Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Fries are the perfect combination of delicious and healthy. This fantastic alternative to regular fries offers a delightful crunch and a tasty way to sneak in more veggies.
Just like Air Fryer Dill Pickles – Fries and Air Fryer Vegan Onion Pakora – Bhajis, they are a delightful snack that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy. With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of time, you can whip up a batch that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Zucchini – The star of the show! It is also known as courgette in the UK. When buying zucchinis, opt for the straightest and firmest ones that will give you the best texture.
Breadcrumbs – I prefer panko breadcrumbs for breading for the most delightful crunch. They’re made from crustless white bread and have a larger grain than traditional breadcrumbs.
Eggs – They help the breadcrumbs stick to the zucchini.
Plain flour – It is also known as all-purpose flour, which helps the eggs stick better to the zucchini sticks.
Parmesan cheese – Finely grated parmesan adds a rich, cheesy flavor and an extra crunch.
Seasoning – A simple and delicious blend of salt, freshly ground pepper, paprika, and dried thyme makes the fries irresistible.
How to Make Crispy Zucchini Fries in an Air Fryer?
Although making these crispy Zucchini Fries in an air fryer is very easy, you need to follow a few simple steps to achieve the best results :
Start by washing the zucchini thoroughly. Cut off the ends and slice them into sticks, about the size of regular fries. Make sure they’re all roughly the same size to ensure even cooking.
Use a paper towel to pat the zucchini sticks dry.
In a shallow dish, mix the flour with half the amount of salt, paprika, dried thyme, and pepper. Beat the eggs in a small bowl along with the other half of the seasoning. In another shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
Coat each zucchini stick in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Next, dip the floured zucchini stick into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated. Finally, roll the zucchini in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to make sure the coating sticks.
Set your air fryer to 400°F (205°C) and place the coated zucchini sticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Be careful not to overcrowd them.
Lightly spray the zucchini fries with cooking oil. This helps them get extra crispy. Air fry the zucchini fries for 8-10 minutes, turning them halfway through the cooking time. They should be golden brown and crispy.
Serve your crispy zucchini fries immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Expert Tips From the Chef
Go for medium-sized, fresh, and firm zucchini. Larger ones tend to have more seeds and can be a bit watery, which might affect the crispiness.
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket, arrange your zucchinis in a single layer. Cook your zucchini fries in batches if necessary.
If you’re making a large batch, keep the cooked zucchini fries warm in a low oven (around 200°F or 95°C) while you finish frying the rest. This way, they’ll all be hot and crispy when you’re ready to serve.
Feel free to play around with the seasoning in the breadcrumb mixture. Adding some Italian seasoning, cayenne pepper, or even some finely chopped fresh herbs can add a new dimension to your fries.
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