Air Fryer Zucchini Fries

4 servings
20 min

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Air fryer zucchini fries are a low-carb, healthy alternative to traditional french fries. Made in less than 20 minutes, this easy side dish is perfect for the entire family!

A plate of zucchini fries and sriracha aioli

What are zucchini fries, you ask? They are simply fries that are made out of zucchini instead of potatoes. The zucchini is cut into a long slender shape, just like traditional french fries. When the zucchini is cut into thick slices, these are sometimes called zucchini sticks.

While you can deep fry them, I am opting to use an air fryer instead. The air fryer has quickly become a household favorite appliance. This tool creates a similar crispy crunch of a deep fryer without the oil. The end result is a healthy and crispy zucchini fry!

While I made this recipe as air fryer zucchini fries, you can slice the zucchini into rounds. Then follow the same steps to create crispy zucchini chips!


Why You Will Love This Recipe


  • A healthy alternative to french fries
  • An excellent way to eat more veggies
  • Air fryer zucchini sticks are easy to make


Ingredients


I used the familiar dip in flour, liquid, and breadcrumbs to get a perfect crunch. For the liquid, I opted to use plant-based milk to keep the recipe vegan. You can also use plant-based milk, dairy milk, or egg.


  • Zucchini - 2 medium-sized
  • All Purpose Flour - 1 cup
  • Milk - ½ cup (vegans use plant-based milk)
  • Bread crumbs - 1 cup - Use plain or seasoned breadcrumbs. You can also use panko.
  • Seasoning (optional) - add in your favorite seasoning to flavor the fries.


Flavors Fries Your Way


When it comes to flavoring zucchini fries, the sky is the limit. Generally speaking, mix 2 teaspoons of your favorite seasoning with the bread crumbs or the panko breadcrumbs to season zucchini fries to your personal taste.


  • Cajon Seasoning - Try using Slap Ya Momma; this is a popular cajun seasoning for a good reason, it is delicious!
  • Cheese - After rolling in the bread crumbs, sprinkle parmesan cheese on top for parmesan zucchini fries!
  • Garlic - A little garlic salt or garlic powder will give these fries the perfect zing.
  • Italian Seasoning - Go Mediterranean with a sprinkle of Italian seasoning!
  • Ranch Seasoning - Sprinkle in powder ranch dressing with the bread crumbs for a tangy twist.
  • Spicy - Use chili pepper seasoning (Aleppo, chipotle, chile, cayenne, etc.) for a spicy kick
  • Taco Seasoning - Go south of the border with a touch of taco seasoning!


How to Make Zucchini Fries


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 the half circle 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, 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.

Step Three: Place zucchini fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Bake at 400 degrees for ten minutes. Flip halfway through.

Note: The cook time might need to be adjusted for thinner or thicker strips.


Visual Steps
Picture steps of how to make recipe.
Picture steps of how to make recipe.

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Tips for Crispy Zucchini Fries


If you are like me and love the crunch and crispy texture of a well-cooked fry. Achieving this at home is easier than you might think; I recommend following these five tips to get the best crispy zucchini fry.

Tip 1 - Thoroughly dry the zucchini before cutting them into sticks or chips. If there is water on the zucchini, it will steam rather than fry.

Tip 2 - Cut the fries into small even sizes. Cutting fries into an even size is key for even cooking. The smaller the fry, the crispier texture you will be able to achieve. It will take a bit more work to set up, but crispy fry lovers will appreciate it.

Tip 3 - Sweat the zucchini. This is one of my favorite tricks. A little water will draw the salt out of the zucchini; this is called sweating. Start by lightly sprinkling salt on top of the zucchini. After a couple of minutes, the water will bead on top of the vegetable, and you can use a paper towel or tea towel to pat off the excess moisture. It's that easy. The result is a crispier fry!

Tip 4 - Be sure to give the fries a quick spritz with cooking spray before placing them in the air fryer.

Tip 5 - Space the fries apart in a single layer while in the air fryer basket. This ensures the air can circulate and will help the fries cook evenly.

Crispy zucchini fries with marinara sauce
Dipping Sauces


You can enjoy the fries or jazz it up with your favorite dipping sauce. I listed a few here, but as you know, the possibilities are endless!


  • Cheese or queso sauces
  • Good old-fashioned ketchup
  • A classic Marinara Sauce
  • Spicy Sriracha Aioli
  • Ranch salad dressing
Zucchini fry with marinara sauce held up close.
What to Serve with Zucchini Fries


I recommend serving zucchini fries in place of where you would normally eat french fries. I like them with burgers, sandwiches, etc. They are also a fun dinner side dish that kids love.


How do I store and reheat?

Zucchini fires are best served hot. If stored, they will become soggy in about an hour and lose their crunch. Therefore I do not recommend storing and reheating zucchini fries.

How do I cut zucchini fries?

I have found the best way to cut any vegetable is to create a flat base. To do this, cut the ends off for the zucchini and then slice it in half. Then place the zucchini upright, using the flat side as a base slice lengthwise down the center, creating two equal semi-circles with a flat side. Then place the flat side on the cutting board and cut equal strips around the semi-circle.

Can I bake zucchini fries instead?

Yes, you absolutely can. Preheat the oven to 425. Place the fries on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes.


Recipe
Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
Recipe details
  • 4  servings
  • Prep time: 10 Minutes Cook time: 10 Minutes Total time: 20 min
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Ingredients

  • ▢ 2 medium zucchini
  • ▢ 1 sprinkle salt
  • ▢ 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ▢ 1/2 cup milk (vegans use plant-based milk)
  • ▢ 1 cup bread crumbs
Optional Ingredients
  • ▢ 2 teaspoons seasoning (see notes for ideas)
  • ▢ 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 the half circle 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.2 medium zucchini, 1 sprinkle salt
Step Two: 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. 1 cup all-purpose flour, ½ cup milk (vegans use plant-based milk), 1 cup bread crumbs, 2 teaspoons seasoning (see notes for ideas)
Step Three: Place zucchini fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Bake at 400 degrees for ten minutes. Flip halfway through.
Tips
  • When it comes to flavoring zucchini fries, the sky is the limit. Generally speaking, mix two teaspoons of your favorite seasoning with the bread crumbs or the panko breadcrumbs to season zucchini fries to your personal taste.  Here are a few ideas
  • Cajon Seasoning - I recommend Slap Ya Momma.
  • Cheese - sprinkle parmesan cheese on top for parmesan zucchini fries!
  • Garlic - A little garlic salt or garlic powder will give these fries the perfect zing.
  • Italian Seasoning - Go Mediterranean with a sprinkle of Italian seasoning!
  • Ranch Seasoning - Sprinkle in powder ranch dressing for a tangy twist.
  • Spicy - Use chili pepper seasoning (Aleppo, chipotle, chile, cayenne, etc.) for a spicy kick
  • Taco Seasoning - Go south of the border with a touch of taco seasoning!
  • Zucchini fries will become soggy within an hour.  For this reason, I recommend eating right away and not storing.
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