Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Fries Recipe
There’s nothing better than a batch of crispy zucchini fries straight from the air fryer. I love how this recipe combines the freshness of zucchini with the cheesy goodness of parmesan—it’s the perfect healthy swap for regular fries, and it never disappoints. Whether I’m craving a quick snack or looking for a tasty side dish, these zucchini fries always hit the spot.
Background On This Recipe!
Growing up, my mom and I had a bit of an obsession with the zucchini fries from Carl’s Jr. After school, we’d give each other this sneaky smile, and I knew we were about to make a quick stop for our favorite snack. Looking back, they weren’t exactly the healthiest choice—and let’s be honest, they were often kind of soggy!
This air fryer zucchini fries recipe brings back those memories in a new way. Using fresh zucchini and lighter ingredients, these fries turn out super crispy and crunchy every time. They’re a great alternative to regular fries, and are still as delicious and comforting as ever.
Why You’ll Love Recipe
Better for you! Looking back, I can’t help but think that the Carl’s Jr. zucchini fries weren’t made with the best ingredients. They often ended up a bit soggy, too! But these fries? They’re made with fresh zucchini and much better ingredients that make all the difference!
Use less oil: Cooking zucchini fries in the air fryer means you can skip the excess grease that comes with deep frying. I love that I can enjoy a crunchy snack without that heavy feeling afterward, making it a win-win!
Zucchini Varieties
Before we dive into the recipe, let me share a bit about the different varieties of zucchini.
Yellow Zucchini is slightly sweeter and has a bright color, with a mild flavor that pairs well with many dishes.
Zucchino Rampicante is an heirloom variety with long vines and smaller fruits, offering a rich, slightly nutty flavor.
Costata Romanesco features long, ribbed fruits with a robust, earthy taste that adds depth to your meals. Each variety brings its own unique flavor to the table!
Choosing the Best Zucchini
Look for Firmness: Choose firm, heavy zucchini with vibrant skin.
Check for Blemishes: Avoid zucchini with soft spots or blemishes.
Inspect the Ends: The ends should look fresh; shriveling may indicate overripeness.
Here's how You'll Make my Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Fries:
Ingredients you'll need
For the Zucchini Fries:
2 medium zucchini
Avocado oil spray
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
3/4 teaspoon paprika
3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
For the Ranch Dressing:
3/4 cup plain whole milk, full-fat Greek yogurt
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon chives, chopped
1 teaspoon dill, dried
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
How to Make Air Fryer Zucchini Fries:
1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes.
2. Prepare the zucchini: Cut the zucchini into long, thin strips resembling fries.
3. Prepare the wet and dry mixtures:
In a shallow bowl, whisk the eggs.
In another shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Coat the zucchini: Spray the air fryer basket with avocado oil spray. Dip the zucchini fries into the egg mixture, then the breadcrumb mixture. Place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Repeat with the remaining zucchini until all pieces are coated.
5. Air fry: Cook at 400°F for 18 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking.
6. Make the Ranch Dip: While the zucchini fries are cooking, mix all the ranch dip ingredients in a small bowl until well combined.
7. Serve immediately with the homemade ranch dip or your favorite dipping sauce!
Storage
If you have any leftover zucchini fries, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a single layer in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-8 minutes to crisp up again.
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Jazz’s Tips for the best Zucchini Fries
Equal sizes: Cut the zucchini into equal zucchini slices to ensure they cook evenly. Uneven cooking can result in some pieces being crispy while others remain undercooked.
Dry the zucchini: Pat the zucchini with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This helps the breading stick better and ensures a crunchy texture.
Oil spray: Use avocado oil to spray the bottom of the air fryer basket and the tops of the zucchini. This helps achieve a golden brown crust.
Use parchment paper: If you're worried about sticking, line the air fryer basket with parchment paper.
Avoid overcrowding: If necessary, cook the zucchini fries in batches to prevent overcrowding and ensure the best results.
Experiment with flavors: Try adding a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of Italian seasoning to the breadcrumb mixture for an extra flavor boost.
Pairing Suggestions
These zucchini fries make a perfect side dish or a delicious appetizer. Pair them with:
FAQs
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To keep your zucchini fries crispy, start by patting them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture; this step really helps achieve that crunchy texture! Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. If you have a lot of zucchini, cook them in batches so they have enough space to crisp up evenly. It's also important to keep an eye on the cooking time—overcooking can cause them to become soggy, while undercooking won't give you the desired crispiness.
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After you wash the zucchini well and trim off both ends, cut a thin slice from one side to create a flat base(you don't want the zucchini to roll while you're cutting it!) Stand the zucchini up on the flat base and cut it into even planks lengthwise. Then, cut each plank lengthwise into fries, trying to keep the pieces approximately the same size so they will cook evenly.
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The cooking time for zucchini fries in the air fryer largely depends on their size and the model of your air fryer. Generally, it will take between 12-18 minutes at 400°F. Thicker fries will take closer to 18 minutes, while thinner ones may be done in 12 minutes. It's best to start checking on them at around 10 minutes to avoid overcooking.
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Make sure the temperature is just right; a good heat will help them crisp up beautifully. It’s also important to give those zucchini fries enough space in the basket—crowding can lead to uneven cooking. Lastly, don’t forget to give them a light coat of oil. This little step goes a long way in helping them achieve that delicious golden color!
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While the exact nutritional content can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients used, this recipe is relatively low carb and high in fiber, making it a great addition to a balanced diet. Additionally, you can enhance the nutritional profile by substituting traditional bread crumbs with panko breadcrumbs or adding nutritional yeast.
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You can swap avocado oil spray with olive oil or coconut oil spray. If you're looking for a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Pre-seasoned breadcrumbs work well too. For added flavor, consider incorporating your favorite spices like oregano, thyme, or dried parsley. Finely grated parmesan cheese is ideal; you can buy it pre-grated or pulse a whole piece in a food processor until finely grated.
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Feel free to experiment with different seasonings like Italian seasoning, Cajun seasoning, or everything bagel seasoning. For dipping sauces, you might enjoy marinara sauce, mustard mayo, or spicy sriracha mayo. If you're following a vegan diet, use a vegan egg replacer and vegan parmesan cheese to make this dish fit your preferences.
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You can easily turn these zucchini fries into zucchini chips by slicing the zucchini into thin rounds instead of strips.
This easy air fryer zucchini fries recipe with parmesan has quickly become one of my go-to snacks. It’s a great way to enjoy something delicious while keeping it healthy! I love how the simple ingredients make it a breeze to whip up a batch of crispy, flavorful zucchini fries in no time. I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do; it’s a great way to indulge in a tasty treat with simple ingredients while feeling good about what you’re eating! Be sure to check my blog for more air fryer recipes!
Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchini
- Avocado oil spray
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 3/4 teaspoon paprika
- 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes.
- Cut the zucchini into long, thin strips resembling fries.
- In a shallow bowl, whisk the eggs. In another shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Spray the air fryer basket with avocado oil spray. Dip the zucchini fries into the egg mixture, then the breadcrumb mixture. Place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Repeat with the remaining zucchini until all pieces are coated.
- Cook at 400°F for 18 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- While the zucchini fries are cooking, mix all the ranch dip ingredients in a small bowl until well combined.
- Serve immediately with the homemade ranch dip or your favorite dipping sauce.
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