Zucchini Fries Air Fryer

Summer months are here (AKA zucchini season). Have you tried zucchini fries air fryer style?  This easy air fryer recipe with simple ingredients makes the best zucchini fries. Crispy deliciousness on the outside with tender zucchini on the inside this is my favorite way to enjoy crispy zucchini without deep frying. 

Zucchini fries are among my favorite appetizers. Add a dipping sauce and you are in for a treat. Further, they are also the perfect side dish along side a grilled steak. Plus, crispy air fryer zucchini fries offer a delectable and healthier alternative to traditional fried snacks. With their crispy exterior, tender interior, and customizable flavors, they're sure to become a regular fixture in your meal rotation. So, grab your zucchini, fire up your air fryer, and enjoy a guilt-free crunch!

Should I buy an air fryer

I will admit I am late to the air fryer party, but I'm so glad to have arrived. My air fryer is a multitasker. It has multiple settings for dehydrating food, roasting and of course frying. This popular kitchen appliance is a game-changer, delivering that coveted crunch with significantly less oil, making it a favorite for health-conscious foodies and busy home cooks alike. Traditional deep-fried foods, while delicious, often come with a heavy calorie and fat count and a huge mess to clean up.

How an air fryer works

This innovative appliance circulates hot air to create a crispy exterior, mimicking the results of deep-frying with just a fraction of the oil. For zucchini fries, this means:

• Significantly less oil: Enjoy the crunch without the oil slick. Air frying dramatically reduces the amount of oil needed, leading to fewer calories and less fat.
• Health benefits: Zucchini itself is a nutritional powerhouse. It's low in calories, rich in antioxidants, and a good source of water and fiber, aiding in digestion and blood sugar regulation. When air-fried, you retain these benefits while making a satisfying bite.
• Quick & easy: Air fryer zucchini fries are incredibly fast to prepare, often ready in under 20 minutes, making them perfect for a last-minute snack or a healthy side dish.
• Versatility: From classic breading to gluten-free alternatives and endless seasoning possibilities, air fryer zucchini fries are easily customizable to suit any taste or dietary preference.

The key to truly great air fryer zucchini fries is crispiness. Zucchini has a high-water content, which can lead to a soggy result if not handled correctly. Here's how to ensure golden, crunchy perfection every time:

Helpful tips for crispy zucchini fries air fryer

• Choose small to medium zucchini. The smaller the better. Baby zucchinis have no seeds, contain less water and pack plenty of flavor. Growing your own is the easiest way to come by these. If using larger zucchini don't forget to scrape out the seeds.
• Pat zucchini dry. This is the most crucial step! After slicing your zucchini into fry-like sticks (aim for consistent size for even cooking) and sweating them with salt use paper towels to blot out as much excess moisture as possible.
• The right breading. A good breading creates the crispy coating. A common and effective combination includes the 3-step flour, beaten egg, and a breadcrumb mixture like I use for Italian breaded pork chops. Or use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch. Consider adding Parmesan cheese and your favorite seasonings directly to the breadcrumbs for maximum flavor.
• Don't crowd the basket. Air fryers work by circulating hot air. Overcrowding the basket prevents this circulation, leading to steamed (and soggy) fries. Cook in batches, ensuring a single layer with a little space around each fry.
• Avocado oil spray. A quick spritz of an oil spray over the breaded fries before air frying helps achieve that beautiful golden-brown color and enhances crispiness. Avocado oil has a high smoke point, so I prefer it.
• Serve Immediately. Air fryer zucchini fries are best enjoyed fresh out of the appliance. As they cool, they can lose some of their crispness.

Step by step air fryer zucchini fries

1. Prep the zucchini: Wash and dry zucchini. Trim the ends and slice into uniform sticks, about 3-4 inches long and ½ inch thick. Sprinkle with salt and let sweat on a rack for 30 minutes. Pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels.
2. Set up a 3-step breading station: A bag with flour, a plate or small bowl with whisked eggs, and a bag with seasoned breadcrumbs. It's less mess to clean up using the bags.
3. Dredge the zucchini: Dip each zucchini stick first in the flour, shaking off excess. Then, dip it in the egg, allowing any extra to drip off. Finally, shake in the breadcrumb mixture until evenly coated.
4. Preheat and air fry: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (check your specific recipe/air fryer model for optimal temperature). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil.
5. Cook in batches: Arrange the breaded zucchini fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray the tops of the fries with oil.
6. Cook until golden perfection: Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy. Cooking time may vary based on your air fryer and the thickness of your fries.
7. Serve: For best results transfer to a serving dish and enjoy immediately with your favorite dipping sauce!