Extra Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
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Air fryer zucchini fries are a perfect alternative to french fries! Air frying is oil-free but still gives them the crunch you want when going for a fry! This recipe is ready in less than 30 minutes!
What are air fryer zucchini fries? They are an alternative to french fries that are made out of zucchini. Like traditional french fries, the zucchini is cut into sticks.
While you can deep fry them, I use an air fryer instead. I love the air fryer because I can create a crispy crunch without the oil. The result is a healthy and crispy zucchini fry! I also use the air fryer to make air fryer onion rings and crispy hassleback potatoes!
These fries pair perfectly with a vegan grilled cheese or a Mediterranean wrap sandwich. It is the perfect side dish for french fries, just not with potatoes.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Air fryer zucchini fries have a great flavor and a perfect crispy crunch!
- Zucchini fries are a perfect alternative to french fries and a fun way to eat more veggies!
- By air frying zucchini fries, you do not have to use oil. Resulting in a healthier recipe.
Ingredient Notes
Bread Crumbs
You can use plain or seasoned bread crumbs. The pro of unflavored bread crumbs is adding the seasoning you prefer. Using seasoned bread crumbs allows you to skip seasoning the fries.
- Alternative: Use panko bread crumbs for a lighter texture.
Milk
You can use your preferred type of milk. I use plant-based vegan milk; dairy milk also works well with this recipe.
Seasonings
When it comes to flavoring zucchini fries, the sky is the limit. Generally speaking, mix two teaspoons into the breadcrumbs. Here are a few of my favorite seasonings. Popular choices include garlic, Italian, and parmesan cheese.
See the recipe card for complete information on ingredients and quantities.
Instructions
Step One: Prep the Zucchini
- Cut the ends off the zucchini.
- Slice the zucchini in half and then cut it in half lengthwise down the middle.
- Cut into strips.
- Try to have the strips the same size for even cooking.
- Sprinkle the zucchini with a light amount of salt.
- Let stand for five minutes to sweat out moisture. After five minutes, use a paper towel to remove the excess moisture.
Step Two: Bread and Fry the Zucchini
- Place the flour, milk, and breadcrumbs in three separate plates or shallow bowls.
- Dip each zucchini stick in the flour, then milk, and then crumbs. Set the stick on a plate off to the side. Repeat until all zucchini sticks have been prepared. Lightly spray the zucchini sticks with cooking oil.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F/200°C. Arrange the zucchini fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Fry for ten minutes, flipping halfway through.
Alternative Cooking Method:
Instead of air frying, bake zucchini fries. Start by preheating the oven to 425°F/215°C. Place the fries on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes.
Tips for Crispy Zucchini Fries
Dry the Zucchini
Thoroughly dry the zucchini before cutting it into sticks or chips. If there is water on the zucchini, it will steam rather than fry.
Cut Into Even Sizes
Cut the zucchini fries into an even size. This ensures even cooking. The smaller the fry, the crispier the outcome.
Sweet the Zucchini
Zucchini holds moisture, and for the best result, you will need to draw out the water. Cut the zucchini into long strips. Sprinkle salt on top of each strip. Let it stand for 5-10 minutes. The water will form beads on top. Use a paper or tea towel to pat off the extra moisture. This easy step makes a crispier zucchini fry.
Dipping Sauces
Try jazzing up the fries with your favorite dipping sauce. I listed a few here, but as you know, the possibilities are endless!
- Cheese or queso sauce
- Harissa paste
- Jalapeno ranch dressing
- San Marzano Tomato sauce (Marinara sauce)
- Tahini Sauce
- Vegan Greek Tzatziki
Frequently Asked Questions
How did this recipe turn out? Leave a rating and comment below, letting me know.
Extra Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
Equipment
- 1 cutting board
- 1 Knife
- 3 shallow plates or bowls
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchini
- 1 sprinkle salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup milk (vegans use plant-based milk)
- 1 cup bread crumbs
Optional Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons seasoning garlic powder, parmesan cheese, Italian or Cajon seasoning
- 1 spray cooking oil
Instructions
- Step One: Prep the air fryer to 400 degrees. Cut the ends off the zucchini. Slice the zucchini in half and then cut it in half lengthwise down the middle. Cut into strips. Try to have the strips the same size for even cooking. Sprinkle the zucchini with a light amount of salt. Let stand for five minutes to sweat out moisture. After five minutes, use a paper towel to remove the excess moisture.
- Step Two: Place the flour, milk, and breadcrumbs in three separate plates or shallow bowls. Dip each zucchini stick in the flour, milk, and crumbs. Set the stick on a plate off to the side. Repeat until all zucchini sticks have been prepared. Lightly spray the zucchini sticks with cooking oil.
- Step Three: Place zucchini fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Bake at 400 degrees for ten minutes. Flip halfway through.
