Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Fries Recipe
There's nothing quite like delicious, crispy zucchini fries fresh from the air fryer. This recipe brings together the goodness of fresh zucchini and the rich flavor of parmesan cheese for a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional french fries.
Whether you're looking for a quick snack or a side dish, these zucchini fries are sure to be a hit.
Why I Love This Recipe
When I was younger, my mom and I had an obsession with the Carl’s Jr zucchini fries. Every time she would pick me up from school, we'd share a sneaky smile and head off to grab a portion. Reflecting on those moments now, I realize they weren’t the healthiest option, and they often turned out a bit soggy.
This air fryer zucchini fries recipe is a reinvention of those beloved Carl’s Jr fries, using fresh zucchini and healthier ingredients. Plus, my version is super crispy and crunchy! It’s the perfect alternative to traditional french fries, offering a nutritious and satisfying bite with less oil.
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Fries Recipe
Better Than Fast Food. In hindsight, I’m sure the Carl’s Jr. zucchini fries were not made with the best ingredients. Plus, they were a bit soggy. However, these are made with fresh zucchini, as well as better-for-you ingredients!
Healthy Alternative to French Fries. Making zucchini fries in the air fryer eliminates the excess grease from deep frying. And using zucchini instead of potatoes is far more nutritious.
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Here's how You'll Make my Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Fries:
Ingredients
For the Zucchini Fries:
2 medium zucchini
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:
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
Directions
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!
Looking for More Air Fryer Recipes?
If you enjoyed this air fryer zucchini recipe, be sure to check out my other air fryer recipes. One of my favorites is the air fryer avocado fries, which are just as crispy and delicious. Air Fryer Avocado Fries Recipe.
Jazz’s Tips for Success
How to Ensure Even Cooking?
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.
How to Store Leftovers
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.
Pairing Suggestions
These zucchini fries make a perfect side dish or a delicious appetizer. Pair them with:
Nutritional Information
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. For those tracking their intake, substituting breadcrumbs with panko breadcrumbs or adding nutritional yeast can also boost the nutritional profile.
Substitutions and Variations
Avocado oil spray: You can swap this with olive oil spray or coconut oil spray.
Breadcrumbs: For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Pre-seasoned breadcrumbs work well too.
Seasonings: Feel free to add your favorite spices like oregano, thyme, or dried parsley.
Parmesan cheese: Finely grated parmesan cheese works best. You can buy it pre-grated or pulse a whole piece in a food processor until finely grated.
FAQ
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Mushy zucchini fries can be a result of the high moisture content in the zucchini. This happens because this certain squash variety naturally contains a lot of water, which can release during the cooking process and cause fogginess.
To avoid this, you can draw out excess moisture before air frying. Cut the zucchini into fries, then blot the slices with a paper towel to absorb surface moisture. You can also lightly salt the zucchini pieces and let them sit for about 15 minutes. The salt will draw out excess water. Next, rinse the zucchini to remove excess salt and pat them dry thoroughly before going on with the recipe.
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Achieving crispy zucchini fries in an air fryer is all about managing moisture and optimizing the cooking process! Here are some tips: Make sure to dry the zucchini fries thoroughly before coating them in egg and breadcrumb mixture. Also, it's essential to spray them with cooking spray or brush them lightly with oil, which helps them to crisp up in the air fryer. Ensure the fries are placed in a single layer with space around each one - this allows the hot air to circulate evenly around each fry for uniform crispness.
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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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Achieving a golden brown finish on air-fried zucchini involves a combination of the right temperature, adequate space, and proper oiling. Make sure the zucchini fries are lightly coated in oil to help them brown in the air fryer.
This easy air fryer zucchini fries recipe with parmesan is a great way to enjoy a healthy and delicious snack or side dish. With simple ingredients and a quick cooking process, you'll have a batch of crispy parmesan zucchini fries ready in no time. Whether you're serving them as a healthy side dish to your favorite meal or enjoying them on their own, these zucchini fries are sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
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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