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.
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.
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INGREDIENTS
This is a perfect time to use the bounty of seasonal zucchini along with a few simple ingredients from the pantry and fridge.
For the full recipe with quantities, see the recipe card at the end of this post.
MARY'S TWO CENTS
Yes! The recipe for How to Make Crispy Zucchini Fries in Your Air Fryer comes in as CHEAP, our lowest per-serving cost category!
INSTRUCTIONS FOR AIR FRYER ZUCCHINI FRIES
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
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.
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.
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:
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
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