Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Fries with Lemongarlic Aioli
Table of Contents
- Recipe Introduction: Zucchini's Glow-Up
- Ingredients You'll Need
- Air Fryer Magic: Turning Zucchini into Gold
- Ingredients & Equipment for Killer Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
- Prep Like a Pro for Air Fryer Success
- From Zero to Golden in Minutes
- Pro Tips for Air Fryer Zucchini Perfection
- Recipe Notes: Let's Get This Show on the Road!
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 📝 Recipe Card
Recipe Introduction: Zucchini's Glow-Up
Fancy a healthier take on classic fries? Ever wonder how to sneak more veggies into your day? I got you.
This recipe for zucchini in the air fryer will transform your opinion of this humble veg. These crispy zucchini air fryer fries are seriously addictive.
Garden Goodness Gone Gourmet
Did you know zucchini is technically a fruit? It’s believed to have originated in Central America. This recipe is super easy.
Expect 25 minutes from start to finish. You'll yield about 4 servings with this.
Why You'll Love These Zucchini Fries
These Parmesan zucchini fries are packed with vitamins. Serve them as a tasty zucchini side dish recipes air fryer . What makes these special is the breading! This gives a satisfying crunch without the deep frying guilt.
Ingredients You'll Need
For the air-fried breaded zucchini , grab these ingredients. You will need some fresh zucchini. Don’t forget the panko and Parmesan for the coating.
For the dipping sauce, fresh lemon is a must.
Air Fryer Magic: Turning Zucchini into Gold
Healthy air fryer recipes zucchini are my jam! It's crazy how versatile that gadget is. Don't overcrowd the air fryer. Cook in batches for the crispiest air fryer zucchini chips .
Ingredients & Equipment for Killer Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
Alright, let's talk ingredients! This Crispy zucchini air fryer recipe is all about fresh flavors.
Main Ingredients for Epic Zucchini Fries
- 2 medium zucchini (about 1 pound / 450g ), trimmed and cut. I prefer fries!
- 1 large egg. This helps the breading stick.
- ½ cup (60g) all-purpose flour.
- 1 cup (100g) panko breadcrumbs. These are key for crispy zucchini air fryer .
- ¼ cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder.
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano.
- ¼ teaspoon salt.
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper.
- Cooking spray.
For the zucchini, look for firm ones. Avoid zucchini with bruises. Fresher zucchini means better fries!
Seasoning Notes for Zucchini Perfection
Garlic and oregano are my go-to combo. They just work so well with zucchini. For extra flavor, try a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Want a sub? Italian seasoning works too. Play around and find your fave! It really elevates Air fryer vegetable recipes .
Lemon Garlic Aioli Goodness
- ½ cup (120g) mayonnaise.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed. This makes ALL the difference, honestly!
- 1 clove garlic, minced.
- ¼ teaspoon lemon zest.
- ⅛ teaspoon salt.
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper.
Fresh lemon zest is a must. Bottled juice just isn't the same.
Equipment Needed for Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
You don't need fancy stuff.
- Air Fryer. Obvs!
- 3 shallow bowls. For your breading station.
- Whisk.
- Small mixing bowl for aioli.
- Knife and cutting board.
Don't have three bowls? Use plates. No biggie! Just try air-fried Breaded Zucchini !
Alright, let’s get cracking! Ever thought about chucking zucchini in the air fryer ? Honestly, it's a game changer. I was skeptical at first, but trust me, these crispy zucchini air fryer fries are addictive.
It's so easy. Even easier than learning the words to Bohemian Rhapsody.
Prep Like a Pro for Air Fryer Success
First, the boring but crucial bit: the mise en place. Get everything prepped before you even think about turning on that air fryer.
We're talking about cutting those two medium zucchinis into fry shapes, and setting up your breading station. Makes life a lot easier.
Time saving tip? Whisk the egg while you're measuring out the flour and panko. Organisation is key!. Also, remember food safety: wash those zucchinis!
From Zero to Golden in Minutes
Ready to get this show on the road? Here's how:
- Cut zucchini into ½-inch thick fries.
- Set up three bowls: flour, beaten egg, then panko mixed with parmesan, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Dredge each fry in flour, then egg, then panko. Make sure they're fully coated.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400° F ( 200° C) and lightly spray the basket. This ensures a crisp fried zucchini recipe easy air fryer .
- Air fry for 10- 12 minutes , flipping halfway, until golden brown.
Visual cue for doneness? You want a deep golden colour and that satisfying crunch when you tap them. Oh my gosh!.
Pro Tips for Air Fryer Zucchini Perfection
Want to take your air fryer vegetable recipes to the next level? First, don't overcrowd the air fryer. It's tempting, but it leads to soggy fries.
Cook in batches. Another trick: gently pat the zucchini fries dry before breading. This gets rid of excess moisture and helps the coating stick.
A common mistake? Forgetting to preheat. Preheat is key for that all-over crisp. If you want to make-ahead, bread the zucchini and store them in the fridge before air frying.
They'll be ready to go when you are. This is one of the more popular zucchini side dish recipes air fryer .
And there you have it! Super simple healthy air fryer recipes zucchini . I had my doubts before but now i can say for certain that you can have amazing air-fried breaded zucchini .
Recipe Notes: Let's Get This Show on the Road!
Right, so you've got the basics for these amazing Crispy zucchini in the air fryer , but let’s chat about how to really nail them.
Think of these as your cheat sheet to zucchini fry perfection. Honestly, even I need to double check these notes sometimes.
Serving Suggestions: Level Up Your Fry Game
Okay, plating time! Forget just piling them on a plate. I like to arrange my Parmesan Zucchini Fries artfully in a little basket.
Makes 'em look fancy, you know? And that lemon garlic aioli? Serve it in a cute ramekin. It’s all about the presentation, innit? As a side dish, they're banging with grilled chicken.
Or how about some lovely air-fried Breaded Zucchini next to a juicy burger? Yum! For drinks, something light like a sparkling elderflower cordial or even just a crisp, cold beer does the trick.
Storage Tips: Keepin' 'Em Fresh
So, you’ve made loads of these. Fair play! You can store leftover zucchini in the air fryer in the fridge, but honestly, they’re best fresh.
If you must , pop them in an airtight container. They’ll be good for about 2 days. Reheating? Stick them back in the air fryer for a few minutes to crisp them up again.
Freezing isn't ideal, sadly. They tend to go a bit soggy.
Variations: Get Creative!
Fancy a change? For a Keto Air Fryer Zucchini Fries , swap the flour and panko for almond flour and crushed pork rinds.
Boom! Low-carb heaven. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, try using different herbs. A bit of rosemary or thyme can totally transform the flavour of these air fryer vegetable recipes .
Play around with seasonal swaps too. Courgette flowers deep fried are a classic. Oh, and the Air fryer zucchini parmesan variation is to die for if you love cheese!.
Nutrition Basics: Good for You and Tasty!
Alright, listen up, health nuts! These healthy air fryer recipes zucchini fries are way better for you than the deep fried version.
They're lower in fat, but still packed with vitamins and fibre. Zucchini itself is super hydrating and full of goodness.
Plus, all that parmesan adds a nice protein boost. It’s a win-win, really. Think of it as a guilt free treat.
We can also make this a Fried Zucchini Recipe Easy Air Fryer by using healthy toppings.
So there you have it! Everything you need to make the best Crispy zucchini air fryer fries. Go on, give it a bash! I reckon you'll absolutely love 'em.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get my zucchini in the air fryer to be extra crispy? I hate soggy fries!
Nobody wants soggy zucchini fries! The key is to remove as much moisture as possible. First, pat your zucchini fries dry with paper towels before breading. Second, don't overcrowd the air fryer basket cook in batches if needed to allow for proper air circulation.
Finally, preheating the air fryer is a must, like preheating your oven for that perfect Victoria Sponge.
Can I use frozen zucchini for this air fryer recipe?
While technically you can use frozen zucchini, fresh is definitely best for air frying. Frozen zucchini tends to release a lot more water, which can make the fries soggy even with extra effort.
If you absolutely must use frozen, make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible before breading you might need to adjust the breading recipe to get a good coating.
What temperature and time should I use when cooking zucchini in the air fryer?
This recipe recommends 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. However, air fryers can vary, so it's best to keep an eye on your zucchini and adjust the cooking time as needed. You want them to be golden brown and crispy, like the perfect chip shop chips!
It's best to start checking around the 8-minute mark to prevent burning.
How can I store leftover air fryer zucchini fries? Will they still be crispy the next day?
Let's be honest, crispy air fryer zucchini is best eaten immediately. However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will likely lose some of their crispness, but you can try reheating them in the air fryer for a few minutes to crisp them up again.
Consider it a salvage operation worthy of James Bond!
Is air frying zucchini healthy? What are the nutritional benefits?
Yes, air frying zucchini is a much healthier alternative to deep frying! You get the satisfying crunch without all the extra oil. Zucchini itself is low in calories and a good source of vitamins and minerals, like Vitamin C and potassium. Plus, this recipe includes parmesan cheese, adding a boost of protein.
It's basically a guilt free way to enjoy your veggies, just like having a healthy smoothie for breakfast!
I'm on a gluten-free diet. Can I still make crispy zucchini in the air fryer?
Absolutely! Just swap out the all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free versions. There are many excellent gluten-free flour blends and panko style breadcrumbs available these days. This simple substitution allows you to enjoy delicious and crispy "fries" without compromising your dietary needs.
It is very important to look at ingredients for flour blends as some may contain ingredients you are allergic to!
Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Fries With Lemongarlic
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 210 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 13g |
| Fiber | 2g |