Name: Crispy Healthy Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 zucchini, quartered lengthwise; 1/4 cup egg white; 1/2 cup almond flour; 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon basil; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; salt to season; avocado cooking spray

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The Best Zucchini Fries

When it comes down to french fry replacements, I want something that feels indulgent and gives me the same satisfaction as biting into a crispy, salty fry.

These zucchini fries in the air fryer provide that satisfaction!

They are crispy with just a hint of parmesan and the right amount of spices. Cooking them in the air fryer allows them to crisp up much more than baking and unlike trying to fry them, there’s no grease involved.

Bonus – cooking them in the air fryer is quicker than baking them too!

I love making these in the summer when there’s an abundance of zucchini everywhere. They’re an easy side dish or appetizer to throw together in a pinch and they pair with almost anything. Steak and zucchini fries might be a new summer favorite!

These can also easily be served as a party appetizer, with a variety of dipping sauces. My favorites are ranch and sriracha!

Close up of crispy zucchini fries on a white plate

What You’ll Need

Zucchini: You can’t make zucchini without zucchini fries! Any zucchini from the garden or market will work.
Egg White: To keep things light, I use only the egg white to create the drudge.
Almond Flour: Almond flour keeps these gluten-free. You can also use panko crumbs.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated parmesan adds just a touch of cheesiness to the breading.
Garlic Powder: A little garlic flavor makes everything better!
Basil: Offers a fresh flavor that pairs well with garlic!
Smoked Paprika: Just a bit of spice!
Salt: Just enough to taste! Add according to your preference.
Avocado Cooking Spray: You may substitute with other cooking sprays as well.

Breaded zucchini fries on parchment paper ready to be cooked

How To Make Air Fryer Zucchini Fries

Cut the zucchini: Slice the zucchini in half, then slice in half again and then slice into quarters. You should get about 16 fries per zucchini.
Scramble the egg whites: To a small bowl add egg whites. Scramble and set aside.
Make the dredge: For the dry dredge, add almond flour, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika and basil to a large flat plate. Stir to combine everything together and set aside.
Coat each zucchini: Dredge each zucchini fry in the egg mixture first, then in the almond flour mixture. Be sure both sides are evenly coated and shake off any excess coating.
Spray with cooking spray: Place prepared zucchini fries on a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Generously spray zucchini with avocado cooking spray.
Prep the air fryer: Heat air fryer to 400°F for 2 minutes. Spray air fryer rack with cooking spray and gently place zucchini fries in air fryer. Be sure they are not touching or crowding, as this will cause them not to brown. (I was able to fit 8-10 slices per batch)
Cook the zucchini fries: Air fry for 6-8 minutes until breading is slightly browned.
Remove & season: Remove zucchini fries from air fryer and immediately season with salt.
Serve: Place on a serving dish.

Tips for Success

Avoid overcrowding the air fryer. You want space between each zucchini fry for the air to circulate. It’s better to cook these in several batches than try to fit them all on one.
Feel free to add additional seasoning. Italian, ranch and cajun seasonings all make tasty additions
No need to peel the zucchini.In fact, I find the fries hold their shape better when I leave the skin on.
Cut all zucchini fries to the same size. This ensures equal baking time for all of them.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these crispy zucchini fries with your favorite dipping sauce! A basic ketchup or ranch will do just fine but feel free to take it up a notch with an avocado crema, chipotle ranch, garlic aioli, sriracha, or any other sauce.

Zucchini fries make an ideal appetizer or side dish. Wherever you’d normally make french fries, you can swap these in!

A hand dipping a zucchini fry into white aioli

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Zucchini fries are best when enjoyed immediately. As they cool, they can become a bit soggy. If you do have leftovers, store them in the microwave and reheat in your air fryer or oven.

Can I Freeze Zucchini Fries?

You can freeze these, though be aware that the texture will likely change. Flash freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet and then transfer to an airtight container. Reheat in the air fryer or oven.

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