How to make Zucchini Fries in Air Fryer

I am so excited to share this easy recipe with you so that you can learn how to make zucchini fries in the air fryer. This is such a good way to use up your zucchini, and there are several different options I am going to share with you today, that are gluten-free, dairy-free, and keto friendly.

Making zucchini fries in the air fryer is very easy to do, and they make a great appetizer, for any occasion even if you are on a keto diet or another type of restrictive food diet.

There are a few different options that we will go over below on how to make these zucchini fries in the air fryer, and my hope is that you can find one that fits your dietary needs.

Air Fryer Zucchini Fries

Making air fryer zucchini fries is a great way to use zucchini in a healthy manner, and make a delicious appetizer or side dish.

Using an air fryer, rather than deep frying is a great way to get a delicious crispy texture to your zucchini fries and have a healthier food outcome. It’s healthier because you’re using less oil, and the air fryer simply circulates the hot air inside making that nice crispy texture to your zucchini fries, rather than having to stick them in a deep fryer.

Essentially, an air fryer is like a mini convection oven, that circulates the air but gives your food a nice crispy fried texture. This is the magic of the air fryer.

Air Fryer Zucchini Recipe

I have included a few different recipe variations for these air fryer zucchini fries. These variations will allow you to make gluten-free fries, dairy-free fries, or zucchini fries with Panko breadcrumbs, my hope is that you can find a version of this recipe that fits your specific needs.

Now, let’s turn our attention to this delicious recipe so that you can make the best zucchini fries in your air fryer.

The Best Zucchini Fries in the Air Fryer Recipe

Zucchini. Typically, it works best if you use fresh zucchini or preferably smaller in size or medium zucchini size. You’ll then wash the fresh zucchini and cut them into zucchini sticks for French fries.

Salt. You will need just a pinch of salt to help get rid of the excess moisture in your zucchini before cooking them in your air fryer. You can use any kind of salt that you have on hand for this purpose.

Egg Wash. To make an egg wash, you will simply want to use a bit of water, approximately one tablespoon of water for one egg. If you wish to skip the egg wash, then you will want to replace it with a drizzle of olive oil.

Seasonings. As for seasonings for the zucchini fries, my preference is to use a bit of garlic powder and Italian seasoning. If you wish you could also use garlic salt, seasoning salt, and onion powder.

Ingredients by the Different Ways

Parmesan Cheese. Grated Parmesan cheese makes an excellent coating for zucchini fries. If you’re choosing to use this method, then you can use the pre-grated Parmesan cheese, or you can grate your own.

Panko Breadcrumbs. You can use a Panko mixture for breadcrumbs, or regular breadcrumbs as a tasty alternative if you wish.

This is more of a traditional coating for zucchini fries, but if you have gluten allergies, then you want to choose another coating for your zucchini fries.

Flour. If you have dairy, grain, and gluten allergies, then another alternative is to use almond flour as a coating for your zucchini fries.

When you mix almond flour with some seasonings and can in fact make a delicious option for your zucchini fries. Of course, if you don’t have a gluten allergy, you can also use regular all-purpose flour if you wish.

Cooking Spray. The best type of cooking spray to use for your zucchini fries, if you are able, is to use olive oil cooking spray.

If you’re not able another good alternative is avocado oil. These are used to give your zucchini fries a nice crispy outer coating as they air fry.

How to Make Zucchini Fries in the Air Fryer

To start off, you need to wash the fresh zucchini, cut off the ends, then slice each zucchini into sticks or fry shapes. Then add the sticks into a colander, and sprinkle with a teaspoon of salt.

Let them sit in your sink for approximately 10 to 15 minutes to drain any excess moisture from the zucchini.

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.

Next, for the best results take a shallow bowl, and fill it with your desired seasonings of garlic powder and Italian seasoning then choose your coating, whether it’s Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, almond flour, or a combination of the above ingredients. Mix them together in a shallow bowl.

Then take a small bowl and make your egg mixture by whisk in together your eggs and water to make the egg wash.

To make the zucchini fries, take the zucchini sticks out of the colander, and dip the strips of zucchini wanted to time first in the egg mixture, then into your other mixture.

After they have been dipped in both mixtures, arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Repeat this step with each of the zucchini sticks. Leave a little space between each slice of zucchini so that the air can circulate inside of the air fryer basket.

After your zucchini sticks are arranged, spray them with olive oil cooking spray, then replace the air fryer basket with the air fryer. Air fry zucchini at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 8 to 10 minutes or until the zucchini are tender and have turned a golden brown on the outside.

When they are finished air frying, remove them from the air fryer basket and place them onto your serving dish. Serve right away alongside your favorite dips.

Favorite Dipping Sauce

If you are looking for a few ideas on what type of dipping sauce station to serve along with your air-fried zucchini fries, here are a few ideas for you:

Ranch Dressing

Garlic Aioli

Marinara Sauce

Tips for Making Zucchini Fries in the Air Fryer

Cooking Time. Please note that the cooking time may vary depending on your specific air fryer, and how thick or thin your zucchini slices are.

Feel free to increase or decrease the time as needed. Keep in mind the first time you make these; you want to keep a close eye on the zucchini fries so that they do not burn.

Thin Slices. If you want to enable your zucchini fries to get done faster, you might consider cutting the zucchini slices into thin slices so that the cooking time goes much faster.

Storage for Crispy Zucchini Fries

At room temperature. Zucchini fries have been cooked in the air fryer, and they are best kept at room temperature for no more than two hours before they go bad. After that, they should be transferred to the fridge.

In the refrigerator. Once your zucchini fries have been cooled, they are best stored in the fridge. Transfer them to an airtight container or seal them in a plastic storage bag, then place them into the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days.

How to Reheat Zucchini Fries in the Air Fryer

One of the best ways to reheat leftover zucchini fries is to put them back in the air fryer. First, preheat the air fryer to 350°F. Then add your zucchini fries to the air fryer basket. Air fry for approximately 8 to 10 minutes or until your zucchini fries are reheated. If you like them extra crispy, try air frying them at 375 or even 400°F.

Variations

There are many different variations for the zucchini fries in the air fryer. Here are a few of the more common variations of this recipe.

Zucchini Slices

Rather than air frying zucchini fries as stick shapes, you can also air fry the zucchini as round slices. You can treat them the same as the recipe states above.

Yellow Squash

You can also replace zucchini with yellow squash if desired. The yellow squash can be treated the same as zucchini in the above recipe.

Add Cajun Seasoning

If you want to try making your zucchini fries a little bit extra spicy, then you can try adding some Cajun seasoning to the breadcrumb mixture for extra space.

Making them in the oven

If you would like to make these zucchini fries in the oven, rather than the air fryer you can also do that! You will follow the same instructions above to prepare the zucchini, then preheat your oven to 400F. Place your zucchini on a cookie sheet and bake at 400F for 15-25 minutes, or until the zucchini is cooked through.

FAQ

How long do you cook zucchini fries in an air fryer?

How long it takes to cook the zucchini fries in the air fryer will partly depend on what air fryer you have. On average it will take approximately ten minutes, but you may need to add or subtract a few minutes for your specific air fryer.

Is fried zucchini better than french fries?

Well… it’s mostly a matter of opinion if zucchini fries are better than french fries. But most likely, the answer is no. Zucchini fries are a healthier alternative, but they are not always better.

How do I avoid soggy zucchini?

To help avoid your zucchini turning soggy, it is very important that you let the zucchini sticks set in a colander after sprinkling them with salt. Doing this helps extract the extra juices from the zucchini and dry them out.

Do I need to peel zucchini?

No, you do not have to peel the zucchini if you would rather not. Just make sure to wash the zucchini thoroughly before using it.

Amazing Zucchini Fries

Making zucchini fries in the air fryer is a delicious and healthy alternative to normal fries. This perfect zucchini fry recipe in the air fryer is something you can easily make a few moments for the whole family to enjoy. It’s the perfect side dish for any occasion.

My hope is that it will be a new family favorite in your household.

Thank you so much for stopping by to check out our recipe for how to make zucchini fries in the air fryer. I hope that this has been very helpful to you, and I hope you enjoy the recipe!

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