There’s something satisfying about turning a couple of humble zucchini into a plate of crispy, golden curly fries. I first tried air fryer zucchini curly fries when I was looking for a way to use up a surplus of zucchini from the garden. The process is straightforward, and it’s a great way to get more veggies into snack time without much fuss. The spiralizer makes quick work of the prep, and watching those green curls transform in the air fryer is always a little bit rewarding.
What I like about this recipe is how it uses basic pantry staples—flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. No fancy coatings or specialty ingredients needed. If you’re trying to keep your grocery bill in check, this is a smart way to stretch what you already have. The air fryer does most of the work, giving you a crispy texture with just a light spray of oil. It’s a good alternative to deep frying and keeps things lighter.
These zucchini curly fries fit into just about any routine. They’re quick enough for a weeknight snack, and they make a fun side for burgers or wraps. If you’ve got kids or picky eaters, the curly shape is a nice touch—they’re more likely to give veggies a try when they look a little different. I’ve found that letting the zucchini rest with salt before coating is key for crispiness, so don’t skip that step. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference.
If you’re looking to cut down on food waste, this recipe is a good way to use up zucchini before it goes soft. You can even save the leftover flour mixture for another batch later in the week. The finished fries are best eaten hot, but if you have extras, they reheat well in the air fryer. Overall, air fryer zucchini curly fries are a practical, budget-friendly snack that feels a bit special without any extra effort.
How to Make The Perfect Air Fryer Zucchini Curly Fries
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Things to Grab
- 2 medium zucchini
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil spray (just a light mist)
How to Make It Happen
- Wash the zucchini thoroughly and trim off both ends. Use a spiralizer to create curly zucchini strands. If you don’t have a spiralizer, you can use a julienne peeler or cut the zucchini into thin sticks.
- Place the zucchini curls in a colander and sprinkle them with salt. Let them sit for about 15 minutes. This helps draw out moisture, which is essential for crispiness. After 15 minutes, gently squeeze out any excess water using a clean towel or paper towels.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Stir until everything is evenly mixed.
- Add the zucchini curls to the flour mixture. Toss until each strand is well coated. Shake off any extra flour—too much coating can make the fries heavy instead of crisp.
- Lightly spray your air fryer basket with vegetable oil. Arrange the coated zucchini curls in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding; work in batches if needed for even cooking.
- Set the air fryer to 375°F and cook for about 25 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through to help the fries crisp up on all sides. They’re ready when golden brown and crunchy.
- Carefully remove the fries and serve immediately. For best results, enjoy them hot and fresh from the air fryer.
How to Choose the Best Zucchini
Look for zucchini that are firm, with smooth, unblemished skin. Smaller to medium-sized zucchini tend to have fewer seeds and a more tender texture, which works better for curly fries. Avoid any that feel soft or have wrinkled spots—these are signs the zucchini is past its prime. If you’re shopping on a budget, check local markets or consider buying in bulk during peak season to save money and get the freshest produce.
Creative Ways to Plate and Present
Presentation can make a simple snack feel special. Try piling the curly fries in a shallow bowl lined with parchment paper, or serve them in small cups for individual portions. For dipping, place a few small bowls of yogurt-based ranch, marinara, or spicy ketchup on the side. If you want to add color, sprinkle with chopped fresh herbs or a pinch of smoked paprika right before serving. These touches make the fries look inviting and encourage everyone to dig in.
Storage Tips to Keep Ingredients at Their Best
Store whole zucchini in the crisper drawer of your fridge, unwashed and loosely wrapped in a paper towel or produce bag. This helps prevent moisture buildup and keeps them fresh for up to a week. If you have leftover spiralized zucchini, keep it in an airtight container with a dry paper towel to absorb excess moisture—use within two days for best results. Any leftover flour mixture can be stored in a sealed jar for your next batch, as long as it hasn’t touched raw zucchini.
Techniques to Maximize Flavor
For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika, dried oregano, or nutritional yeast to the flour mixture. Make sure to toss the zucchini well so every strand gets coated. Letting the salted zucchini rest and then patting it dry is crucial for both flavor and texture, as it prevents sogginess. If you like a little heat, add a dash of cayenne pepper to the coating. Serve with a squeeze of lemon for a fresh finish.
What to Add in Spring, Summer, Fall, or Winter
In spring, toss in some chopped fresh herbs like dill or parsley for a bright touch. During summer, try adding a sprinkle of lemon zest or serving with a cool yogurt dip. For fall, mix a bit of grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast into the coating for a richer flavor. In winter, pair the fries with a warm marinara sauce or a spiced aioli. Adjust the seasoning to match what’s in season or what you have on hand—this keeps the recipe interesting all year.
Frequent Asked Questions:
Why do my zucchini fries sometimes turn out soggy?
Sogginess usually happens when there’s too much moisture left in the zucchini. Salting and draining the zucchini is essential—don’t skip this step. Also, make sure to pat the curls dry before coating and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. If the fries are too close together, they’ll steam instead of crisp up.
Can I use gluten-free flour for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour. The texture may be slightly different, but the fries will still crisp up well. Make sure your gluten-free flour contains a binding agent like xanthan gum for best results. You may need to adjust the cooking time by a few minutes, so check for golden color and crispness.
How do I keep the coating from falling off the fries?
To help the coating stick, make sure the zucchini is as dry as possible after salting and draining. Toss the curls thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing gently so the coating adheres. Shake off any excess flour—too much can cause the coating to flake off during cooking. Spritzing the fries lightly with oil before air frying also helps the coating stay put.
Is it possible to make these fries ahead of time?
While these fries are best enjoyed fresh, you can spiralize and salt the zucchini ahead of time. Store the prepped curls in the fridge for up to a day, then coat and air fry when ready. If you have leftover cooked fries, reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it makes them limp.
What if I don’t have a spiralizer?
If you don’t have a spiralizer, you can use a julienne peeler or a sharp knife to cut the zucchini into thin sticks. The texture will be slightly different, but the fries will still crisp up nicely. Just try to keep the pieces uniform in size for even cooking. This is a practical way to use what you have without buying extra gadgets.
Can I freeze leftover zucchini fries?
Freezing is not recommended, as zucchini has a high water content and tends to become mushy after thawing. If you want to prep ahead, freeze uncooked spiralized zucchini in a single layer, then thaw, drain, and pat dry before coating and air frying. Cooked fries are best enjoyed fresh or reheated within a day or two for the best texture.
Air Fryer Zucchini Curly Fries
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Spiralizer
- Colander
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchini
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Thoroughly wash the zucchini and remove both ends. Using a spiralizer, create curly strands of zucchini, which is a fun activity for kids to assist with.
For Preparation:
- Sprinkle some salt over the zucchini noodles and let them rest in a colander for about 15 minutes to help draw out excess water, making them crispier later.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, black pepper, and a bit more salt to create a crunchy coating.
- Coat the zucchini curls in the flour mixture until completely covered. Shake off the extra flour to avoid any heavy batter.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with vegetable oil, then arrange the coated zucchini fries in a single layer. Set the air fryer to 375°F and cook for approximately 25 minutes, flipping the fries halfway through for consistent crispiness.
- Once they turn golden and crispy, carefully take them out and serve hot. These curly fries are best when enjoyed immediately.
