Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
Zucchini has taken many forms over the years. From being just a side dish to transforming into noodles, zucchini has proven it’s versatility in cooking. These Air Fryer Zucchini Fries might just be one of their best transformations yet. Air Fryer Zucchini Fries are crispy, yet not over breaded so the zucchini still shines through. They’re a great addition to any meal and a fun way to eat more zucchini.
Cutting Perfect Zucchini Fries
To get the perfect fry shape you’ll want to get the zucchini into planks and then into fries. I recommend starting with just trimming both ends of the zucchini. From there, cut the zucchini in half widthwise, so you have two smaller pieces to work with. Working with one half at a time, cut the zucchini directly in half lengthwise. Now is when you’ll cut each new half lengthwise again into several planks. This recipe calls for medium-large sized zucchini with each half averaging 3-4 planks. Once you have the zucchini in planks, cut each plank into 4 sticks or fry shaped pieces. That’s it! Repeat with remaining zucchini! I’ll eventually have a video with a step-by-step, but for now I hope this helps!
Breadcrumbs Really Are Best!
Normally I try to test a recipe 2-3 times before I post them for you all. With this recipe I’ve tested it 8 different times! Finding a happy medium between giving them enough breading to be “fries,” but not wanting the zucchini to get lost was tricky. I also wanted a breading that would be just as good in the oven as it was in the air fryer. Cornmeal, regular flour, alternative flours, panko, and traditional breadcrumbs were all tested for this recipe. To my surprise breadcrumbs were a winner! A special thanks to my lovely parents who were asked to eat several batches when I was visiting them! I’m not sure I could have made a decision without them!
No Flipping Needed
Many recipes that use the air fryer suggest you flip the food halfway through for better browning. That’s not the case with this recipe, in fact I think flipping just causes you to lose the breading. Whether you’re cooking these in the air fryer or in the oven the only thing I suggest you do while cooking is to give them another spritz of oil at the halfway mark. Flipping isn’t recommended just because the zucchini gets soft causing the fries to be fragile. Plus one of the best way to get crispy food is to not move it until a crust forms. My tips on how to not burn them are included in the recipe.
Zucchini Fries & Beet Ketchup
What fun are fries if you have nothing to dip them in!? Many recipes for zucchini fries pair them with marinara! I’ll admit marinara is a great choice, but it’s not the only option. I specifically created this Balsamic Beet Ketchup for these Air Fryer Zucchini Fries. They’re a true perfect match. Make the Beet Ketchup first and while it chills you can assemble and cook the zucchini fries. Don’t knock it until you try it! I hope you enjoy these Air Fry Zucchini Fries! If you make them leave a comment below and let me know what you think!
Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
Equipment
- Air Fryer or Oven
- 2 large parchment lined baking sheets. Lightly sprayed with oil.
Ingredients
- 2 Medium Zucchinis
- 1/2 cup Plain Breadcrumbs Gluten free works too!
- 1/2 cup Non-Dairy Milk OR 2 large egg whites whisked
- Salt
- Pepper
- Oil Spray
Instructions
Cut Zucchini Into Fries
- Working with one zucchini at at time, lay the zucchini horizontal on your cutting board and trim the ends off. Then cut the zucchini in half so you have two pieces.
- Set one half aside while you work with the other half.
- Take the zucchini half and cut it in half lengthwise.
- Slice the halves into 3-4 1/2 inch planks. Then slice the planks into slicks. Each plank yields about 3-4 sticks.
- Repeat with remaining zucchini.
Breading Zucchini Fries
- Pat zucchini sticks dry and set aside.
- In a large bowl add your non dairy milk or 2 eggs whites with a large pinch of salt and pepper and whisk to combine. This will be your wet mix.
- In a separate bowl or large dish mix breadcrumbs with a large pinch of salt and pepper.
- Create an assembly line; zucchini sticks, wet mixture, breadcrumbs, and prepared baking sheets. This well help you work quickly and get the zucchini breaded easily.
- Use one hand for dipping in the wet mix and the other for dippping in the breadcrumbs. Now, starting with your wet mix, add in 4-5 zucchini stick into your wet mixture and coat evenly. You can use a fork to help flip them.
- Let excess liquid drip off the zucchini for a second and then transfer the sticks into the breadcrumbs. Coat evenly with breadcrumbs and then transfer zucchini fries to a lined and greased baking sheet.
- Repeat dipping and coating with remaining zucchini until all sticks have been coated. Discard any leftover wet mix and breadcrumbs.
Air Fryer Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 390 degrees. Zucchini fries will take 10 minutes to preheat accordingly.
- Once preheated, spray the inside of your fryer with cooking spray and then gently place in the zucchini fries in one single layer leaving just a little space in between each fry. Depending on the size of your fryer, you'll need to work in batches. My air fryer cooks about 15 zucchini fries at a time.
- Spray the zucchini fries with a little cooking spray and cook in the air fry for 5 minutes.
- After 5 minutes, give the zucchini fries another light spray of cooking oil and return to the air fryer for 5 more minutes. Zucchini fries are done when they're golden brown and crispy!
- Gently remove zucchini fries from air fryer and sprinkle with salt. You'll want to serve these immediately while they're nice and hot.
- If you're cooking in batches, keep cooked zucchini fries warm in a 200 degree oven until ready to serve!
- Serve with Balsamic Beet Ketchup or dipping sauce of your choice & enjoy!
Oven Cooking Instructions.
- Move your oven racks to the top half of your oven. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees.
- Once oven is preheat, spray prepared zucchini fries with cooking oil and place your baking sheets on the top oven racks.
- Cook zucchini fries for 10 minutes. Give the zucchini fries another light spray of oil and rotate the baking sheets.
- Cook zucchini fries for another 5-10 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from oven and lightly sprinkle with salt.
- Serve Zucchini fries immediately while they're hot! Server with our Balsamic Beet Ketchup or dipping sauce of your choice & enjoy!