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When I've got a craving for fries but want something lighter, these crunchy zucchini fries totally hit the spot. They're super easy to whip up with your air fryer—no mess and nothing heavy about them. That crispy bite with tender zucchini inside? So good you won’t believe how little work they take.
The first time I made these was during a ridiculous summer zucchini haul—they were gone in a flash. Now, I make a double batch just to keep up!
Tasty Ingredients
- Seasoned breadcrumbs: These make them extra crispy and hold all your seasonings in place. Try panko if you're after some serious crunch.
- Fine olive oil or solid cooking spray: This keeps things crisp and helps all those goodies stick. Go with extra virgin if you want max flavor.
- Firm zucchinis: Pick ones with tight, shiny skin—they’re best for a tender bite that doesn’t get soggy.
- Garlic powder or dried herbs (like rosemary and thyme): Toss in these herby bits for a brand new flavor. Fresh dried stuff smells amazing.
- Sea salt and black pepper: The basics for seasoning—try finishing with flaky sea salt for bonus crunch.
- Smoky paprika or chili powder: Turn up the heat and add a little color if you like things spicy.
- Parmesan cheese (totally optional): Shreds of the real stuff melt and brown beautifully for a perfect, salty bite.
Simple Steps
- Time to Air Fry:
- Pop your prepared fries into the basket in a single layer. Give them ten to twelve minutes, shaking them up halfway through for the best golden crunch. They're ready when they've got that perfect snap at the edge.
- Add Your Toppings:
- Drizzle with oil or use a cooking spray, then toss your fries with your spice blend plus breadcrumbs. Cheese goes in now if you're using it. You want everything light and even, not heavy.
- Dry the Zucchini:
- Dust all the cut zucchini with salt and set over a rack or in a colander. Let them hang out for up to fifteen minutes—this makes them less watery. Pat every single fry dry with a towel before the next step.
- Prep Your Air Fryer:
- Crank it up to three seventy five Fahrenheit and let it warm up for about three minutes. A hot basket means crispier fries.
- Slice 'Em Up:
- Wash your zucchinis, dry them off, then slice them into sticks (or rounds for chip vibes). Keep them thin—fat ones tend to get mushy.
- Dig In Right Away:
- Once they’re golden, plate them up and serve hot. Killer with your fave sauce—think marinara, yogurt dip, or whatever you love.
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I always go big on parmesan for extra crunch—it gets so crispy and melty. My crew basically camps out in the kitchen waiting for the buzzer just to grab these while they're hot!
Keep Them Fresh
Let the fries cool all the way so they won’t get mushy. Stash them in a sealed container lined with paper towel, tuck them in the fridge, and you’re set for up to three days. Re-crisp in the air fryer for a couple quick minutes and they’re as good as new.
Switch Things Up
Can’t do dairy? Swap in nutritional yeast or skip the cheese. Need gluten free? Grab gluten free breadcrumbs or just stick with cheese and spices. Try switching up oils (avocado oil is awesome) or stir in herbes de Provence for something fresh.
How to Serve
Dip them in zesty ketchup, garlicky aioli, or kicky yogurt sauce. They’re also perfect next to grilled chicken or stuffed inside wraps with crunchy greens.
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Story Behind It
Fried zucchini is an old-school favorite in Mediterranean homes. The air fryer just makes it lighter and a breeze to clean up. It’s the best fix for too much summer zucchini and a nod to classic family flavors.
FAQs About the Recipe
- → What's the trick for really crisp zucchini fries in an air fryer?
After salting, blot your zucchini dry so any extra moisture goes away. That gives you a crunchier outside.
- → Which spices or flavors should I toss with my zucchini fries?
Try chili powder, garlic and parmesan, or some dried herbs like thyme or rosemary—these all taste great with zucchini.
- → How much time do zucchini fries need in the air fryer?
Air-fry at 375°F for about 10 to 12 minutes, tossing or shaking once so they crisp up all over and turn golden.
- → Is it possible to skip oil completely when making zucchini fries?
Yep, you can just use a spray or even skip oil, though the fries might come out softer than usual.
- → Got any good sauces for dunking these zucchini fries?
Go for ranch, marinara, Greek yogurt dip, or maybe even a spicy aioli—they all bring something tasty to the table.
- → What's the best way to warm up leftover air-fried zucchini fries?
Toss them back in your air fryer at 300°F for 2 or 3 minutes so they get crispy again without getting tough.