Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prep Your Zucchini. Wash the zucchini. Then, slice them into pieces about 3 inches long and ½-inch thick. Think of them like chunky steak fries, but veggie-style! Set them aside on a plate.
- Set Up Your Dredging Stations. Grab three shallow bowls (pie plates or even just wide containers work well). In the first bowl, whisk together the flour, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. In the second bowl, lightly whisk those two eggs. In the third bowl, combine the plain breadcrumbs, Panko breadcrumbs, and grated Parmesan cheese. This is your flavor and crunch station!
- Coat the Fries. This is the fun part! Take each zucchini fry and first dredge it completely in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the whisked egg, letting any extra egg drip off. Finally, roll it generously in the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture, making sure it's fully coated on all sides. Place the coated fries back on your plate as you work through them.
- Preheat and Prep Your Air Fryer. Spray the inside basket of your air fryer generously with cooking oil spray. This helps prevent sticking and contributes to the crispiness. Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
- Air Fry to Crispy Perfection. Here’s the crucial part for crispiness! You need to work in batches. Place a single layer of the coated zucchini fries in the air fryer basket, making sure they aren't touching or overlapping. Give the tops of the fries a light spray with cooking oil as well – this boosts that golden color and crunch. Close the air fryer and cook for 8-10 minutes. About halfway through (around 4-5 minutes), open it up and flip each fry so they cook evenly. They're done when they're beautifully golden brown and wonderfully crispy! As soon as they come out, you can hit them with a little extra pinch of kosher salt if you like.
- Whip Up the Aioli. While your first batch of fries is air frying (or while they're all cooking if you prefer to make it ahead), let's make that dreamy aioli! In a small bowl, stir together the minced garlic, fresh lemon or lime juice, and Dijon mustard. Let this mixture sit for 10-15 minutes. This short rest time helps the garlic mellow slightly and infuse its flavor.
- Finish and Serve the Aioli. After the garlic mixture has rested, whisk in the mayonnaise until everything is smooth and creamy. Taste it and season with kosher salt and black pepper until it's just right for you. Serve this delicious, tangy garlic aioli alongside your hot, crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Fries!
Notes
Tips for Success:
- Don't Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Work in batches so fries aren't touching.
- Ensure an Even Coat: Make sure each fry is well-coated in each step.
- Pat Zucchini Dry (Optional but helpful): Can lightly pat sliced zucchini dry before dredging for maximum crispiness.
- Don't Skip the Oil Spray: Spritz basket and tops of fries.
- Season While Warm: Add a little extra salt right when they come out.
- Prep Ahead: Can slice zucchini and set up dredging bowls, but coat and air fry right before eating for crispiness.
How to Store It:
- Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Shelf Life: Fries best within 2-3 days; aioli within 4-5 days.
- Reheating: Reheat fries in air fryer (375°F/190°C for 3-5 mins) or toaster oven until heated and slightly crispy. Avoid microwaving.
FAQ:
- Can I bake these? Yes. Place coated fries on a baking sheet lined with parchment, spray tops with oil. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 mins, flipping halfway. They won't be as crispy as air fryer.
- Why aren't they crispy? Most common culprits are overcrowding the basket, not using enough oil spray, or uneven coating.
- Can I use frozen zucchini? No, frozen zucchini releases too much water and will make fries soggy. Use fresh.
- Don't Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Work in batches so fries aren't touching.
- Ensure an Even Coat: Make sure each fry is well-coated in each step.
- Pat Zucchini Dry (Optional but helpful): Can lightly pat sliced zucchini dry before dredging for maximum crispiness.
- Don't Skip the Oil Spray: Spritz basket and tops of fries.
- Season While Warm: Add a little extra salt right when they come out.
- Prep Ahead: Can slice zucchini and set up dredging bowls, but coat and air fry right before eating for crispiness.
How to Store It:
- Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Shelf Life: Fries best within 2-3 days; aioli within 4-5 days.
- Reheating: Reheat fries in air fryer (375°F/190°C for 3-5 mins) or toaster oven until heated and slightly crispy. Avoid microwaving.
FAQ:
- Can I bake these? Yes. Place coated fries on a baking sheet lined with parchment, spray tops with oil. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 mins, flipping halfway. They won't be as crispy as air fryer.
- Why aren't they crispy? Most common culprits are overcrowding the basket, not using enough oil spray, or uneven coating.
- Can I use frozen zucchini? No, frozen zucchini releases too much water and will make fries soggy. Use fresh.
