Air Fryer Zucchini Fries with Garlic Aioli Recipe

Zucchini fries are a healthier alternative to traditional French fries, packed with flavor and crunch, especially when made in an air fryer. These crispy, golden zucchini sticks are lightly breaded, seasoned, and cooked to perfection, making them a delicious snack or side dish. To take these zucchini fries to the next level, we’ll pair them with a creamy, tangy garlic aioli that’s simple to make and bursting with flavor.

Not only are these fries healthier due to their air fryer preparation, but they’re also perfect for those who prefer low-carb or gluten-free options. This recipe is versatile and easy to customize to your taste, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini

1. Wash the zucchini: Start by thoroughly washing the zucchinis under cold water. Pat them dry with a kitchen towel.
2. Cut the zucchini into fries: Slice each zucchini into sticks that are approximately 3 to 4 inches long and about ½ inch thick. Aim for consistent sizes so they cook evenly. You can cut the zucchini into thinner strips for crispier fries, or leave them thicker for a heartier bite.
3. Set up the dredging stations: You’ll need three bowls or shallow plates for this step:
   • In the first bowl, add the flour and season it with a pinch of salt and pepper.
   • In the second bowl, beat the eggs until well combined.
   • In the third bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Step 2: Coat the Zucchini

1. Coat in flour: Take each zucchini stick and dredge it lightly in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess flour.
2. Dip in egg: Next, dip the floured zucchini into the beaten eggs, ensuring each piece is fully coated. The egg will help the breadcrumbs adhere to the zucchini.
3. Coat in breadcrumbs: Finally, transfer the zucchini to the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help the breadcrumbs stick. Ensure each piece is fully covered in the seasoned breadcrumb mix for maximum crunch.

Step 3: Air Fry the Zucchini Fries

1. Preheat the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheat function, simply run it for about 3-5 minutes before adding the zucchini.
2. Arrange the zucchini in the air fryer: Place the zucchini fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
3. Spray with olive oil: Lightly spray the zucchini fries with olive oil spray or cooking spray. This helps them get extra crispy while cooking.
4. Air fry the zucchini: Cook the zucchini fries for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure they cook evenly on all sides. The fries are ready when they are golden brown and crispy. If you want extra crispiness, you can extend the cooking time by a couple of minutes, keeping an eye on them to prevent burning.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Aioli

While the zucchini fries are cooking, prepare the garlic aioli:

1. Combine the ingredients: In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
2. Whisk until smooth: Use a whisk to combine the ingredients until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. For more tang, add an extra squeeze of lemon juice, or for more garlic flavor, increase the garlic.
3. Chill the aioli: Once the aioli is prepared, place it in the refrigerator to chill while the zucchini fries finish cooking. Chilling helps the flavors meld together.

Tips for Perfect Zucchini Fries

1. Use fresh zucchini: Fresher zucchini will have a firmer texture, making it easier to cut into fries and resulting in a crispier outcome.
2. Pat the zucchini dry: Zucchini contains a lot of moisture, so it’s crucial to pat the slices dry with paper towels before dredging. This prevents soggy fries and helps the breading stick better.
3. Preheat the air fryer: Preheating your air fryer ensures that the zucchini fries cook evenly and get crispy. If you skip this step, the fries may turn out less crispy and take longer to cook.
4. Cook in batches: Overcrowding the air fryer basket can lead to uneven cooking. Be sure to leave enough space between each zucchini stick so air can circulate properly.
5. Spray with oil: A light spray of olive oil or cooking spray on the zucchini fries before air frying helps achieve that golden, crispy exterior without needing to deep fry them in oil.
6. Keep an eye on them: Every air fryer is different, so keep an eye on the zucchini fries as they cook. They can go from crispy to burnt quickly if left unattended.

Variations and Add-Ins

1. Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with almond flour and use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make these zucchini fries gluten-free.
2. Spicy Zucchini Fries: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy kick.
3. Herb-Infused Zucchini Fries: Incorporate fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or oregano into the breadcrumb mixture for added flavor.
4. Cheesy Zucchini Fries: Add more Parmesan or use grated cheddar or mozzarella in the breadcrumb mixture for extra cheesiness.
5. Keto-Friendly Option: For a keto-friendly version, skip the breadcrumbs and use crushed pork rinds instead.
6. Panko vs. Regular Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs create a crispier texture, but if you prefer a denser crust, you can use regular breadcrumbs instead.

Serving Suggestions

1. As an Appetizer: Serve these zucchini fries as a healthier appetizer at parties or gatherings. They are perfect for dipping into the garlic aioli or your favorite sauces, like marinara or ranch dressing.
2. As a Side Dish: Pair these air-fried zucchini fries with grilled chicken, burgers, or sandwiches for a complete meal. They add a nice crunch and are a great way to sneak in some veggies.
3. For Kids: Zucchini fries are a great way to get kids to eat their vegetables. Serve them with ketchup or a mild ranch dip to make them more kid-friendly.
4. Meal Prep: Make a large batch of zucchini fries and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to crisp them back up for a quick snack or side dish throughout the week.

Health Benefits

Zucchini is a nutrient-dense vegetable rich in vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, potassium, and manganese. It’s low in calories and carbohydrates, making it an excellent option for those looking for a healthy, low-carb snack.

Air frying, as opposed to deep frying, uses minimal oil, which significantly reduces the fat content of the fries. This method helps retain the crunch and flavor without the need for excessive oil, making it a heart-healthy choice.

Final Thoughts

Air Fryer Zucchini Fries with Garlic Aioli are a fantastic, healthier alternative to traditional fries, offering a crispy texture and rich flavor. The garlic aioli complements the fries perfectly, providing a creamy and zesty dip that enhances the overall experience. With just a few simple ingredients and the convenience of an air fryer, you can enjoy a delicious snack or side dish in no time.

Whether you’re following a low-carb diet, looking for a healthier snack option, or just love trying new air fryer recipes, this dish is a must-try. The combination of crispy zucchini fries and a flavorful garlic aioli will quickly become a household favorite.

Serve them fresh, hot, and crispy, and enjoy!

Yield: 4

Air Fryer Zucchini Fries with Garlic Aioli Recipe

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Zucchini fries are a healthier alternative to traditional French fries, packed with flavor and crunch, especially when made in an air fryer. These crispy, golden zucchini sticks are lightly breaded, seasoned, and cooked to perfection, making them a delicious snack or side dish. To take these zucchini fries to the next level, we’ll pair them with a creamy, tangy garlic aioli that’s simple to make and bursting with flavor.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Ingredients

• Zucchini Fries:
• 2 medium zucchinis, cut into fries (about 3 inches long and ½ inch thick)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Olive oil spray
• Garlic Aioli:
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini
   Cut Zucchini: Slice zucchinis into fries, about 3 inches long and ½ inch thick. Set aside.
   
2. Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station
   Three Bowls: Set up three separate bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
   
3. Step 3: Bread the Zucchini Fries
   Coat with Flour: First, dredge each zucchini fry in flour, shaking off any excess.
   Dip in Egg: Dip the floured zucchini in the beaten eggs until fully coated.
   Coat with Panko: Finally, roll the zucchini in the panko breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to help the coating stick.
   
4. Step 4: Air Fry the Zucchini Fries
   Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
   Arrange Fries: Place the breaded zucchini fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding.
   Spray with Olive Oil: Lightly spray the zucchini fries with olive oil to help them crisp up.
   Air Fry: Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the fries are golden brown and crispy.
   
5. Step 5: Make the Garlic Aioli
   Mix Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
   Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
   
6. Step 6: Serve
   Serve Hot: Serve the crispy zucchini fries with the garlic aioli on the side for dipping.

Notes

• Zucchini Texture: Zucchini has a high water content, so if you want extra crispy fries, you can lightly salt the zucchini slices and let them sit for 10 minutes. Pat them dry with a paper towel before breading.
• Variations: Feel free to add different seasonings to the panko mixture, like Italian seasoning or cayenne pepper for a little heat.
• Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer to maintain crispiness.