How to make fried zucchini in the air fryer

Learn how to make fried zucchini in the air fryer. This quick and easy recipe transforms the humble zucchini into delicious and crispy fries the healthy way. They're the perfect side dish to a family meal, or a tasty snack on in their own right.

Jump to:

• Why we love them
• Top tips
• How to make fried zucchini in the air fryer
• Watch the video tutorial
• Frequently asked questions
• Comments

Looking for a fresh new way to cook zucchini? Enter the air fryer. This magical machine has the uncanny ability to turn mostly anything into a delicious, crispy delight, and I'm happy to tell you that zucchini is no exception!

Ever since I got an air fryer (see note below) I have been experimenting with the best ways to cook healthy family meals, and I'm so happy to be able to share my best recipes with you so you can nourish your family with real whole foods in a way that's quick and easy.

EDIT: Since I shared this post I have upgraded to the Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer and I absolutely love it. It's 11 appliances in one including an air fryer, pressure cooker and slow cooker. Get it here (AU readers) and here (USA and other readers).

Why we love them

I'm always on the hunt for new ways to make veggies more exciting and fun for the kids and this one's a winner. Cut into finger-sized chips and with the addition of a simple egg wash, bread crumbs and parmesan cheese, this recipe transforms zucchini into crispy, crunchy fries in no time at all.

We love eating zucchini (also known as courgette) because it's versatile, mild tasting, readily available and rich in health benefits. Zucchini is in season in Spring, Summer and Autumn and easy to grow in your backyard veggie patch.

In this blog I'll show you step-by-step how to make fried zucchini in the air fryer with just a few simple, wholesome ingredients and also share with you my favourite 'cheats' aioli to go with it.

Top tips

• For the crispiest fried zucchini, allow your chips to dehydrate by sprinkling them with salt and sitting them on paper towel for 30 minutes before crumbing. The salt help draws the moisture from the zucchini.
• When shopping for breadcrumbs I noticed some had a long list of questionable ingredients and additives. Check the label and try and find one that just has wheat flour, yeast and salt and not much else, or make your own by simply throwing some dried bread into the food processor. A course bread crumb works best.
• Don't overcrowd the cooking basket and cook in small batches for the best results.

How to make fried zucchini in the air fryer

Equipment

• Air fryer, see note below
• Large mixing bowl
• Sharp knife
• Chopping board
• Paper towel (kitchen towel)
• Small shallow dish
• Baking paper
• Tongs

EDIT: Since I shared this post I have upgraded to the Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer. Get it here (AU readers) and here (USA and other readers).

Ingredients

• 2 medium zucchini
• salt
• 1 egg
• 1 cup bread crumbs
• ¼ cup finely shredded parmesan cheese
• olive oil spray
• pepper

Optional: 'Cheats' aioli dipping sauce

Combine 2 generous tablespoons of mayonnaise with 1 clove of crushed garlic. Mix well.

Note: We use Australian Standard cups and spoons and metric measures.

Method

Cut each zucchini in half and then into 6-8 pieces; roughly the size of potato chips.

Place the zucchini pieces into a large mixing bowl and sprinkle with salt. Mix well.

Lay the zucchini pieces on 2 layers of paper towel. Leave for 30 minutes and then pat dry.

Meanwhile mix the breadcrumbs and parmesan together in a shallow dish.

Add the zucchini pieces back into the mixing bowl. Crack the egg into the bowl and combine well with your hands.

Take each piece of zucchini and roll it in the breadcrumb mixture, patting the crumbs into the egg coating, and then lay them on a tray lined with baking paper.

Lightly spray the zucchini fries with olive oil.

Place the fries in the air fryer basket and cook at 200 degrees Celsius (400 degrees Fahrenheit) for 10 minutes or until crisp and lightly browned. Be sure not to overcrowd the basket, and cook in small batches instead.

Season with salt and pepper and serve the zucchini fries hot with your preferred dipping sauce.

Watch the video tutorial

If you make this recipe and love it, please give it 5 stars! Tag me on Instagram @pineapple.farmhouse with your delicious creation and be sure to check out our other real food recipes!

Frequently asked questions

What does fried zucchini taste like?

Slightly sweet and salty, these zucchini fries are mild in flavour with a little added kick from the parmesan.

Can zucchini be air fried?

Zucchini is a wonderful vegetable to air fry. You can make crunchy air fryer zucchini fries with this recipe, or simply fry seasoned rounds of zucchini without crumbs for a lighter option.

Is fried zucchini healthy/good for you?

Yes. Zucchini is rich in health benefits and by cooking it from scratch in the air fryer you can avoid unhealthy added fats and artificial ingredients/flavours.

Is fried zucchini keto/low carbs?

Zucchini is considered a low-carb vegetable and suitable for the keto diet. Try replacing the breadcrumbs in this recipe with almond flour for a keto-friendly version.

What goes well with fried zucchini?

Zucchini fries are delicious as a side dish to a main meal, or as a healthy snack in their own right. Try serving zucchini fries alongside burgers, sandwiches or a fresh salad.

What should you dip fried zucchini in?

I love dipping zucchini fries in creamy garlic aioli! You could also try ranch sauce, tomato chutney, or sour cream and sweet chilli sauce.

Can you freeze fried zucchini/how do you reheat fried zucchini?

Freezing fried zucchini is not recommended, as it just turns to mush when defrosted.

It's best to make zucchini fries fresh before serving, as reheating can be hit and miss.

The best option to reheat left over zucchini fries is to cook them again in the air fryer until heated through.