Want to know how to make delicious zucchini fries in an air fryer at home? Check this recipe out with more tips and tricks!

Zucchini fries are cut into sticks that are seasoned with bread and spice to make them fried, crispy, and delicious. Healthy and nutritious zucchini are gluten-free and low in carbs that can be air-fried crispy without any oil! It is easy to make that takes almost 15 minutes in the air fryer. 

Almost everyone in your family will love this recipe as it is full of flavor, crispy, and healthy. It is often referred to as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, but you can have it anytime (lunch or dinner)! 

zucchini on wooden cutting board

Zucchini Health Benefits

Zucchini is a part of the Cucurbitaceae plant family, which is mainly seen in the summer times. It can usually grow up to 20 cm or 8 inches in its young lifespan. A zucchini can length up to 3.2 feet if it is not harvested while it is immature. 

Zucchini has many capabilities as common medicines to help treat aches, colds, and other various health issues. Here are some essential health benefits of zucchini,

  • Zucchini is rich in many nutrients such as minerals, vitamins, calcium, iron, zinc, and other essential plant compounds.
  • It has high antioxidants that are beneficial for your skin, heart, and eyes and can protect your body against cancer.
  • Zucchini has both soluble and insoluble fiber that can promote healthy digestion.
  • The present fibers of zucchini can decrease blood sugar levels.
  • Because of zucchini’s low-calorie density, it can lead to weight loss.
cutting zucchini fries sticks

How to Cut Zucchini into Sticks?

If you want to cut the zucchini into perfect sticks, then it is easier than you imagine. All you need to do is, 

  1. Cut the zucchini into half lengthwise. 
  2. After that, cut each half again lengthwise so that you can get 4 long quarters. 
  3. Take each of the quarters and cut them lengthwise until you get the perfect thickness you desire. 
  4. Finally, stack the sticks and slice them longways until they are the same thickness on each side. 

Vegan Sauces to Serve with Zucchini Fries

These zucchini fries will go perfect when you add dipping sauce beside them. You can have ketchup or ranch beside the fries. You can also make quick dipping sauce at home. Prepare one of these sauces as the fries are cooking.

Creamy Chipotle: In a bowl, mix 1/4 cup vegan mayonnaise, 1/4 cup vegan sour cream, 1/4 teaspoon chipotle powder, 1 teaspoon lime, or lemon juice, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, a pinch of salt.

Vegan Garlic Aioli: In a bowl, mix 1/4 cup mayo, 1 clove garlic minced, a pinch of cayenne, 1 teaspoon lemon or lime juice, and salt.

Is Air Fry Zucchini Fries a Healthier Option?

Air frying is healthier as you can add only a thin layer of oil coat or avoid oil to the zucchini, and when the hot air comes out, it will crisp. It will save you from a ton of calories and fat without giving up the flavor! The air fryer uses a small amount of energy, but you can have the same crispy and crunchy texture. 

Remember, not all air fryers are the same. You can find preheat for some, or some do not require. Some are smaller than others, so you need to work on smaller batches according to your air fryer. 

You do not need to take time and peel the zucchini. But if you do not like the skin of it, then you can peel it away. In both ways, they are delicious and crispy. I usually keep the skin of zucchini as it gives a little more color and texture, plus it saves my preparation time. 

breading for zucchini fries

Tips to Make Crispy Zucchini Fries in Air Fryer

Breading: To make it as low carbs as possible and keto diets, I suggest mixing almond flour, nutritional yeast flakes, and some spices (garlic, paprika, salt, parsley, and pepper). This mixture of breading is ideal for making super crispy zucchini fries in the air fryer. For non-keto diets, you can use breadcrumbs or gluten-free seasoned crumbs. These crumbs are very light, super crispy, and you should try them. 

Cooking: To get every single zucchini fries super crispy, avoid over-crowding the air fryer with zucchini. Try to place as many zucchini fries as possible in the air fryer without overlapping them. If you do not have enough space in your air fryer, then batch cook. Turn the oven heat to 200 degrees and toss the cooked ones to a pan to keep them warm. In that way, you can serve the fresh crispy fries. 

Keep It Dry: Keep the zucchini as dry as possible to make it even crispier. Remove all the moisture before coating the zucchinis. 

Seasoning: The breadcrumbs are delicious with only a pinch of salt and pepper. But if you want to make the seasoning extra special, then we will suggest you something special! Adding a teaspoon of special spices like Italian, taco, ranch, and Cajun in the breading mixture can take your fries to the next level. 

Eat Fresh: Zucchini fries are the best when you serve them fresh. They will not stay crispy and become soft if it cools down. So do your best to eat the fresh to get a better result. 

Zucchini Fries in Air Fryer Recipe

  • Zucchini 
  • Unsweetened almond milk
  • Nutritional yeast flakes
  • Paprika
  • Cayenne pepper
  • Sea salt

How to Make Zucchini Fries in Air Fryer

  • Mix yeast flakes, paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt together for the breading.
  • First, pour almond milk in a bowl and dip each zucchini stick in the milk to make a coat. 
  • After that, dip each of the zucchini sticks in the breading mixture to coat it perfectly. 
  • Place the zucchinis in a single layer without overlapping in the basket of the air fryer. Spray with cooking spray lightly.
  • Cook them at 380 degrees for 10 minutes, turning halfway. Keep air frying in batches until they are completely prepared to serve. Enjoy!

More Zucchini Recipes:

Baked Zucchini Fries

Air Fryer Zucchini Chips

Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Gluten-Free Zucchini Bread

Zucchini Soup

air fryer zucchini fries in parchment paper lined bowl on a grey background

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Nutrition

(Per serving)
  • Energy: 78 kcal / 326 kJ
  • Fat: 3.4 g
  • Protein: 1.3 g
  • Carbs: 7.4 g

Cook Time

  • Preparation: 10 min
  • Cooking: 10 min
  • Ready in: 20 min
  • For: 4 Servings

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Mix yeast flakes, paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt together for the breading.
  2. First, pour almond milk in a bowl and dip each zucchini stick in the milk to make a coat.
  3. After that, dip each of the zucchini sticks in the breading mixture to coat it perfectly.
  4. Place the zucchinis in a single layer without overlapping in the basket of the air fryer. Spray lightly with cooking spray.
  5. Cook them at 380 degrees for 10 minutes, turning halfway. Keep air frying in batches until they are completely prepared to serve. Enjoy!

Notes

The calories and nutritional data are estimates based from a third-party calculator.  Nutritional information will differ because of the different brands used, portion sizes etc.

Recipe author's Gravatar image

Michelle Blackwood, RN

Hi, I’m Michelle, I’m the voice, content creator and photographer behind Healthier Steps. I share vegan and gluten-free recipes because of past health issues. My goal is to help you make healthier choices and show you how healthy eating is easy and delicious.