Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Fries

These air fryer zucchini fries are astonishingly crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with savory flavor. Paired with a zesty, homemade garlic aioli for dipping, this recipe transforms a simple vegetable into a show-stopping appetizer, side dish, or healthy snack. The magic of the air fryer means you get that satisfying crunch with minimal oil and even less cleanup.

• Cuisine: American
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4

Here’s a great video that shows the process of making crispy air fryer zucchini fries.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthier Indulgence: Enjoy the irresistible crunch of fries with a fraction of the calories and fat of their deep-fried potato counterparts.

• Incredibly Quick & Easy: From slicing to serving, this entire recipe comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy schedules.

• No Mess, No Stress: Forget the hassle and lingering smell of deep-frying. The air fryer contains all the action, ensuring a spotless kitchen and a perfectly crispy outcome.

• Amazingly Versatile: These zucchini fries are a fantastic standalone snack, a delicious side for burgers and sandwiches, or a crowd-pleasing party appetizer.

Ingredients

For the Crispy Zucchini Fries:

1 large zucchini: The star of the show. Look for a firm zucchini, as it will have less water content and yield crispier fries.

Coarse salt (for sweating): This is the crucial first step to draw out excess moisture from the zucchini, which is the secret to avoiding soggy fries.

2 large eggs: This acts as the essential binder that helps the delicious, crispy coating adhere to the zucchini sticks.

1 cup panko breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs are lighter and flakier than regular breadcrumbs, guaranteeing a superior crunch.

½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a rich, nutty, and savory flavor to the coating that perfectly complements the zucchini. For the best taste, grate your own from a block.

1 tablespoon Italian seasoning: A blend of dried herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme that infuses the fries with a classic, aromatic flavor.

½ teaspoon garlic powder: Provides a savory depth that enhances the overall taste.

Pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper: To season the coating to perfection.

For the Creamy Garlic Aioli:

¾ cup mayonnaise: Creates the rich and creamy base for the aioli.

3 cloves garlic, minced: The heart of the aioli, providing a robust and zesty garlic kick.

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: Adds a bright, citrusy note that cuts through the richness of the mayonnaise and elevates the flavors.

¾ teaspoon salt (or to taste): Balances and enhances all the flavors in the sauce.

How to Make It

Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Garlic Aioli
To allow the flavors to meld, make the aioli first. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, and ¾ teaspoon of salt. Stir until the mixture is completely smooth. Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator while you prepare the zucchini fries.

Step 2: Sweat the Zucchini to Banish Soggginess
This step is the most important for achieving maximum crispiness. First, wash and dry the zucchini thoroughly. Trim the ends and cut the zucchini into fry-sized sticks, approximately 3-4 inches long and about ½-inch thick. Lay the zucchini sticks in a single layer on a paper towel-lined baking sheet or in a colander. Sprinkle them generously with coarse salt and let them sit for 10-20 minutes. You will see beads of moisture forming on the surface as the salt draws out the excess water. Afterward, use a clean paper towel to pat each fry completely dry.

Step 3: Set Up Your Breading Station
For an organized and mess-free process, prepare three shallow bowls or dishes.

Bowl 1: Beat the two large eggs until uniform.

Bowl 2: Combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed.

Step 4: Coat the Zucchini Fries
Working with one zucchini stick at a time, first dip it into the beaten egg, allowing any excess to drip off. Immediately transfer it to the panko mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs coat all sides evenly. Set the coated fry on a clean plate and repeat with the remaining zucchini sticks.

Step 5: Air Fry to Golden Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for a few minutes. Arrange the coated zucchini fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. It’s critical not to overcrowd the basket, so you will likely need to cook in two batches. This allows the hot air to circulate freely, making the fries extra crispy. Lightly spray the tops with cooking oil for a more golden-brown finish.

Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping the fries halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy. Serve immediately with the chilled garlic aioli.

Essential Tips for the Crispiest Fries

Don’t Skip the Sweat: Salting and drying the zucchini is the number one defense against soggy fries.

Single Layer is Key: Always arrange the fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket to promote even cooking and crisping.

Fresh Parmesan Please: Using freshly grated Parmesan cheese will provide a much better flavor and texture than the pre-shredded kind.

Serve Immediately: Zucchini fries are at their peak crispiness right out of the air fryer. They will soften as they cool.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make these zucchini fries in the oven?
Yes. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange the coated zucchini on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Bake for 15-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store any leftover zucchini fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat and bring back their crunch, place them back in the air fryer at 375-400°F for 3-5 minutes until heated through and crispy again. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as they will become mushy.

Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely. Substitute the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or crushed pork rinds. You can also use almond flour in the coating for a low-carb, gluten-free option.

What other dipping sauces can I use?
While the garlic aioli is a classic pairing, these fries are also delicious with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, chipotle mayo, or tzatziki.