How to Make Crispy Fried Zucchini in the Air Fryer
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Discover how to make fried zucchini in air fryer! Enjoy crispy, golden, amazing zucchini fries with less oil and all the flavor. Skip the deep frying and enjoy this quick, easy, and healthy air fryer zucchini recipe today!
Keep reading to learn how to make this air fryer zucchini fries recipe!
Before losing 125 pounds, I owned a Fry Daddy and loved frying everything in it, including zucchini. I love zucchini, but I especially love zucchini fries.
Now that I have lost weight, I ditched the Fry Daddy and limit the amount of fried foods I eat. This helps me maintain a lower-calorie diet and keep the weight off. This is my favorite way to air-fry zucchini.
I also love to steam zucchini and squash, or if I’m roasting seitan chicken, I love adding squash and zucchini slices to the roasting pan.
Before I show you how to cook fried zucchini in air fryer, please take a quick second to subscribe to my Intentionally Eat newsletter. It’s full of tips and recipes to help you live your healthiest life, plus you’ll get an acid/alkaline chart to show you the healthiest foods to eat.
🌟What Others Are Saying About This Healthy Fried Zucchini Recipe
“These are the best zucchini fries! Thank you for the recipe!” – Lee
📃Ingredients and Substitutions
With just a handful of ingredients, you can air-fry zucchini fries to golden perfection. The printable recipe card below includes the full list of simple ingredients, quantities, simple steps, and nutritional information.
- Fresh Zucchini – cut into zucchini fries.
- Panko Breadcrumbs – these add amazing crunch and get golden brown. You can substitute traditional breadcrumbs or gluten-free breadcrumbs if you prefer.
- Aquafaba – the “bean juice” from a can of garbanzo beans. Drain the can and reserve the liquid. It acts as an egg wash. You can also substitute a chia egg or flax egg.
- Garlic Powder – you can substitute fresh garlic if you prefer.
- Onion Powder
- Paprika – for a little heat and a little color.
- Nutritional yeast – 1 teaspoon for a little added savoriness.
- Olive oil – spray the air fryer basket and just a spritz on the zucchini fries will help them crisp and turn golden brown.
- Black Pepper and Sea Salt – just a pinch, or use this Homemade Salt Substitute.
- Optional
- Vegan Parmesan Cheese – gives it added crunch and a nice flavor.
- Red pepper flakes, just a pinch for a little heat.
🥄How to Make Fried Zucchini in Air Fryer
This perfect healthy side dish will put that extra zucchini from your garden or the farmer’s market to good use. Here’s the simple cooking process and the best way to do it:
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- Wash the zucchini thoroughly.
- Cut off the ends of the zucchini and slice them into long sticks that resemble fries, no more than 1/2″ thick slices. Try to keep them as uniform as possible to ensure they cook evenly. Dry the zucchini slices using a clean kitchen towel or paper towel to remove any excess moisture.
- Prepare Dredging Stations:
- Add aquafaba or egg replacer in a small bowl.
- In another small bowl, combine breadcrumbs, nutritional yeast, and spices.
- Prepare and Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray or avocado oil to prevent sticking.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
- Dip and Coat:
- Dip zucchini sticks in aquafaba, then in breadcrumb mixture. Repeat with the rest of the zucchini until all fries are coated.
- Arrange and Cook:
- Arrange zucchini in a single layer in the basket of the air fryer. Cook at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through. For best results, make sure the zucchini do not overlap to allow the hot air to circulate and create even air frying.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately with a dipping sauce like this homemade ranch dressing, or this marinara, or enjoy them plain.
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❓Others have asked…
💓 Can you eat zucchini skin?
Yes, you can absolutely eat zucchini skin! Zucchini skin is edible and nutritious. It’s thin and tender, so it doesn’t need to be removed before cooking or eating. In fact, it contains additional fiber and nutrients, so leaving the skin on is a great way to enhance the nutritional value of your dish. Just make sure to wash the zucchini thoroughly before preparing it to remove any dirt or residue.
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🫙 How do you store leftover zucchini?
I do not recommend saving this fried zucchini for later because it will become soggy. However, if you need to store leftover fried zucchini, follow these steps to help maintain its quality:
- Cool Completely: Allow the fried zucchini to cool completely at room temperature. Storing them while still warm can create condensation, making them soggy.
- Use an Airtight Container: Place the cooled zucchini fries in an airtight container. This helps maintain their crispiness and prevents them from absorbing moisture or odors from the fridge.
- Layer with Paper Towels: If you have multiple layers of zucchini fries, place a sheet of paper towel between each layer. This helps absorb any excess moisture and keeps the fries crispier.
- Refrigerate: Store the container in the refrigerator. Fried zucchini can be kept in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating Tips:
- Oven or Air Fryer: Reheat the zucchini fries in the oven or air fryer to help restore their crispiness. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) or the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and heat the fries for about 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy.
- Avoid Microwave: Reheating in the microwave is not recommended as it can make the fries soggy.
By following these steps, you can enjoy your leftover fried zucchini with a texture that’s closer to when they were freshly made.
For more information regarding proper food storage, go to https://www.foodsafety.gov/
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🫒 Can you put oil in the air fryer?
Yes, you can use oil in an air fryer, and it’s often recommended to achieve a crispy texture. Here are some tips for using oil in an air fryer:
- Spray or Brush Lightly: Use a spray bottle to lightly coat the food with oil or use a brush to apply a thin layer. This ensures even coverage without using too much oil.
- Choose the Right Oil: Opt for oils with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil, canola oil, or olive oil. These oils can withstand the high temperatures of the air fryer without burning.
- Avoid Pouring Oil Directly: Do not pour oil directly into the air fryer basket. This can cause excess smoke and may affect the cooking process. Instead, apply the oil directly to the food.
- Preheat if Needed: Preheat the air fryer if your recipe calls for it. This can help achieve better results with the oil-coated food.
Using oil can enhance the flavor and texture of your air-fried dishes, making them taste closer to traditionally fried foods while still being healthier.
Recipe
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How to Make Crispy Fried Zucchini in the Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 medium zucchini
- 1/2 cup aquafaba the liquid from canned or cooked chickpeas
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 Tbsp vegan parmesan Optional
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp nutritional yeast
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- olive oil spray
Instructions
- Preheat the Air fryer: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
- Prepare the Zucchini: Wash the zucchini and cut off the ends. Slice it into long sticks that resemble fries, no more than 1/2" thick slices. Then dry the zucchini slices with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.
- Prepare Dredging Stations: Add aquafaba in a small bowl. In another small bowl, combine breadcrumbs, nutritional yeast, vegan parmesan, and spices.
- Spray: Using olive oil spray or avocado oil, lightly spray the air fryer basket to prevent sticking.
- Dip & Coat: Dip zucchini sticks in aquafaba, then in breadcrumb mixture. Repeat with the rest of the zucchini until all fries are coated.
- Air fry: Arrange zucchini in a single layer. Cook for 10-12 minutes at 350°F, shaking halfway through.
- Serve: Serve immediately with a dipping sauce like this homemade ranch dressing, or this marinara, or enjoy them plain.
Video
Notes
- Make sure your zucchini slices are uniform. This ensures even cooking; varied sizes may lead to some fries being overcooked and crispy while others are undercooked or too soft.
- If the size of your air fryer can’t accommodate all the zucchini in a single layer, do not overcrowd. Cook in batches to ensure each piece has space to cook evenly and become crispy.
- I suggest lightly coating the zucchini fries to create a nice, crispy coating. Also, add a dash of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Serve immediately for the best crispiness. They won’t be as crunchy if you leave them out or reheat them, so enjoy them fresh!
Nutrition
Before I say goodbye, I encourage you to take a moment to find out how I went from morbidly obese and immobile to a 125-pound lighter health coach.
Related Posts:
- Vegan Zucchini Muffins
- Easy 4th of July Recipes
- Vegan BBQ Recipes for Grilling
- Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe – Can You Steam Broccoli In An Air Fryer
About The Author
Although Cindy has lost 125 pounds, her path to success was not easy. Go here to read her incredible story, “From Morbidly Obese to Losing 125 Pounds and Becoming a Health Coach.” If you want to send Cindy a quick message, visit her contact page here.
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Disclaimer: Please note that I am not a medical professional. The information provided on this blog is based on my personal experiences and research as a vegan recipe enthusiast. While I strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, it is important to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or a registered dietitian before making any significant changes to your diet, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or concerns. The recipes and tips shared on this blog are meant for general informational purposes and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. Always prioritize your health and well-being by seeking personalized guidance from a qualified healthcare provider.
Can’t wait to try this recipe!!