Air Fryer Zucchini Fries are coated in lightly seasoned breadcrumbs, then cooked to crisp perfection in the air fryer. They are an easy snack or side to a lunch or dinner. These are a light vegetarian option. They are paired with a Garlic Lemon Aioli, which is the ideal dip to finish the dish.
These Air Fryer Zucchini Fries are lightly seasoned and cooked to perfection in the air fryer, giving them a golden crunch without all the oil.
I love cooking fries in the air fryer as not only are they cooked in minutes, but the minimal amount of oil makes them a better option to fries that are fried.
The garlic lemon aioli adds a refreshing, tangy kick that complements the savory fries beautifully. It’s the perfect dipping sauce with just the right balance of garlic and citrus.
These easy zucchini fries with dipping sauce make a great vegetable side dish, or serve them for a quick and healthy appetizer or snack.
I’ve used my air fryer, it’s quick and clean up is minimal. However, you can bake these delicious fries in a hot oven too if you prefer!
If you like fry recipes try my Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries, Air Fryer Eggplant Fries, Air Fryer French Fries or these Oven Baked Carrot Fries. If you like zucchini recipes try my Air Fryer Zucchini Chips, Easy Zucchini Fritters, Zucchini Gratin, Easy Zucchini Tacos, or Mexican Zucchini.
Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
- Less Oil: I love using the air fryer because it uses less oil to cook. With these zucchini fries the recipe only uses a small amount of oil making it a lighter option to a french fry.
- Packed with Flavor: The addition of the garlic lemon aioli takes these easy zucchini fries to another level. The aioli adds a zesty, flavorful dip that enhances every bite.
- Made in Minutes: Quick and easy to prepare, this recipe is perfect for a light snack or a tasty side dish. The kids will love this for an after school snack.
Recipe Ingredients You’ll Need
Zucchini Fries Ingredients:
- Zucchini: Use either 3 small or 2 medium sized zucchini, which will give you around 24 fries.
- Egg: I use 2 eggs to coat the zucchini and help the breadcrumbs to stick.
- Breadcrumbs: To coat the zucchini, I use gluten free panko breadcrumbs as they add great crunch, along with some Italian breadcrumbs for flavor.
- Cheese: I add grated Parmesan cheese to flavor the breadcrumbs.
- Garlic Powder: I flavor the breadcrumb mixture with garlic powder.
- Oil: I use a tablespoon of avocado oil to the air fryer to cook the fries.
- Flour: I toss the raw zucchini in some all purpose flour, this coats them, helping the egg mixture and breadcrumbs to stick.
Garlic Lemon Aioli Ingredients:
- Mayonnaise: I use a cup of mayonnaise as the base for the aioli, you can use your favorite brand of mayo.
- Garlic: For the best flavor I recommend using freshly minced garlic.
- Lemon: I add some freshly squeezed lemon juice, along with some lemon zest to flavor the aioli.
- Oil: I use olive oil as it has the best nutty flavor.
- Parsley: I use some freshly chopped parsley for a burst of fresh herb flavor.
- Cheese: Some grated Parmesan cheese flavors the cheese.
- Seasoning: I keep the seasoning simple with some course kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Please see the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts and instructions.
Recipe Modifications
- Vegetables: I’ve made zucchini fries, but this coating would work with other vegetables. Try it with carrot, eggplant, butternut squash or green beans. All you need to do is adjust the cook time.
- Spices: Use any variety of ground spices or seasoning blends to flavor the fries, try cumin, coriander, za’atar, cayenne pepper, Italian seasoning, onion powder, Cajun seasoning or taco seasoning.
- Chili: Add some chili heat by seasoning the zucchini with red pepper flakes or chili powder.
- Dairy-Free: Swap the Parmesan cheese for a dairy free alternative.
How to Make Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
Step 1: Make the Garlic Lemon Aioli: To make the garlic lemon aioli add all the ingredients to a bowl. Mix until combined. Place the aioli in the fridge.
Step 2: Prepare the Zucchini: Cut the zucchini into sticks. I like to cut them 3/4 inch thick and 3-4 inches long. This will be approximately 24 sticks. This is the perfect amount of batter for 24 fries.
Add the zucchini to a colander. Sprinkle 2 1/2 teaspoons of salt on the zucchini. Shake the zucchini sticks so they are coated in the salt. Allow them to sit for 15-30 minutes. This will help to draw out the excess liquid.
Step 3: Prepare the Coatings: During that time in a bowl add the eggs and water. Mix until combined. Set aside.
To a shallow dish add the panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, Italian breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Stir until combined. Set aside.
Step 4: Heat up the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400° F for 5 minutes. Coat the base of the air fryer with avocado oil.
Step 5: Coat the Zucchini Fries: Place the zucchini sticks on a clean kitchen towel. Pat them dry to remove the excess liquid. Transfer the zucchini sticks to a Ziplock bag along with the flour. Seal the bag. Shake until fully coated.
Transfer the zucchini sticks a few at a time to the egg mixture. Use a fork to coat the sticks with the egg mixture.
Transfer the sticks to the shallow dish of the breadcrumb mixture. Use a fork to coat them with the breadcrumbs.
Step 6: Cook the Zucchini Fries: Transfer the zucchini sticks to the air fryer. Lay them flat. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
Top the fries with parsley and serve with the aioli.
Serving Tips
These easy zucchini fries make a delicious side dish or snack. I’ve served them with a garlic aioli, but you could air it up with your favorite dip or sauce. Try ketchup, regular mayonnaise, a honey mustard dipping sauce or my Creamy Dill Sauce or Tahini Sauce.
As a vegetable side, they pair really well with a variety of main dishes. I love fries with burgers, try these Feta Burgers with Tzatziki, Tex Mex Burger, or these Sweet and Spicy Turkey Burgers.
These fries also go great with Air Fryer Chicken Tenders, Easy Chicken Sliders, or Ranch Chicken Thighs. For a seafood option try Pan Fried Fish, or Black Sea Bass.
Storage Tips
You can keep the zucchini sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can heat them back up in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes or until crispy at 400° F.
Recipe FAQs
If your fries are soggy it’s as a result of too much moisture. Firstly, I recommend salting the zucchini before coating it in the breadcrumb mixture. The salt draws out any excess moisture in the zucchini before you start. Secondly, don’t add too much oil to the air fryer or your fries will swim in the oil. Finally, don’t overcook the zucchini, you want it crisp, tender and still holding it’s shape.
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket, cook in batches, laying the zucchini in a single layer, with plenty space for air to circulate. This helps the zucchini become crispy.
You do not have to peel the zucchini. I think it helps prevent the fries from becoming soggy. The peel is tender and edible, and it helps the fries hold their shape. Just wash the zucchini well and trim the ends.
More Vegetable Recipes
Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
Ingredients
For the Garlic Lemon Aioli
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon course kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Zucchini Fries
- 3 small or 2 medium zucchini
- 3 teaspoons course kosher salt, divided
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs, {gluten free if you prefer}
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil oil
- 1/2 cup all purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Instructions
- To make the garlic lemon aioli add all the ingredients to a bowl. Mix until combined. Place the aioli in the fridge.
- Cut the zucchini into sticks. I like to cut them 3/4 inch thick and 3-4 inches long. This will be approximately 24 sticks. This is the perfect amount of batter for 24 fries.
- Add the zucchini to a colander. Sprinkle 2 1/2 teaspoons of salt on the zucchini. Shake the zucchini sticks so they are coated in the salt. Allow them to sit for 15-30 minutes. This will help to draw out the excess liquid.
- During that time in a bowl add the eggs and water. Mix until combined. Set aside.
- To a shallow dish add the panko bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, Italian bread crumbs, garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Stir until combined. Set aside.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400° F for 5 minutes.
- Coat the base of the air fryer with avocado oil.
- Place the zucchini sticks on a clean kitchen towel. Pat them dry to remove the excess liquid.
- Transfer the zucchini sticks to a Ziplock bag along with the flour. Seal the bag. Shake until fully coated.
- Transfer the zucchini sticks a few at a time to the egg mixture. Use a fork to coat the sticks with the egg mixture.
- Transfer the sticks to the shallow dish of the breadcrumb mixture. Use a fork to coat them with the breadcrumbs.
- Transfer the zucchini sticks to the air fryer. Lay them flat. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Top the fries with parsley and serve with the aioli.
