Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Fries are the perfect combination of delicious and healthy. This fantastic alternative to regular fries offers a delightful crunch and a tasty way to sneak in more veggies.
They are a delightful snack that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy. With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of time, you can whip up a batch that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Zucchini (or courgette) is an underrated vegetable. It’s low in calories, rich in vitamins, and has a mild flavor that pairs well with various seasonings. When sliced, coated, and air-fried, it turns into a crispy treat that’s perfect as an appetizer, a snack, or a side dish to pair with burgers, chicken wings, and dips.
Please continue scrolling down to find the recipe card below, which contains the complete list of ingredients with measurements, detailed recipe instructions, additional notes, and nutritional information.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Zucchini – The star of the show! It is also known as courgette in the UK. When buying zucchinis, opt for the straightest and firmest ones that will give you the best texture.
- Breadcrumbs – I prefer panko breadcrumbs for breading for the most delightful crunch. They’re made from crustless white bread and have a larger grain than traditional breadcrumbs.
- Eggs – They help the breadcrumbs stick to the zucchini.
- Plain flour – It is also known as all-purpose flour, which helps the eggs stick better to the zucchini sticks.
- Parmesan cheese – Finely grated parmesan adds a rich, cheesy flavor and an extra crunch.
- Seasoning – A simple and delicious blend of salt, freshly ground pepper, paprika, and dried thyme makes the fries irresistible.
How to Make Crispy Zucchini Fries in an Air Fryer?
Important Note
Before you start cooking, note that times may differ among air fryers. I develop my recipes using a Cosori 6.8 air fryer. If you’re using a different air fryer, view my recipes as a general guide and tweak the cooking time—add a bit more or cook slightly less as needed.
Although making these crispy Zucchini Fries in an air fryer is very easy, you need to follow a few simple steps to achieve the best results :
Start by washing the zucchini thoroughly. Cut off the ends and slice them into sticks, about the size of regular fries. Make sure they’re all roughly the same size to ensure even cooking.
Use a paper towel to pat the zucchini sticks dry.
In a shallow dish, mix the flour with half the amount of salt, paprika, dried thyme, and pepper. Beat the eggs in a small bowl along with the other half of the seasoning. In another shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
Coat each zucchini stick in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Next, dip the floured zucchini stick into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated. Finally, roll the zucchini in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to make sure the coating sticks.
Quick Tip!
While breading the zucchini pieces, you might need to take breaks to wash your hands once or twice.
Set your air fryer to 400°F (205°C) and place the coated zucchini sticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Be careful not to overcrowd them.
Lightly spray the zucchini fries with cooking oil. This helps them get extra crispy. Air fry the zucchini fries for 8-10 minutes, turning them halfway through the cooking time. They should be golden brown and crispy.
Serve your crispy zucchini fries immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Expert Tips From the Chef
- Go for medium-sized, fresh, and firm zucchini. Larger ones tend to have more seeds and can be a bit watery, which might affect the crispiness.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket, arrange your zucchinis in a single layer. Cook your zucchini fries in batches if necessary.
- If you’re making a large batch, keep the cooked zucchini fries warm in a low oven (around 200°F or 95°C) while you finish frying the rest. This way, they’ll all be hot and crispy when you’re ready to serve.
- Feel free to play around with the seasoning in the breadcrumb mixture. Adding some Italian seasoning, cayenne pepper, or even some finely chopped fresh herbs can add a new dimension to your fries.
Serving Suggestions
These zucchini fries are best enjoyed fresh and hot. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce as a snack or pair them with Air Fryer Chicken Patties, Air Fryer Frozen Burgers, Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipe, Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings, Air Fryer Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs, or Juicy Air Fryer Burgers.
Dipping Sauce Ideas
- Marinara Sauce: Classic and simple, it’s a perfect match.
- Ranch Dressing: Adds a creamy, tangy flavor.
- Toum – Lebanese Garlic Sauce: For those who love a garlicky kick.
- Spicy Mayo: A bit of heat for those who like it spicy.
- Cacik – Turkish Yogurt Dip: It’s refreshing and complements the zucchini perfectly.
Storage and Reheating
Air Fryer Zucchini Fries are best when served fresh out of an air fryer. However, if you end up with some leftovers, let them cool completely and then place them in an airtight container.
Store the container in the refrigerator. The fries will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
To reheat, set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the zucchini fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry the zucchini fries for 3-5 minutes, or until they are heated through and crispy again.
Recipe FAQs
Make sure to pat the zucchini sticks dry with a paper towel before coating them. Also, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket so that air can circulate properly and keep the fries crispy.
Yes, you can freeze them. After coating the zucchini sticks, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen sticks to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to cook, air fry them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Absolutely! You can bake them in the oven. Preheat your oven to 428°F (220°C) and bake the zucchini fries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
Did you make this recipe? Please let me know how it turned out! Please give us a five-star rating and leave a comment below.
I hope you enjoy the process of preparing these Crispy in Air Fryer Zucchini Fries just as much as you enjoy eating them! 🙂
Bon appétit!
Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchinis
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup plain white flour / all-purpose flour
- 70 g panko breadcrumbs
- 40 g finely grated parmesan
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- ⅓ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp thyme
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil or sunflower oil
Instructions
- Start by washing the zucchinis thoroughly. Cut off the ends and slice them into sticks, about the size of regular fries. Make sure they’re all roughly the same size to ensure even cooking. Use a paper towel to pat the zucchini sticks dry.
- In a shallow dish, mix the flour with half amount of salt, paprika, dried thyme, and pepper. Beat the eggs in a small bowl along with the other half of the seasoning. In another shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
- Coat each zucchini stick in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Next, dip the floured zucchini stick into the beaten eggs, ensuring it's fully coated. Finally, roll the zucchini in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to make sure the coating sticks.
- Set your air fryer to 400°F (205°C) and place the coated zucchini sticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Be careful not to overcrowd them.
- Lightly spray the zucchini fries with cooking oil. This helps them get extra crispy. Air fry the zucchini fries for 8-10 minutes, turning them halfway through the cooking time. They should be golden brown and crispy.
- Serve your crispy zucchini fries immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Go for medium-sized, fresh and firm zucchinis. Larger ones tend to have more seeds and can be a bit watery, which might affect the crispiness.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket, arrange your zucchinis in a single layer. Cook your zucchini fries in batches if necessary.
- If you’re making a large batch, keep the cooked zucchini fries warm in a low oven (around 200°F or 95°C) while you finish frying the rest. This way, they’ll all be hot and crispy when you’re ready to serve.
- Feel free to play around with the seasoning in the breadcrumb mixture. Adding some Italian seasoning, cayenne pepper, or even some finely chopped fresh herbs can add a new dimension to your fries.
