Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Fries

Crispy air fryer zucchini fries with golden breading and fresh herbs with a side of garlic aioli dipping sauce.
Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 12 mins
Total Time 22 mins
Cooking Method:
Cuisine: ,
Courses:
Difficulty: Beginner
Servings: 4
Calories: 120
Description

This easy air fryer zucchini fries recipe serves four and features crispy, golden-brown zucchini coated with parmesan and breadcrumbs, paired with a spicy Cajun garlic aioli for dipping sauce.

Ingredients
    For the Zucchini Fries
  • 3 medium (approximately 1.5 lbs) zucchinis, firm and fresh
  • 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour (or almond flour for keto)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup of Panko breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
  • 1/4 cup of finely grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt for salting
  • 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt for breading
  • 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley, chopped
  • olive oil or avocado oil, for browning
    • For the Dipping Sauce
  • 1 cup of mayonnaise
  • 2 teaspoons of fresh lemon juice
  • 4 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika
  • 1½ teaspoons of creole mustard (or brown mustard)
  • 6 dashes of cayenne pepper or hot sauce
How to Make Zucchini Fries (Step-By-Step Instructions)
  1. 1
    Prepare the Zucchini
    • Wash the zucchinis and trim the ends.
    • Cut each one in half lengthwise, and then cut the halves into strips approximately 3 to 4 inches long and ½ inch thick.
    • Place the zucchini strips into a colander, which is set over a bowl.
    • Sprinkle them generously with ½ teaspoon of kosher salt and toss gently.
    • Let the zucchini strips rest for 15 minutes so the salt can pull out some of the moisture.
    • After resting, gently pat each zucchini strip dry using paper towels or a clean kitchen cloth.
    • Make sure to remove as much visible moisture as possible for crispiness.
    • Moisture can cause the coating to turn soggy instead of crisp.
  2. 2
    Set Up the Breading Station
    • Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
    • While the air fryer preheats, set up a three-station breading line using shallow dishes.
    • Station 1: Mix the flour, half of the garlic powder and onion powder, remaining salt, and black pepper.
    • Station 2: Whisk the eggs lightly.
    • Station 3: Combine the Panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, the remaining garlic and onion powder, and parsley.
  3. 3
    Coat the Zucchini
    • Utilize the efficient "dry hand, wet hand" technique.
    • Use one hand (the "dry hand") exclusively for the flour and Panko stages, and the other hand (the "wet hand") exclusively for the egg wash.
    • Using the dry hand, dredge a zucchini strip thoroughly into the flour mixture (Station 1), tapping off excess.
    • Transfer the strip to the egg wash (Station 2) using the wet hand, allowing excess egg to drip off.
    • Transfer the strip to the Panko/Parmesan mix (Station 3).
    • Switch back to the dry hand and press the coating firmly onto all sides of the zucchini.
    • Place the finished, breaded strip on a clean plate.
    • Repeat the process till all the zucchini strips are fully coated.
    • Allow all coated strips to rest for 5 minutes before cooking.
  4. 4
    Make the Dipping Sauce (If Using)
    • Combine the mayonnaise, lemon juice, minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, Creole mustard, and cayenne/hot sauce in a small mixing bowl.
    • Whisk the ingredients until the mixture is completely smooth and homogeneous.
    • Taste and adjust the balance of salt, acid (lemon), or heat (cayenne) to personal preference.
    • Chill the aioli sauce for at least 30 minutes before serving for flavors to deepen.
  5. 5
    Air Fry the Zucchini
    • Lightly spray the air fryer basket or tray with oil spray.
    • Arrange the coated zucchini fries in a strict single layer, ensuring no piece touches or overlaps.
    • Once arranged, lightly spray the tops of the fries with oil spray (olive oil or avocado oil) to promote browning.
    • Cook at 400°F for 4 to 6 minutes.
    • Using tongs, flip each fry to promote even crisping on all sides.
    • Lightly spray the newly exposed side with oil spray.
    • Cook for an additional 4 to 6 minutes, until the crust is a deep, golden brown and feels firm and crispy to the touch.
    • Immediately remove the crispy fries to a serving dish.
  6. 6
    Serve and EnjoyCrispy golden zucchini fries fresh out of the air fryer, sprinkled with herbs.
    • Serve the warm Parmesan zucchini fries with your dipping sauce.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

Serving Size approximately 1 cup or 96g

Amount Per Serving
Calories 120kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 5g8%
Saturated Fat 3g15%
Cholesterol 30mg10%
Sodium 320mg14%
Potassium 384mg11%
Total Carbohydrate 8g3%
Dietary Fiber 3g12%
Sugars 3g
Protein 9g18%
Vitamin A 530 IU
Vitamin C 24 mg
Calcium 120 mg
Iron 1.2 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note
  • The most crucial step is to salt, rest, and thoroughly pat the zucchini dry, as any remaining moisture will result in a soggy, loose crust.
  • Fries must be placed in a single, non-touching layer within the air fryer basket to ensure complete circulation of hot air and maximum crispness.
  • Always preheat the air fryer to 400°F so the crust sets instantly and prevents the zucchini from steaming.
  • The light application of oil before and after flipping is essential for achieving the rich, golden color and satisfying crunch that define perfectly air-fried food.
Read it online: https://tinakitchen.com/recipe/air-fryer-zucchini-fries/

We hope you enjoy making this recipe.

Happy cooking!