Name: Easy and Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 medium zucchini; ⅓ cup all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste; ½ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste; 2 large eggs; ½ cup plain bread crumbs; ½ cup Panko bread crumbs; ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese; Cooking oil spray, for cooking; For Garlic Aioli:; 4-5 cloves garlic, minced; 1-2 tablespoons fresh lemon or lime juice; ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard; ⅔ cup mayonnaise; Kosher salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste

These crispy, golden zucchini fries are a game-changer for snack time or as a side dish. Made in the air fryer with minimal oil, they deliver the perfect crunch while being lighter than traditional deep-fried versions. Paired with a zesty garlic aioli, these fries transform humble zucchini into an irresistible treat everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Healthier alternative to traditional fried foods without sacrificing flavor or texture
Quick cooking time in the air fryer means less waiting and more enjoying
Perfect way to use up abundant summer zucchini
Kid-friendly vegetable dish that even picky eaters will enjoy
The homemade garlic aioli elevates these fries to restaurant quality
Versatile as an appetizer, side dish, or snack
Crispy exterior with a tender interior creates the perfect texture contrast

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Zucchini serves as the star of this recipe, providing a mild flavor that takes on the seasoning beautifully while maintaining a tender interior beneath the crispy coating. Choose medium zucchini that are firm and heavy for their size.
All-purpose flour creates the first layer of the breading system, helping the egg wash stick and forming the foundation for the crispy exterior. It also absorbs excess moisture from the zucchini.
Italian seasoning infuses these fries with classic Mediterranean flavors including basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme. This herb blend adds depth without overpowering the delicate zucchini.
Kosher salt enhances all the flavors in this recipe. The larger crystals of kosher salt provide better control over seasoning compared to table salt.
Black pepper adds a subtle warmth and slight bite that complements the other seasonings perfectly.
Eggs function as the essential binding agent that helps the breadcrumb coating stick to the zucchini. They create the moisture that activates the crispy texture during air frying.
Plain bread crumbs provide consistent coverage and a traditional breading texture. They absorb moisture during cooking, helping to create that satisfying crunch.
Panko bread crumbs are the secret to extra crispiness. These Japanese-style bread crumbs have a larger, airier structure than regular bread crumbs, creating more surface area for maximum crunch.
Parmesan cheese introduces a savory, umami element to the coating. As it heats, it melts slightly into the breadcrumbs, adding richness and golden color.
Garlic brings punchy flavor to the aioli dip, becoming mellower and more complex as it sits with the acidic ingredients.
Lemon juice adds brightness and acidity to cut through the richness of the mayonnaise in the aioli. It balances the flavors perfectly.
Dijon mustard contributes tanginess and depth to the aioli while helping to emulsify the sauce.
Mayonnaise forms the creamy base of the aioli, carrying all the flavors while providing luxurious texture.

Directions

Slice zucchini into 3-inch long, ½-inch thick fries.
In one shallow bowl, whisk flour, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. In a second bowl, lightly whisk eggs. In a third bowl, combine bread crumbs and Parmesan.
Dredge each zucchini fry in flour, then egg (letting excess drip), then coat fully in breadcrumb mixture. Place on a plate.
Spray air fryer basket with cooking spray and preheat to 400°F (200°C).
Place zucchini fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket (work in batches if needed). Spray tops lightly with cooking spray.
Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping once, until golden and crispy. Season with kosher salt while warm.
To make aioli, mix garlic, lemon or lime juice, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl; let sit 10-15 minutes. Whisk in mayonnaise until smooth, season with salt and pepper.
Serve zucchini fries hot with garlic aioli.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields 4 servings, making it perfect for a family side dish or appetizer for a small gathering. The entire process takes about 40 minutes: 10 minutes for preparation and 30 minutes for cooking (including multiple batches in the air fryer). Each serving contains approximately 468 calories.

Variations

Spicy Zucchini Fries: Add ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture and serve with sriracha-spiked aioli for heat lovers.
Herb Garden Fries: Replace Italian seasoning with fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley finely chopped into the breadcrumb mixture.
Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with almond flour or rice flour, and use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
Keto-Friendly: Replace breadcrumbs with a mixture of almond flour and grated parmesan cheese for a low-carb option.
Mediterranean Style: Add 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and ½ teaspoon of dried mint to the breading, and serve with tzatziki instead of garlic aioli.
Ranch-Flavored: Add 1 tablespoon of ranch seasoning mix to the breadcrumb mixture for a tangy, herb-filled coating.
Vegan Option: Skip the parmesan and use plant-based milk with a bit of cornstarch instead of eggs. Serve with vegan mayo-based aioli.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftover zucchini fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The aioli can be stored separately in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing: While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the breaded, uncooked zucchini fries on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Cook directly from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating: For the crispiest results, reheat refrigerated zucchini fries in the air fryer at 375°F for 2-3 minutes. Alternatively, place them on a wire rack over a baking sheet and heat in a 375°F oven for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwave reheating as it will make them soggy.
Storing Aioli: Keep the garlic aioli in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will continue to develop over the first 24 hours. Give it a quick stir before serving if any separation occurs.

FAQs

Why are my zucchini fries soggy instead of crispy?

Zucchini contains high water content which can lead to sogginess. To prevent this, ensure you’re not overcrowding the air fryer basket, which restricts air circulation. Also, a light spray of oil on the fries helps achieve crispiness. If your zucchini is particularly watery, consider salting the cut pieces and letting them sit for 15 minutes, then patting them dry before breading.

Can I make these in a conventional oven instead of an air fryer?

Yes, you can bake these zucchini fries in a conventional oven at 425°F on a parchment-lined baking sheet for about 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through. Place them on a wire rack over the baking sheet for even better circulation and crispiness.

What dipping sauces work well besides garlic aioli?

While garlic aioli is perfect for these fries, you can also serve them with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, honey mustard, sriracha mayo, or even a simple lemon-herb yogurt dip for variety.

How do I know when the zucchini fries are perfectly cooked?

The ideal zucchini fry should be golden brown and crispy on the outside, while the inside should be tender but not mushy. You should be able to easily pierce it with a fork. If the outside is browning too quickly while the inside remains too firm, lower your air fryer temperature slightly.

Can I prepare these ahead of time for a party?

You can bread the zucchini fries up to 2 hours ahead and refrigerate them until ready to cook. For best results, cook them just before serving. If needed, you can cook them 30 minutes ahead and keep them warm in a 200°F oven, though they’re best enjoyed immediately after cooking.

Is there a way to make the breading stick better to the zucchini?

Ensure you’re following the proper dredging order: flour first, then egg, then breadcrumb mixture. Press the breadcrumbs firmly onto each piece and let the breaded fries sit for 5-10 minutes before air frying to help the coating adhere better.

Can I use yellow summer squash instead of zucchini?

Absolutely! Yellow summer squash has a similar texture and water content to zucchini, making it a perfect substitute. The cooking time and method remain the same.

Why should the garlic mixture for the aioli sit for 10-15 minutes?

This resting time allows the garlic to “bloom” in the acidic lemon juice, mellowing its harsh raw flavor while infusing the mixture with garlic essence. It also helps break down some of the compounds in raw garlic that can cause digestive discomfort.

How can I make these healthier?

To reduce calories, you can use egg whites instead of whole eggs and decrease the Parmesan cheese quantity. You could also experiment with whole wheat flour and breadcrumbs for added fiber. The air fryer already makes these healthier than deep-fried versions by drastically reducing oil.

What’s the best way to cut zucchini evenly for fries?

For uniform cooking, cut the zucchini into even pieces. First, trim the ends, then slice the zucchini in half lengthwise. Cut each half lengthwise again, then slice crosswise to create fry-shaped pieces about 3 inches long and ½-inch thick. Using a sharp knife on a stable cutting board ensures safer, more precise cuts.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Zucchini Fries offer the perfect solution for anyone craving the satisfaction of crispy fries with a healthier twist. The contrast between the crunchy, seasoned exterior and the tender zucchini interior creates an irresistible bite, while the homemade garlic aioli elevates the entire experience. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer, a side dish that will get everyone eating their vegetables, or just a satisfying snack, these zucchini fries deliver exceptional flavor with minimal effort. The versatility of this recipe also means you can easily customize it to suit dietary preferences or what you have on hand. Give these crispy zucchini fries a try – they just might become your new favorite way to enjoy this versatile summer squash.

Easy and Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Fries