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.
Ingredients
For the Crispy Zucchini Fries
- 1 Large Zucchini
- Coarse Salt
- 2 Large Eggs
- 1 cup Panco Breadcrumbs
- ½ cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning
- ½ tsp Garlic Powder
- Pinch of Salt
- Pinch of Ground Black Pepper
For the Creamy Garlic Aioli
- ¾ cup Mayonnaise
- 3 Minced Garlic Cloves
- 2 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice
- ¾ tsp Salt To taste.
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Notes
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.
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