Transform your zucchini into a delightful snack with this air fryer zucchini fries recipe. These crispy, golden fries are a healthier alternative to traditional fries and are perfect for a quick appetizer or side dish. With a blend of parmesan cheese and seasonings, these fries are packed with flavor and are sure to be a hit at any gathering.
If you don't already have panko breadcrumbs in your pantry, you might need to pick them up at the supermarket. They provide a lighter, crispier coating compared to regular breadcrumbs. Additionally, parmesan cheese is essential for that savory, umami flavor. Make sure to get the grated kind for easy mixing. The rest of the ingredients like garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper are common pantry staples.
Ingredients For Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
Zucchini: Fresh, medium-sized zucchinis cut into fry shapes.
Panko breadcrumbs: Preferred for their light and crispy texture.
Parmesan cheese: Grated cheese that adds a savory, umami flavor.
Eggs: Beaten to help the breadcrumb mixture adhere to the zucchini.
Garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlic flavor.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that enhances the overall taste.
Salt: Enhances the flavors of all the ingredients.
Black pepper: Adds a hint of spice and depth.
Technique Tip for Perfect Zucchini Fries
When preparing zucchini fries for the air fryer, make sure to pat the zucchini slices dry with a paper towel before dipping them into the beaten eggs. This helps the breadcrumb mixture adhere better, resulting in a crispier texture.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
zucchinis - Substitute with yellow squash: Yellow squash has a similar texture and mild flavor, making it a good alternative for zucchini fries.
panko breadcrumbs - Substitute with crushed cornflakes: Crushed cornflakes provide a similar crunchy texture and can be a gluten-free option.
grated parmesan cheese - Substitute with nutritional yeast: Nutritional yeast offers a cheesy flavor and is a great vegan alternative.
beaten eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoon water) work well as a binding agent for a vegan option.
garlic powder - Substitute with onion powder: Onion powder provides a different but complementary flavor profile.
italian seasoning - Substitute with herbes de Provence: Herbes de Provence offers a similar blend of herbs with a slightly different flavor.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, but use sparingly to avoid overpowering the dish.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat and flavor but with a slightly different taste profile.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to Zucchini Fries
How to Store or Freeze Your Zucchini Fries
Allow the zucchini fries to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy.
Place the cooled fries in an airtight container. Line the container with a paper towel to absorb any excess moisture.
Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes to regain crispiness.
For freezing, arrange the cooled fries on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours.
Transfer the frozen fries to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date and store for up to 2 months.
To reheat, place the frozen fries directly in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 5-7 minutes, shaking halfway through, until heated through and crispy.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover zucchini fries in a single layer in the basket. Air fry for 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until they are heated through and regain their crispiness.
Use an oven preheated to 375°F (190°C). Spread the zucchini fries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until they are hot and crispy.
For a quick fix, use a microwave. Place the zucchini fries on a microwave-safe plate lined with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes. Note: This method may not retain the original crispiness.
If you have a toaster oven, preheat it to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the zucchini fries in a single layer on the toaster oven tray. Toast for 5-7 minutes until they are heated through and crispy.
For a stovetop method, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter. Place the zucchini fries in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are warmed through and crispy.
Essential Tools for Making Zucchini Fries
Air fryer: This is the primary cooking device used to achieve the crispy texture of the zucchini fries without deep frying.
Mixing bowl: Used to combine the breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and seasonings.
Whisk: Essential for beating the eggs to create an even coating for the zucchini fries.
Knife: Needed to cut the zucchinis into fry shapes.
Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for cutting the zucchinis.
Tongs: Useful for dipping the zucchini fries into the beaten eggs and then into the breadcrumb mixture.
Measuring cups: Used to measure out the breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese accurately.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
Air fryer basket: The part of the air fryer where the zucchini fries are placed in a single layer for cooking.
Serving plate: For serving the crispy zucchini fries once they are cooked.
Shaking basket: This is the action of shaking the air fryer basket halfway through cooking to ensure even crisping.
How to Save Time on Making Zucchini Fries
Pre-cut zucchini: Slice the zucchini into fries ahead of time and store them in the fridge.
Use pre-grated cheese: Buy pre-grated parmesan cheese to save time on grating.
Organize ingredients: Measure out and organize all ingredients before starting.
Line the basket: Use parchment paper or a silicone liner in the air fryer basket for easy cleanup.
Batch cooking: Cook multiple batches of zucchini fries back-to-back to save on preheating time.
Air Fryer Zucchini Fries Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchinis cut into fries
- 1 cup breadcrumbs panko preferred
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs beaten
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Dip zucchini fries into beaten eggs, then coat with breadcrumb mixture.
- Place coated zucchini fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
More Amazing Recipes to Try 🙂
- Berry Cobbler Recipe1 Hours
- Azuki Bean Dorayaki Recipe35 Minutes
- Apple Turnovers Recipe45 Minutes
- Apple Cinnamon Tart Recipe1 Hours
- Apple Strudel Recipe1 Hours 10 Minutes
- Apple Galette Recipe1 Hours
- Apple Crumble Recipe1 Hours
- Apple Cinnamon Crumble Recipe1 Hours
Leave a Reply