Air Fryer Zucchini Fries - Easy Recipe! - Kristine's Kitchen (2024)

See my guide on how to use an Air Fryer.

These Air Fryer Zucchini Fries are crispy, perfectly seasoned, and so easy to make. The air fryer is the best way to make zucchini fries!

Air Fryer Zucchini Fries - Easy Recipe! - Kristine's Kitchen (1)

I love using my air fryer because it makes food deliciously crispy with very little oil. Our favorite air fryer recipes include Air Fryer Chicken Thighs, Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries, Air Fryer Cauliflower, and these Air Fryer Zucchini Fries.

When you have an abundance of fresh zucchini and you’ve had your fill of Roasted Zucchini and Zucchini Bread, these zucchini fries are the perfect zucchini recipe to satisfy your cravings!

The air fryer makes the best zucchini fries. Since air circulates around the fries as they cook, they turn out so crispy! In this recipe I’ve combined a few simple seasonings and Parmesan cheese with a crispy breadcrumb coating to give these zucchini fries the best texture and flavor. You are going to love them!

Air Fryer Zucchini Fries - Easy Recipe! - Kristine's Kitchen (2)

Enjoy this air fryer zucchini as an appetizer, side dish or snack. Zucchini fries are delicious on their own, or serve them with a dipping sauce. Try them with marinara sauce, ranch dressing or aioli.

Ingredients

Air Fryer Zucchini Fries - Easy Recipe! - Kristine's Kitchen (3)

  • Zucchini: Choose fresh zucchini that are deep green in color with skin that is free of blemishes.
  • All-Purpose Flour: The flour helps the egg to stick to the zucchini.
  • Eggs: The eggs are the “glue” that helps the seasoned breadcrumb coating to stick to the zucchini.
  • Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko makes the crispiest coating!
  • Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan adds delicious flavor to this air fryer zucchini recipe.
  • Seasonings: A combination of Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt and pepper adds lots of flavor.
  • Olive Oil Spray: Lightly spraying the zucchini fries before cooking helps to make them extra crispy. I prefer olive oil spray, but you can another oil spray such as canola oil or coconut oil.

How to Make Zucchini Fries in an Air Fryer

Here is an overview of how to make air fryer zucchini fries, with some tips for success. Find the full recipe with ingredient amounts and instructions in the recipe card below.

If you know how to make Air Fryer Chicken Tenders or Baked Chicken Tenders, the steps for breading zucchini fries are very similar.

  1. Trim the ends off of the zucchini. Cut each zucchini crosswise into two pieces. Then cut into 1/2-inch sticks. I’ve found that it’s best to not pat the zucchini dry. A little moisture will help the flour to stick.
  2. Working with a few zucchini fries at a time, first coat the zucchini in flour. Gently tap off any excess flour. Air Fryer Zucchini Fries - Easy Recipe! - Kristine's Kitchen (4)
  3. Dip in the beaten eggs, making sure to fully coat all sides of the zucchini with the egg. Air Fryer Zucchini Fries - Easy Recipe! - Kristine's Kitchen (5)
  4. Coat the fries in the breadcrumb, Parmesan and seasoning mixture. Air Fryer Zucchini Fries - Easy Recipe! - Kristine's Kitchen (6)
  5. Place the fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Leave a little space between each zucchini piece so that the air can circulate around as they cook. Air Fryer Zucchini Fries - Easy Recipe! - Kristine's Kitchen (7)
  6. Spray the tops of the fries with oil spray.
  7. Air fry for 10-12 minutes until the outsides are browned and crispy and the fries are tender when pierced with a fork.

Air Fryer Zucchini Fries - Easy Recipe! - Kristine's Kitchen (8)

Air Fryer Zucchini Fries Recipe Tips:

  • Don’t crowd the air fryer basket. Arrange the zucchini fries in a single layer with a little space between them. This allows the air to circulate around them, crisping the edges. You will probably need to cook the fries in batches.
  • You do not need to flip the fries. Both sides will crisp without flipping and the less you handle the zucchini fries, the less likely you’ll lose some of the crispy coating.
  • To make this recipe dairy-free, omit the Parmesan cheese.
  • Different air fryer models may cook differently, so adjust the cook time as needed.

Can I use regular breadcrumbs?

I have tested this recipe with both Panko breadcrumbs and regular breadcrumbs. You can use regular breadcrumbs, but the fries won’t be quite as crispy as they are with Panko. The larger pieces of Panko breadcrumbs make for a crispier breading. Either way, the fries are delicious!

Can I bake these in the oven?

If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the zucchini fries in the oven. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Preheat the oven to 425° F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Place the breaded zucchini fries on the parchment-lined baking sheet and spray lightly with oil spray.
  3. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping once halfway through the cook time, until fries are browned and tender when pierced with a fork.

Air Fryer Zucchini Fries - Easy Recipe! - Kristine's Kitchen (9)

Air Fryer Zucchini Fries - Easy Recipe! - Kristine's Kitchen (10)

4.64 from 11 ratings

Air Fryer Zucchini Fries

Servings: 4 servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes mins

Cook Time: 11 minutes mins

Total Time: 26 minutes mins

These Air Fryer Zucchini Fries are crispy, perfectly seasoned, and easy to make. Enjoy them as an appetizer, snack or side dish. Serve these healthy fries with marinara sauce, ranch dressing or aioli for dipping.

Print Recipe Leave a Review Pin Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 medium zucchini
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs*
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • olive oil spray, or other oil spray such as canola or coconut oil

Instructions

  • Trim off the ends of the zucchini. Cut each zucchini in half crosswise. Then slice zucchini into ½-inch thick fries. (You do not need to peel the zucchini.)

  • To prepare the zucchini fries you will need 3 wide, shallow bowls, dishes or pie plates. In one dish, place the flour. In the second dish, lightly beat the eggs. In the third dish, stir together the Panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt and pepper.

  • Working with a few zucchini fries at a time, coat each one first in the flour, and gently tap off any excess flour. Then coat in the egg, making sure to fully coat all sides. Finally, coat each piece with the breadcrumb mixture.

  • Arrange fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space in between each fry for the air to circulate. (Cook in batches as needed.) Spray the tops of the fries with oil spray.

  • Air fry at 400° F for 10-12 minutes, until the outsides are browned and crispy and the insides are tender when pierced with a fork. You do not need to flip the fries. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Regular breadcrumbs may also be used, but the zucchini fries will be slightly less crispy.

Calories: 227kcal, Carbohydrates: 28g, Protein: 13g, Fat: 7g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 93mg, Sodium: 632mg, Potassium: 383mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 4g, Vitamin A: 445IU, Vitamin C: 18mg, Calcium: 218mg, Iron: 3mg

Nutrition information is an estimate.

Cuisine: American

Course: Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack

Tried this recipe?Mention @kristines_kitchen on Instagram or tag #kristineskitchenblog.

This site contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting Kristine's Kitchen!

Air Fryer Zucchini Fries - Easy Recipe! - Kristine's Kitchen (2024)

FAQs

Air Fryer Zucchini Fries - Easy Recipe! - Kristine's Kitchen? ›

Leave a little space between each zucchini piece so that the air can circulate around as they cook. Spray the tops of the fries with oil spray. Air fry for 10-12 minutes until the outsides are browned and crispy and the fries are tender when pierced with a fork.

Why soak fries before air frying? ›

Soaking the potatoes does something magical with the starches—it helps achieve the coveted French fry crispiness and prevents the fries from sticking together. This is what I did for the air fryer, too. I soaked these potatoes for about an hour or so, but I've also soaked them for up to 24 hours with no ill effect.

How do you use an air fryer for beginners? ›

How to Use an Air Fry Oven
  1. SET UP YOUR AIR FRYER. Before you dive into your first recipe, take a few minutes to properly prepare your air fryer for use. ...
  2. PREPARE FOOD. ...
  3. SELECT SETTINGS. ...
  4. PREHEAT. ...
  5. SELECT AIR FRYER COOKING TIME. ...
  6. SHAKE OR FLIP FOOD. ...
  7. REMOVE FOOD. ...
  8. CLEAN YOUR AIR FRYER OVEN.

How to crispy air fry? ›

A drizzle or a quick oil spray is all you need for restaurant-quality fries and golden brown fried chicken, while other foods don't need any oil, like pizza or leftovers you might reheat. Some advocate for spraying the drawer or rack inside the air fryer, and while it doesn't hurt, it's unnecessary.

What happens if you don't soak fries before frying? ›

The main reasons to cut the potatoes and pre-soak in water are: To allow the excess starches and sugars to be removed from the outer surface of the fry strips AND to keep the potatoes from browning prematurely from exposure to air. Covering in water helps the potato from turning a dark color.

Why are my fries not crispy in the air fryer? ›

It's essential that you spread the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket and that you leave a little space between each one. If they're too crowded, the potatoes will steam inside the air fryer, and they won't get crispy. In order to give them adequate space, you'll likely need to work in batches.

Why are people getting rid of air fryers? ›

People getting rid of air fryers in favour of kitchen appliance that's cheaper to run. Households are shelving their air fryers in favour of another kitchen appliance that is cheaper to run, and just as healthy.

What is the first thing I should try in my air fryer? ›

Brussels sprouts are the best place to start your air-fried vegetable journey. They crisp up beautifully and take no time at all. If you're making these for a crowd, we suggest frying them up in batches as overcrowding the basket can lead to soggy results.

Why is my fried zucchini soggy? ›

Zucchini is made of over 90% water. When cooked, it gets soft and slowly releases that water into whatever dish you're cooking. If zucchini is overcooked, it will have a mushy, soft texture.

What cannot be cooked in an air fryer? ›

7 Foods You Should Never Cook In Your Air Fryer
  1. Wet Batters. Those beer-battered onion rings, fries, fish cutlets, plus tempura veggies and more are not well suited for a crisp in the air fryer. ...
  2. Cheesy Items. ...
  3. Large, Bone-In Meat Cuts. ...
  4. Baked Goods. ...
  5. Greens. ...
  6. Raw Rice and Other Grains. ...
  7. Too Much of Anything.
Apr 14, 2023

Do you spray food with oil before air frying? ›

While you would typically add oil to a pan before adding your food, the case is not the same when using an air fryer. In a bowl, toss your food in a few teaspoons of vegetable oil or olive oil along with your seasoning before putting it in the air fryer. This method works best for cooking fresh meats and vegetables.

Should I soak my potatoes before air frying? ›

While it may seem like a pain, soaking the potatoes in hot water for 10 minutes prior to cooking them in the air fryer is essential. The water removes excess starch, allowing the fries to be their crispiest. Instead of soaking them in large bowl of cold water, I like to use hot water to cook the potatoes slightly.

Should homemade fries be soaked in water? ›

Take a large bowl and soak the potatoes in cold water. Make sure that you soak the potatoes for at least 2-3 hours. Soaking the sliced potatoes in cold water is one of the main steps to prepare perfect French Fries. The cold water removes the starch present outside the potatoes so that you get perfectly crispy fries.

Why do you soak fries in salt water? ›

Why use salt water for soaking potatoes? There's moisture naturally found in potatoes, and moisture is drawn to higher concentrations of salt. (This is a process called osmosis.) So, if you put the potatoes in a salt water bath, that will help draw out some of their moisture, resulting in crispier fries.

Should you salt fries before air frying? ›

Oil: Use a neutral vegetable oil suitable for high heat. I use sunflower oil. Salt: Make sure to add the salt AFTER air frying. It does really affect the crispiness in this particular recipe.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Domingo Moore

Last Updated:

Views: 5899

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (73 voted)

Reviews: 80% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Domingo Moore

Birthday: 1997-05-20

Address: 6485 Kohler Route, Antonioton, VT 77375-0299

Phone: +3213869077934

Job: Sales Analyst

Hobby: Kayaking, Roller skating, Cabaret, Rugby, Homebrewing, Creative writing, amateur radio

Introduction: My name is Domingo Moore, I am a attractive, gorgeous, funny, jolly, spotless, nice, fantastic person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.