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    HOME » Recipes » Appetizers

    Published: Jul 23, 2023· This website generates income via ads · by Mary

    How to Make Crispy Zucchini Fries in Your Air Fryer

    Jump to Recipe

    Air Fried Zucchini Fries are a healthy, delicious alternative to traditional deep-fried snacks. They are made by slicing fresh zucchini into stick shapes similar to French fries, coating them in a flavorful mixture of Panko breadcrumbs and spices, and then cooking them in an air fryer until they become golden and crispy.

    This results in a snack that's lower in fat and calories, but still full of great crunch and flavor. The natural sweetness of the zucchini pairs perfectly with the savory coating, making these fries a perfect appetizer, snack, or side dish.

    Plate of golden brown zucchini fries with a garlic aioli dipping sauce.

    WHAT'S TO LOVE ABOUT THESE AIR-FRIED ZUCCHINI FRIES?

    • Air Fried Zucchini Fries are a lower-fat and lower-calorie alternative to traditional deep-fried snacks due to the cooking method, making them a healthier choice.
    • The natural sweetness of zucchini pairs well with various coatings and seasonings, providing a tasty snack.
    • Despite being air-fried, these zucchini fries can still achieve a pleasingly crispy exterior that mimics the crunch of traditional fried foods.
    • With a simple recipe and an air fryer, these zucchini fries can be prepared quickly and easily at home.
    • They can be served as a snack, side dish, or appetizer.
    • Zucchini is rich in vitamins A and C, potassium, and fiber, making these fries not just tasty, but also nutritious.
    • Air frying uses less oil than traditional frying methods, reducing waste and making it a more environmentally conscious cooking method than deep frying.
    Jump to:
    • WHAT'S TO LOVE ABOUT THESE AIR-FRIED ZUCCHINI FRIES?
    • INGREDIENTS
    • IS THIS RECIPE BUDGET FRIENDLY?
    • INSTRUCTIONS FOR AIR FRYER ZUCCHINI FRIES
    • SUBSTITUTIONS
    • EQUIPMENT
    • STORAGE
    • PRO TIPS
    • PAIRING
    • How to Make Crispy Zucchini Fries in Your Air Fryer
    • RELATED
    • Comments

    INGREDIENTS

    This is a perfect time to use the bounty of seasonal zucchini along with a few simple ingredients from the pantry and fridge.

    All of the ingredients for air fried zucchini fries.

    See the recipe card for quantities.

    IS THIS RECIPE BUDGET FRIENDLY?

    Yes! The recipe for How to Make Crispy Zucchini Fries in Your Air Fryer comes in as CHEAP, our lowest per-serving cost category!

    Dollar sign inside a green circle.

    INSTRUCTIONS FOR AIR FRYER ZUCCHINI FRIES

    Small bowl with beaten egg and a larger bowl with all the dry ingredients for the breading.

    Cut the zucchini lengthwise and cut into strips. In a small bowl, whisk an egg with the salt and in another bowl, combine flour, panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, chili flakes, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper

    Bowl with zucchini strips getting covered in breadcrumbs.

    Place a few zucchini strips into the egg mixture, then into the panko mixture pressing gently to coat well. Set aside. If you will be cooking the zucchini in batches, wait to bread the next batch until the air fryer is available.

    Single layer of breaded zucchini ready to be cooked in the air fryer.

    Arrange the zucchini strips in the air fryer basket in a single layer and spray the top of the breaded zucchini fries with olive oil spray if needed.

    Fully cooked golden brown zucchini fries.

    Cook the zucchini strips at 400°F, for 7-8 minutes, flipping halfway through. Remove from the air fryer when golden brown and crispy.

    SUBSTITUTIONS

    We used garlic aioli dipping sauce this time, but you could also use ranch dressing, marinara sauce, or your favorite dipping sauce.

    You could substitute regular dry bread crumbs in place of the panko bread crumbs. If you use seasoned bread crumbs, omit the Italian seasoning called for in this recipe.

    If you like it a little spicier, substitute Cajun seasoning for half the red pepper flakes called for in the breading.

    EQUIPMENT

    Air fryer - I used the Power XL mini air fryer.

    Small bowl for egg wash

    Shallow bowl for mixing the dry ingredients and dredging

    Baking sheet, lined with a paper towel or parchment paper

    STORAGE

    Fried zucchini is best eaten immediately while hot. It does not store well. If you must, place the zucchini fries in single layers, with parchment in between inside an airtight container. Refrigerate and consume within two days. Use the air fryer to reheat.

    PRO TIPS

    I like to make sure my air fryer recipes maintain the crispy texture of their deep-fried version. For zucchini recipes, the best way to do that is to remove as much of the excess moisture from the squash as possible. I do that by quartering the zucchini, scooping out the mushy part with the seeds, and discarding it.

    Then I cut the firm part of the zucchini into fries, and place it on thick paper towels on a baking sheet. I then generously salt the zucchini and let it sit for an hour, turning the fries over once midway. The salt will help draw out the excess moisture and the paper towel will absorb it. I then place the fries in a separate bowl and proceed with making the dredge and air-frying the zucchini.

    PAIRING

    These are some of my favorite dishes to serve with air fryer zucchini sticks:

    • A person holding a fried green tomato sandwich on a tray.
      Fried Green Tomato Grilled Cheese Sandwich
    • Grilled cheese and sliced pear sandwich.
      Grilled Cheese with Pear
    • Bao bun with Asian style beef, cilantro, and hot sauce.
      Spicy Beef Bao
    • Wooden board with a wedge of muffuletta sandwich and caper berries.
      Muffuletta Sandwich
    A plate of zucchini fries with mayo dip.

    How to Make Crispy Zucchini Fries in Your Air Fryer

    Air Fried Zucchini Fries are a healthy, delicious alternative to traditional deep-fried snacks. These crunchy Panko-coated fries pack a bunch of flavor.
    5 from 52 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 8 minutes mins
    Total Time 18 minutes mins
    Course
    Appetizer
    ,
    Side Dish
    Servings 2
    Budget
    Cheap

    Equipment

    • Air Fryer
    • Shallow bowl
    • Baking sheet
    • Paper towels

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 each zucchini quarter lengthwise for fries or cut zucchini slices for chips.
    • 1 large egg beaten
    • ½ cup Panko breadcrumbs
    • ½ cup Parmesan cheese grated
    • ½ cup all-purpose flour
    • 1 teaspoon black pepper
    • 1 teaspoon chili flakes
    • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon olive oil spray or avocado oil or plain cooking spray
    • ½ teaspoon salt

    Instructions
     

    Prepping the zucchini:

    • Quarter the zucchini removing the ends. Use a sharp edge of a spoon to remove the seeds and soft flesh. Place the zucchini on a baking sheet lined with a thick layer of paper towels. Place the zucchini on the paper towel and sprinkle salt on the zucchini (lightly). Let it sit for an hour to allow the excess moisture to be removed. Halfway through, flip the pieces and add a bit more salt. Replace the paper towels if they become too wet.
    • Cut the zucchini lengthwise and cut into strips about 3" long and ½ thick strips.
    • In a small bowl, whisk an egg with the salt and in another bowl, combine flour, panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, chili flakes, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper
    • Drop some zucchini strips into the egg mixture, then into the panko mixture pressing gently to coat well.
    • Arrange the zucchini strips in the air fryer basket in a single layer and spray the top of the breaded zucchini fries with olive oil spray if needed.
    • At 400°F, cook the zucchini strips for 7-8 minutes, flipping halfway through. Serve with the garlic aioli Dipping Sauce
    • For the garlic aioli dipping sauce combine ¾ cup mayonnaise, 3 cloves minced garlic, and 2 tablespoons lemon juice.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 333kcalCarbohydrates: 39gProtein: 18gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 99mgSodium: 1141mgPotassium: 182mgFiber: 3gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 635IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 366mgIron: 4mg

    Approximate nutrition information is provided as a convenience and courtesy only. You are encouraged to do your own calculations if precise data is required.

    We take every effort to ensure that the estimated meal cost per serving is accurate. We use a meal cost analysis application that estimates the cost of a recipe based on groceries purchased at a Walmart store in my geographical area, northern California.

    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    RELATED

    Looking for other sides and bites like this air fryer zucchini recipe? Try these:

    • A plate of roasted sweet potatoes with pecans on it.
      Roasted Butternut Squash and Sweet Potatoes Recipe
    • A plate displaying a delicious fried green tomato recipe.
      Fried Green Tomatoes with Ranch Dipping Sauce
    • Sorrel salad with roasted beets.
      How to Roast Beets Whole Perfectly in Your Oven
    • Plate of air fried tomato wedges with fresh oregano.
      Easy 10-Minute Recipe for Tomatoes in the Air Fryer

    More Appetizers

    • Chicken wings, and cucumbers, tomatoes on a cutting board.
      Best Crispy Chicken Wings In a PowerXL Air Fryer
    • Super Bowl food
      39 Yummy Super Bowl Snacks And Drinks 
    • New Year’s Eve food
      35 New Years Eve Foods To Share 
    • Plate with air-fried lumpia and sauce on the side.
      Frozen Lumpia in the Air Fryer

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    I am Mary, the blogger behind "Oh That's Good!" I live with my husband, Michael and our little mutt, Lucky in a lovely retirement community in northern California. We are cooking for two, without breaking the bank!

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