5 from 5 votes

Healthy Air Fryer Zucchini Fries

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These healthy air fryer zucchini fries come out crispy, not soggy, every time. They're fast to make, and they're great as a tasty side dish or snack.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
ยฃ0.60
Makes: 4
Side
American

Thereโ€™s nothing better than a healthy snack or side dish thatโ€™s also yummy and satisfying! Luckily, you get all those qualities in these yummy air fryer zucchini spears.

A plate with zuccini fries with a small bowl of mayonnaise on the plate next to a little bowl of salt and some courgettes in partial view.

Why youโ€™ll love this recipe

This zucchini fries air fryer recipe is simple, fast, and always yields deliciously crispy fries. You can enjoy these fries as a side dish or a snack. Did I mention this recipe is low-calorie?

Healthy โ€“ Since these air fryer zucchini fries are not deep-fried, they only require a small amount of rapeseed or olive oil, making them quite healthy.

Fast โ€“ You only need about 15 minutes to create these yummy air fry zucchini chips.

Crispy โ€“ Using the air fryer and panko breadcrumbs, you’ll create crispy, golden-brown zucchini sticks in the air fryer oven every time!

Customizable โ€“ Iโ€™ve kept the seasoning pretty simple for these zucchini air fryer fries, making it easy to adjust the flavour to your liking by using the spices and herbs of your choosing.

Love fries? You’ll need to try these tasty recipes; The Crispiest Halloumi Fries and Airfryer Frozen Fries or these Air Fryer Green Beans

How to keep zucchini from becoming soggy

There are a few ways you can prevent zucchini from getting soggy in the air fryer. For one, you can use a higher temperature, which helps create a browned outside. Avoid thicker zucchini slices when making air fryer zucchini recipes, as they’re more likely to get soggy than crispy while cooking.

The final way to prevent sogginess is by not overcooking the zucchini. Follow the recipe card notes on how long to cook zucchini in the air fryer for the best results. 

Ingredients

Ingredients to make the zuccini fries laid out on a pale blue back ground and labelled.

Courgettes โ€“ The courgettes act as the fries in this air fryer zucchini recipe. You can also use aubergine (eggplant), carrots, or even beets to create fries. The seasoning in the recipe card works well with all of these veggies. Youโ€™ll just need to adjust the cook time.

Panko Breadcrumbs โ€“ These breadcrumbs help create a crispy exterior on the air-fried zucchini. You can use other breadcrumbs if you wish, but the air fryer zucchini chips may not come out as crispy.

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities. 

Variations/ Adaptations

Here are a few ways to adapt this air fryer zucchini recipe to your preferences. Instead of zucchini spears, consider cutting the courgettes into slices or chunks. You can also make this zucchini in air fryer recipe gluten-free by adding no breading. Just include the seasoning and some freshly shredded parmesan cheese (or any cheese you like).

Instead of using zucchini, make these fries with yellow summer squash. You can always switch up the seasoning you use in this recipe. For example, Italian seasoning tastes great on these zucchini fries with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.

Serve these healthy zucchini fries with a favorite main dish; Aubergine Parmigiana, Salmon in the Air Fryer and Quorn Chicken Pieces

How to make zucchini fries

Preheat the airfryer to 390ยฐF  (200ยฐC)

Combine the breadcrumbs and optional chilli powder on a plate. On a separate plate, add the onion powder, garlic powder, pepper and cornflour, using a fork to combine. 

  1. Start by slicing the courgettes in half and into 1.5 cm width fries (Image 1).
  2. Place the zucchini fries onto the plate with the cornflour mix and use a fork to incorporate (Image 2).
2 step by step photos, the first with sliced zuccini (courgettes) on chopping a board and the second with the courgettes covered with some flour.

3. Next, individually dredge the zucchini in the egg (Image 3).

4. Once covered dredge in the breadcrumbs.  Set aside on a plate (Image 4). 

2 step by step photos, the first with 3 plates with egg,  breadcrumbs and floured zuccini (courgettes) with a hand dunking a courgette in the egg and the second the hand dunking the courgette into the breadcrumbs.

5. Keep up the dredging conveyor belt until all the fries are coated (Image 5).

6. Set them aside ready on plate (Image 6).

2 step by step photos, the first with 3 plates with egg,  breadcrumbs and floured zuccini (courgettes) and the second the hand holding a plate with the prepped zucchinis.

7. Once finished, coat the base of the airfryer with 1 tbsp of oil, then place the zucchini fries into the airfryer basket and ensure that they are evenly spaced for maximum crispiness. Depending on the size of your airfryer basket, you may need to fry in two batches. 

Add the remaining oil to coat the top of the fries, then cook at 370ยฐF  (190ยฐC) for 5 minutes. Rotate and cook again for a further 5 minutes (at the same temp), or until golden and crispy (Image 7).

8. Season with salt immediately when you remove them from the airfryer. This helps the salt bind to the batter. Serve with a dip of choice and enjoy! (Image 8).

2 step by step photos, the first an airfryer tray with baked zuccini (courgettes) fries and the second the fried on a plate.

If you have leftover zuccini/courgette, consider making one of these yummy recipes; Sun-dried Tomato & Olive Courgette Pizza, Courgette Soup or Meatball Marinara with Spiralized Courgette

A plate with zuccini fries with a small bowl of mayonnaise in partial view.

Tips for the best result

Check frequently so they donโ€™t get overcooked and soggy
Since zucchini is mainly made of water, overcooking the fries leads to a soggy dish. Be sure to follow the instructions in the recipe card, noting how long to cook zucchini in the air fryer.

Donโ€™t overlap the zucchini
Properly spacing the zucchini out in the air fryer basket is necessary for it to get crispy and cook evenly. This allows the hot air to reach all sides of the zucchini in the air fryer.

Air fry in batches (if needed)
If you have a smaller air fryer, you can still make this zucchini fries in air fryer recipe. Youโ€™ll just need to make the fries in batches.

Serving Suggestions

Once you learn how to air fry zucchini, the next step is figuring out what to serve this air fryer zucchini recipe with! Luckily, these zucchini fries are versatile, so you can serve them with nearly anything. The simplest option is to enjoy them as a snack with dipping sauces like ketchup or honey mustard. They’re also great alongside sandwiches and burgers. Use them as a replacement for fries in any meal!

Need inspiration for some more air fryer recipes? Try my; Air Fry Frozen Dumplings, Air fryer Halloumi and Air Fryer Chicken Bites

Leftover Storage and Reheat Instructions

Refrigerator
If you have leftovers from this air-fried zucchini recipe, let them cool fully. Then, store the leftover air fryer zucchini in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

Can you freeze?
Yes, you can freeze this air fryer zucchini recipe. Allow the fries to cool once theyโ€™re out of the air fryer. Then, pack them in an airtight baggie. Theyโ€™ll stay good in the freezer for up to one month.

Reheat?
Reheat these zucchini fries in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes at 374ยฐF (190ยฐC). It may take an extra minute or so if you’re reheating them from frozen. Be sure not to reheat them too long, or they’ll become soggy.

A plate with zuccini fries with a small bowl of mayonnaise on the plate next to a little bowl of salt and some courgettes on a wooden in partial view on a pink background.

FAQS

Why is my zucchini bitter?

Some zucchini is bitter based on growing conditions. If your zucchini fries taste bitter, make the other batches without skin, as that is where most of the bitterness is held.

You can also let the zucchini spears sit with salt for a few minutes before cooking, which will help remove bitterness and excess moisture. Be sure to pat them dry with a paper towel before continuing the recipe.

Is it okay to eat raw zucchini?

Yes, you can eat raw zucchini. However, some courgette has a more bitter taste that can be unpleasant and potentially toxic. Because of this, I recommend skipping eating raw zucchini and trying this air fryer zucchini recipe instead.

How long do you air fry zucchini fries at 400ยฐF (200ยฐC)

If youโ€™re wondering, โ€œHow long to air fry zucchini at 400ยฐF (200ยฐC)“. You’re in luck! As this section covers the answer. It will only take about three minutes per side at this temperature.

Can you make these ahead?

Yes, you can make these zucchini fries ahead of time. Follow the recipe card, allow the zucchini to cool, and pack it in an airtight freezer bag. Store in the freezer for up to one month. Then, reheat in the air fryer.

If you tried this Air fryer Zucchini Fries recipe, it would be mean so much to me if you could leave a review & a star rating to let me know how you found it! I love hearing about your experiences – it motivates me to keep creating more and more recipes for you guys ๐Ÿ’› Let’s get cooking! – Mimi x

Air Fryer Zucchini Fries

Print
5 from 5 votes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
ยฃ0.60
Side
American
Servings: 4
These healthy air fryer zucchini fries come out crispy, not soggy, every time. They're fast to make, and they're great as a tasty side dish or snack.

Ingredients

  • 2 courgettes, sliced in half and into 1.5 cm width fries (ยฃ0.80)
  • 70 g panko breadcrumbs (ยฃ1.10)
  • 2 eggs (ยฃ1.50/6)=(ยฃ0.50)

Cupboard Essentials

  • ยฝ tsp chilli powder (optional)
  • 3 tbsp cornflour
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 3 tbsp rapeseed oil
  • Salt & Pepper

Method

Preheat airfryer to 390ยฐF (200ยฐC)

  • Combine the breadcrumbs and optional chilli powder on a plate. On a separate plate, add the onion powder, garlic powder, pepper and cornflour, using a fork to combine.
  • Place the zucchini fries onto the plate with the cornflour mix and use a fork to incorporate. Next, individually dredge the zucchini in the egg, and then the breadcrumbs. Set aside on a plate.
  • Once finished, coat the base of the airfryer with 1 tbsp of oil, then place the zucchini fries into the airfryer basket and ensure that they are evenly spaced for maximum crispiness. Depending on the size of your airfryer basket, you may need to fry in two batches.
  • Add the remaining oil to coat the top of the fries, then cook at 370ยฐF (190ยฐC) for 5 minutes. Rotate and cook again for a further 5 minutes (at the same temp), or until golden and crispy.
  • Season with salt immediately when you remove them from the airfryer. This helps the salt bind to the batter. Serve with a dip of choice and enjoy!

Notes

  • Avoid overcooking zucchini/courgette fries to prevent them from becoming soggy.
  • Ensure zucchini fries do not overlap in the air fryer for even cooking and crispiness.
  • If using a smaller air fryer, cook zucchini fries in batches for the best results.

Nutrition

Servings: 4 servings
Fat: 14g
Calories: 279kcal
Carbohydrates: 34g
Protein: 6g
5 from 5 votes

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Thank you so much for trying my recipe! I hope you loved it. Iโ€™d be so grateful if you could leave a comment/rating - it makes my day hearing your feedback!

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Comments

  1. Margaret Brown | 4 months ago

    This is going to be my new way a serving fries! Kids loved these airfryer crispy zucchini.5 stars

  2. Jan Leming | 4 months ago

    Kids absolutely loved these zucchini fries! Much healthy way to make them in the airfryer. Thank you5 stars

  3. Katherine H | 5 months ago

    Never thought these aubergine fries would turn out SO good!!5 stars

  4. Made these with both courgette and aubergines to use up the leftover veg. Great snack.5 stars

    1. Mimi Harrison | 5 months ago

      Ah that’s great to hear! Thanks, Marian.

  5. Definitely making these again! They came out crispy and tasty, while so easy to make in the airfryer. Thank you5 stars

    1. Mimi Harrison | 5 months ago

      Yay I’m so pleased! Thanks for the lovely message.

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