about 1/4-inch thick.
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. In a second bowl, add the eggs and beat them. Finally, in a third shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan.
- Dip each zucchini stick in the flour mixture, then the egg mixture, and finally the breadcrumb mixture, coating evenly.
- Place the coated zucchini sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may have to work in batches.
- Spray the coated zucchini with cooking spray.
- Air fry for 15 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Cooking times may vary depending on the air fryer.
- Dipping Sauces: ranch, ketchup, spicy aioli, chipotle ranch, marinara.
