How to Make Zucchini Fries in Air Fryer

Is your garden producing zucchini faster than you can use it up? If you are wondering how to make zucchini fries in air fryer, you have found the right place! These zucchini fries are a dish the whole family will love!

Air fryers have become the next new must have kitchen appliance and I am always looking for new recipes to use in mine. This air fryer zucchini recipe is sure to become a family favorite, and is a great side to so many summer dishes, such as burgers, sandwiches or even this Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad!

If you are new to using an air fryer, or on the fence about getting one, I have listed some pros and cons about air frying below, as well as some tips on how to best use them as well as a couple recommended models.

Tips for Cooking with an Air Fryer:

The air fryer is one of the most popular kitchen appliances in recent years. It has significant advantages but also a few minor disadvantages. Let's take a look at the pros and cons of this particular appliance.

Advantages of the air fryer and the healthy air fryer recipes:

Versatility And The Magic Of The Air Fryer

The best air fryer models allow you to prepare a wide range of dishes, acting as small electric ovens. One of the most significant advantages of the air fryer is its ability to be used not only for "frying" but also for cooking foods such as roasted chicken and cakes and still have that great fried taste.

The rich recipe books available on the websites of major air fryer manufacturers demonstrate this versatility. Different air fryer models have different capabilities or features, so be sure to check what each one offers if you are in the market for one, or see my recommended models below.

Reduced Oil Consumption

As many wonder if they can use the air fryer instead of a traditional fryer while on a diet, the only thing important to note that foods prepared in the air fryer are not necessarily low in calories or diet-friendly. However, the air fryer does allow for a drastic reduction in oil consumption.

For example, french fries (or zucchini fries!) prepared in the air fryer contain less fat without sacrificing taste. It's worth noting that the calorie content of your dishes also depends on the ingredients used.

Precise Adjustments

A good air fryer also features user-friendly buttons for adjusting temperature and timer settings. It is equipped with audible signals that indicate when it's ready to use and when the cooking is complete.

The best models have symbols on the appliance itself that suggest the cooking temperatures and times for different types of food, allowing you to use the air fryer without having to refer to the instructions every time.

Easy to Clean

The air fryer stands out from the traditional fryer for its ease of cleaning. As it operates with reduced amounts of oil or even without oil, this appliance doesn't require the hassle of changing used oil.

Instead, you can simply wash the removable parts by hand or in the dishwasher. Or, consider buying an air fryer liner that you can simply remove and throw in the dishwasher or throw away!

Less Odor

Since the air fryer doesn't require large amounts of oil like a traditional fryer, it produces a minimal amount of odor. The typical fried food smell is almost absent. If you are particularly sensitive to the smell of frying, then the air fryer is suitable for you.

Disadvantages of the Air Fryer:

High power consumption

The reduction in oil consumption does not necessarily result in reduced energy consumption, which is usually relatively high. However, it's worth mentioning that top manufacturers like Philips and De'Longhi are developing increasingly advanced models that tend to optimize energy consumption.

Poor Results with Batter

It can be said that the air fryer is not suitable for preparing batter-coated foods, unless they are frozen. Otherwise, there is a risk that the batter will fall apart during cooking. Breaded foods are preferable to battered ones.

My recommended air fryers:

If you are looking for an air fryer for yourself, or to purchase as a gift, these are my three favorites!

This Ninja XL Foodi Smart 6 in 1 is an awesome air fryer, and if you are also looking for an indoor grill, this one fits the bill for that feature also! I love how big the tray is for use as an air fryer and this is the model used in this recipe.

This 4 quart Ninja Air Fryer is great because it is easy to clean, has a ton of settings that are adjustable or customizable and it is really easy to use. It also has a air fryer roast setting as well as a bake setting which are both great options to have.

This Black and Decker Air Fry Toaster oven is the one we started with and it is also a great basic option if you are in need of a toaster oven also. It has less settings and is also easy to use and a great beginner model to use if you are new to air frying.

Choosing the Right Zucchini for Air Frying

Selecting the right zucchinis is crucial for achieving that perfect crispy and flavorful result. Here are some tips to help you choose the best zucchinis for air frying:

Consider Organic Or Homegrown Zucchinis

For those looking to enhance the flavor of their zucchini fries while avoiding pesticides, organic or homegrown options are worth considering. Organic zucchinis are grown without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides, resulting in a more natural taste.

Homegrown zucchinis offer a similar advantage since you have control over how they are cultivated. Their freshness and lack of chemical treatments can contribute to a tastier final product

Select Firm And Fresh Zucchinis

To ensure your zucchini fries turn out deliciously crispy, it's important to start with firm and fresh zucchinis. Look for zucchinis that have a vibrant green color and a smooth skin. Avoid any zucchinis that have blemishes or soft spots, as they may indicate spoilage or uneven cooking.

Use Medium-Sized Zucchinis

When choosing zucchinis for air frying, it's best to go for medium-sized ones. These zucchinis typically have a more desirable texture compared to larger ones. Medium-sized zucchinis are less likely to contain excessive water content, which can lead to soggy fries. Their size allows them to cook evenly in the air fryer without becoming too mushy.

Consider Organic Or Homegrown Zucchinis

For those looking to enhance the flavor of their zucchini fries while avoiding pesticides, organic or homegrown options are worth considering. Organic zucchinis are grown without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides, resulting in a more natural taste.

Homegrown or zucchinis offer a similar advantage since you have control over how they are cultivated. Their freshness and lack of chemical treatments can contribute to a tastier final product.

See my article on growing zucchini: Do Zucchini Need a Trellis + Other Growing Tips!

Avoid Oversized Zucchinis

While larger zucchinis might seem tempting due to their size, they are not the ideal choice for making zucchini fries in an air fryer. Oversized zucchinis often have a higher water content, which can lead to excess moisture in your fries and result in a less crispy texture.

Stick to medium-sized zucchinis to ensure your fries turn out perfectly golden and crunchy.

Preparing Zucchini For Air Frying

Proper preparation is key to achieving that perfect crispy texture. Follow these simple steps to ensure your zucchinis turn out deliciously golden and crunchy.

Wash The Zucchinis Thoroughly

Before you begin slicing the zucchinis into fry-like shapes, it's important to wash them thoroughly under running water. This will remove any dirt or debris that may be clinging to the skin. Gently scrub the zucchinis with your hands or a vegetable brush to ensure they are clean.

Pat Dry The Sliced Zucchinis

Once you've sliced the zucchinis into fry shapes, it's important to remove excess moisture from them. Moisture can hinder the crisping process and result in soggy fries.

To eliminate this issue, use paper towels to pat dry the sliced zucchinis thoroughly. Press down gently on each slice to absorb as much moisture as possible.

Remove Any Seeds From Larger Slices

If you're using larger slices of zucchini for your fries, take a moment to check for any seeds. Larger zucchinis tend to have more prominent seeds, which can affect the texture of your finished fries.

To avoid this, simply scoop out any visible seeds using a spoon or knife before proceeding with the air fryer zucchini recipe.

How To Make Air Fryer Parmesan Zucchini Fries in Air Fryer:

Servings: 4

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes

Equipment needed to make Air Fryer Zucchini Fries:

You will need the following items to make the zucchini fries:

Air Fryer - see above for my recommended models!
Cutting board
Chef Knife

Ingredients needed for the best zucchini fries:

    ¼ cup flour

    2 eggs, beaten

    ¼ Cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese

    1 cup panko bread crumbs

    1 medium Zucchini (Sliced)

    cooking spray

Directions:

Step 1:

• Pre-heat the air fryer to 375 degrees.

Step 2:

• Wash and then slice the zucchini into French Fry looking pieces.

Step 3:

• Combine the bread crumbs & Parmesan cheese.

Step 4:

• Dip the zucchini into the beaten eggs. Roll in flour & then re-dip in the eggs.

Step 5:

• Coat with the panko breadcrumbs.

Step 6:

• Place the breaded zucchini onto the air fryer basket. Lightly spray with cooking spray. Air fry for 10 minutes. Enjoy.

 

Other Variations of Zucchini Fries made in an Air Fryer:

Now that you know how to make zucchini fries in an air fryer, here are a few more different ways to make air fryer zucchini fries that you can try! Find your favorite to make for that perfect side dish!

Classic Zucchini Fries:

Cut zucchini into long, thin strips. Toss the zucchini sticks in a mixture of breadcrumbs for maximum crunch, grated Parmesan cheese, and spices like garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, a herb rub, paprika, sea salt, and black pepper.

Spicy Zucchini Fries:

Follow the same steps as for classic air fryer zucchini chips, but add some extra heat. Add cayenne pepper, chili powder, or hot sauce to the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy kick. Adjust the amount of spice according to your preference. Serve with garlic aioli or ranch dressing.

Parmesan Herb Zucchini Fries with a crispy texture:

Instead of using breadcrumbs, coat the strips of zucchini in a mixture of grated Parmesan cheese, dried herbs (such as oregano, basil, and thyme), a spritz of oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook in the air fryer following the same instructions as for classic zucchini fries.

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