Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Fries Recipe with Ranch Dip
A Sneak Peek into This Recipe!
If you grew up with a love for crispy zucchini fries, you’ll definitely vibe with this recipe! Growing up, my mom and I used to sneak in a trip to Carl’s Jr. after school just for their golden, crispy zucchini fries. We’d share a knowing smile, and off we went. But let’s be honest—those deep-fried fries were delicious but not exactly the healthiest option, and they always had a way of getting soggy.
Fast forward to today, and I’m here to share an upgraded version that takes those childhood cravings and turns them into something better, lighter, and even more delicious. These air fryer zucchini fries are crisp, golden, and baked to perfection. They’ve got all the crunch and flavor I remember, but without all the extra grease or soggy texture. They're the healthier alternative you didn’t know you needed, and they actually taste way better!
If you're on the hunt for a snack that’s light on calories but still delivers all the crispy goodness of regular fries, these zucchini fries are calling your name. Pair them with my homemade ranch dip, and you’ve got yourself the ultimate snack or side dish.
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Related: Try my sweet potato fries recipe here!
Why You’ll Love Recipe
Better for You!
Looking back, those Carl’s Jr. zucchini fries weren’t made with the best ingredients, and we all know they were fried in oil and could get a bit soggy. But with this air fryer recipe, you get that same crispy, golden goodness, but it's way better for you—using fresh zucchini and lighter ingredients for that perfect crunch.Use Less Oil
The magic of cooking with an air fryer is that you don’t need all that excess oil. You can still enjoy crispy, golden fries without the greasy after-feel. A win for both flavor and health!
Zucchini Varieties
Before we dive into the recipe, here’s a little zucchini education. You might come across a few different types of zucchini, each offering a unique flavor:
Yellow Zucchini: Slightly sweeter, with a vibrant color. Perfect when you want a mild, sweet touch to your dish.
Zucchino Rampicante: An heirloom variety with long vines and a nutty flavor. It's rich and hearty—ideal for more robust dishes.
Costata Romanesco: Long, ribbed fruits with an earthy flavor that adds depth to your meal.
Each variety has its own vibe, so feel free to experiment with whichever zucchini catches your eye at the market!
Choosing the Best Zucchini
When you’re shopping for zucchini, keep an eye out for these qualities:
Firmness: Go for zucchini that’s firm and heavy for its size.
Skin: Look for vibrant, smooth skin—no soft spots or wrinkles!
Ends: Fresh zucchini should have crisp ends, not shriveled ones.
Here's how You'll Make my Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Fries:
Ingredients you'll need
For the Zucchini Fries:
2 medium zucchinis
Wet Ingredients:
2 large eggs, beaten
Dry Ingredients:
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
Ranch Dip (Optional but Highly Recommended!):
3/4 cup plain whole milk, full-fat Greek yogurt
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon chopped chives
1 teaspoon dried dill
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
My Go-To Kitchen Tools for this Recipe:
How to Make Air Fryer Zucchini Fries:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes.
2. Slice the zucchini into long, thin strips, like fries.
3. In a shallow bowl, beat the eggs.
4. In another shallow bowl, combine breadcrumbs, parmesan, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to mix.
5. Spray the air fryer basket with avocado oil. Dip each zucchini strip into the egg, then into the breadcrumb mix. Place them in a single layer in the basket. Repeat with all the zucchini.
6. Air fry at 400°F for 18 minutes, flipping halfway through to cook evenly.
7. Make the ranch dip (optional): While the fries cook, mix all ranch dip ingredients in a small bowl until smooth.
8. Once the fries are done, serve them hot with the ranch dip or your favorite 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.
Jazz's Recommended Products
I’ve honestly become a bit obsessed with my Wonder Oven Large Air Fryer. It’s perfect for making crispy fries, juicy chicken, or even roasted veggies without all the extra oil. I love that it cooks quickly and evenly, and cleanup is a breeze. Plus, it’s the right size for when I want to cook up a big batch of something without having to do it in multiple rounds. It's one of those things that just makes life easier.
These dinner bowls are my absolute favorite for pretty much every meal. They’re the perfect size—just big enough to hold a hearty meal but not so big that I feel like I’m overdoing it. I use them for everything from salads to pasta and even breakfast bowls. I’ve also noticed they just look really nice, so whether I'm cooking for myself or having friends over, they always seem to work for any occasion.
I never realized how much I needed a good knife set until I got this one. It’s seriously made a difference in how I prep meals. The knives are sharp and feel super comfortable in my hand, so chopping, slicing, and dicing is just... easier. No more struggling with dull knives—this set makes everything smoother, and I love that it makes even the simplest tasks feel more fun.
Chosen Foods Avocado Oil Spray
I keep coming back to Chosen Foods Avocado Oil Spray for pretty much everything. I love that it's made from pure avocado oil, and the spray is great for getting a nice crisp without using too much. Whether I'm using it for the air fryer or just to grease a pan, it’s simple and reliable. Plus, I can trust that it's good for me, and that’s always a win in my book.
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.
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 or zucchini sticks, 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, the size of your air fryer, 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 my favorite way to enjoy something delicious while keeping it healthy! This easy recipe is one of the best ways to turn simple ingredients into the crispiest zucchini fries in no time. Plus, it’s one of the easiest ways to make an easy side dish that everyone will love. It’s a true family favorite in my house! I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do. Be sure to check my blog for more air fryer recipes!
Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
Crispy air fryer zucchini fries are a delicious, healthy alternative to French fries. This quick and easy method for making zucchini fries in the air fryer means less mess, less calories but just as much flavor!
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
- 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
Instructions
- Slice the zucchini into long, thin strips, like fries.
- In a shallow bowl, beat the eggs.
- In another shallow bowl, combine breadcrumbs, parmesan, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to mix.
- Spray the air fryer basket with avocado oil. Dip each zucchini strip into the egg, then into the breadcrumb mix. Place them in a single layer in the basket. Repeat with all the zucchini.
- Air fry at 400°F for 18 minutes, flipping halfway through to cook evenly.
- Make the ranch dip (optional): While the fries cook, mix all ranch dip ingredients in a small bowl until smooth.
- Once the fries are done, serve them hot with the ranch dip or your favorite sauce.
Crispy Air Fryer Cauliflower Recipe: Enjoy a quick, healthy, and delicious side dish with perfectly golden, crispy cauliflower florets. No breading needed, just simple ingredients and less oil. Ready in just 12 minutes!