There’s something truly comforting about creating a simple, yet delicious recipe that brings together family and friends. This recipe for Air Fryer Crispy Zucchini Fries holds a special place in my heart, as it takes me back to one unforgettable summer evening at my grandmother’s quaint farmhouse. The air was thick with the smell of fresh-cut grass and blooming flowers, and we had just spent the day wandering through the local farmer’s market, baskets in hand, picking out the freshest produce we could find. Among our haul were a few plump zucchinis, their vibrant green color almost too pretty to cook—but we knew we had to do something special with them.
Back in my grandmother’s kitchen, where the windows were always wide open to let in the warm breeze, she showed me how to make a simple zucchini dish that had been a family favorite for generations. She didn’t have an air fryer back then, of course, but her oven-roasted zucchini was something to remember—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and always served with a side of her homemade marinara sauce. As we worked side by side, she told me stories about how she used to make these zucchini fries for my mom when she was a child, a tradition passed down from her own mother. It was a simple recipe, but one that carried the warmth of home and the love that only a grandmother’s cooking can bring.
Years later, as I was browsing through a market much like the one we visited together, I saw those same vibrant zucchinis and was instantly reminded of those summer evenings. With my air fryer now a staple in my kitchen, I decided to recreate that cherished family recipe with a modern twist. The result was these Air Fryer Crispy Zucchini Fries—just as flavorful and crispy as I remembered, but with a fraction of the oil and fuss.
This recipe is perfect for those who want to bring a little bit of nostalgia to the table while enjoying the convenience of modern cooking. Whether you’re serving them as a quick snack or a side dish, these zucchini fries are sure to be a hit, just as they were in my grandmother’s kitchen. They’re easy to make, incredibly versatile, and best of all, they bring a bit of that farmhouse magic to your home. So gather around the table, share stories, and enjoy these crispy, golden fries with your favorite dipping sauce—because sometimes, the simplest recipes are the ones that create the most lasting memories.
Making Air Fryer Crispy Zucchini Fries
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Ingredients
- 1 pound of zucchini (about 2 medium-sized)
- 1 to 2 eggs
- 1/3 cup of finely grated Parmesan
- 1/3 cup of bread crumbs (Keto option: crushed pork rinds, almond flour, etc.)
- 1 teaspoon of dried mixed herbs (thyme, oregano, basil, rosemary, etc.)
- 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Oil spray, for coating
- Your choice of dipping sauce (marinara, ketchup, mustard, ranch, BBQ sauce, honey mustard, hot sauce, etc.)
Directions
- Begin by preheating your air fryer to 400°F, allowing it to warm up for approximately 5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cut the zucchini into wedges, about 3/4-inch thick. Adjust the length according to your preference.
- In a shallow dish, beat the eggs. In a separate dish, combine the Parmesan, bread crumbs, dried herbs, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Dip each zucchini wedge into the egg, ensuring it’s completely coated. Next, press it into the Parmesan and bread crumb mixture, covering it evenly.
- Prepare the air fryer basket or tray by lightly spraying it with oil or using a perforated silicone liner or parchment paper. Place the coated zucchini fries in a single layer, ensuring they’re not touching, with the cut side facing up. Lightly spray them with oil.
- Air fry at 400°F for 8-10 minutes. After 5 minutes, carefully turn the fries and continue cooking for another 3-5 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy.
- Once cooked, serve the zucchini fries immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Storing Suggestion
Store any leftover zucchini fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in the air fryer at 375°F for 3-5 minutes to restore their crispiness.
Cooking Tips
For a more intense flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the bread crumb mixture. You can also try different cheese options, such as pecorino or cheddar, for a unique twist.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these zucchini fries with a tangy marinara sauce, creamy ranch dressing, or spicy BBQ sauce. For a complete meal, serve alongside grilled chicken or fish.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don’t have Parmesan on hand, Asiago or Romano cheese works well as a substitute. For a gluten-free option, use almond flour instead of bread crumbs.
Seasonal Variations
In the summer, add fresh herbs like basil or oregano to the bread crumb mixture. During fall, try using butternut squash instead of zucchini for a seasonal twist.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains eggs and dairy (Parmesan). For a dairy-free version, substitute the Parmesan with nutritional yeast. Use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) as an egg replacement.
FAQ:
How do I prevent the zucchini fries from getting soggy?
Ensure the zucchini wedges are well-coated and not overcrowded in the air fryer basket. This allows for proper air circulation, which helps them crisp up.
Can I bake these zucchini fries instead of using an air fryer?
Yes, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 425°F for 15-20 minutes, turning them halfway through for even cooking.
What can I use instead of bread crumbs?
If you’re following a low-carb diet, crushed pork rinds or almond flour make excellent substitutes for bread crumbs.
Can I make these fries ahead of time?
It’s best to enjoy them fresh, but you can prepare the zucchini wedges in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Bread and cook them when ready to serve.
How do I make them spicier?
Add extra smoked paprika, or include a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the bread crumb mixture for an added kick.
Can I use yellow squash instead of zucchini?
Yes, yellow squash works just as well and provides a slightly sweeter flavor.
Air Fryer Crispy Zucchini Fries
Ingredients
- 1 pound of zucchini about 2 medium-sized
- 1 to 2 eggs
- 1/3 cup of Parmesan finely grated
- 1/3 cup of bread crumbs Keto option: crushed pork rinds, almond flour, etc.
- 1 teaspoon of dried mixed herbs thyme, oregano, basil, rosemary, etc.
- 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Oil spray for coating
- Marinara ketchup, mustard, ranch, BBQ sauce, honey mustard, hot sauce, etc.
Instructions
- Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F for about 5 minutes.
- Slice the zucchini into wedges, each about 3/4-inch thick at the widest part. You can adjust the length of the fries to your preference.
- In one shallow bowl, beat the eggs. In another bowl, mix together the Parmesan, bread crumbs, dried herbs, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Take each zucchini wedge, dip it in the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated, and then dredge it in the Parmesan and bread crumb mixture.
- Prepare your air fryer basket or tray by spraying it with oil or using a perforated silicone liner or parchment paper. Arrange the zucchini fries in a single layer, with the cut side facing up. Give the zucchini fries another light spray of oil.
- Air fry at 400°F for 8-10 minutes. After 5 minutes of cooking, carefully turn the zucchini fries and continue cooking for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until they turn golden brown.
- Serve the zucchini fries warm with your choice of dipping sauce.
