Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini

In recent years, air frying has surged in popularity as a healthier cooking method that allows home cooks to enjoy crispy, fried foods without the guilt associated with traditional frying. This innovative technique utilizes hot air circulation to cook food, resulting in a delightful crunch while minimizing the use of oil. Among the myriad of dishes that can be prepared using an air fryer, crunchy zucchini fries stand out as a delicious and nutritious option.

Discover the joy of making crunchy air-fried zucchini fries, a healthier alternative to traditional frying. This simple recipe requires just a few ingredients and showcases the nutritional benefits of zucchini, which is low in calories but high in vitamins and fiber. Perfect as a snack or side dish, these crispy fries are quick to prepare and can be customized with your favorite seasonings and dips. Enjoy a flavorful, guilt-free indulgence that's sure to impress!

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Ingredients

2 medium zucchinis

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs

1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for that extra crunch)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon paprika

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

Cooking spray (or olive oil in a spray bottle)

Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

Marinara sauce or ranch dressing (for dipping, optional)

Instructions

Prep the Zucchini: Rinse the zucchinis under cold water to clean them. Trim the ends, then slice each zucchini into fry-shaped sticks, approximately ½ inch thick. Place these sticks in a colander, sprinkle with a little salt, and allow them to rest for about 15 minutes. This process helps to draw out excess moisture. After 15 minutes, use paper towels to pat them dry thoroughly.

Set Up the Breading Station: Organize your workstation with three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, add the all-purpose flour. In the second bowl, whisk the eggs together until the mixture is smooth and uniform. In the third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix the breadcrumb mixture well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.

Bread the Zucchini: Take each zucchini stick and first dip it into the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, coat it in the egg mixture, letting any excess drip off before finally rolling it in the seasoned breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs onto the zucchini slightly to ensure they stick well. Arrange the breaded zucchini fries in a single layer on a plate.

Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving a perfectly crispy texture on your zucchini fries.

Air Fry the Zucchini: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the breaded zucchini sticks in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they have some space between them to allow even cooking (you may need to work in batches). Give the tops of the fries a light spray with cooking spray.

Cook: Air fry the zucchini at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through cooking. The fries should be golden brown and crispy when done. Keep an eye on them as cooking times can vary depending on your specific air fryer model.

Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, carefully remove the crispy zucchini fries from the air fryer and, if desired, garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve them hot, accompanied by your choice of marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 25 minutes | 4 servings

Presentation Tips: Arrange the zucchini fries in a shallow bowl or on a platter. Include a small cup of your chosen dipping sauce on the side for a charming and colorful presentation. Enjoy your deliciously crispy snack!