Air Fryer Zucchini Fries

Craving French fries but want something on the lighter side? Looking for ways to trick your kids into eating veggies? These Air Fryer Zucchini fries are quick, easy, and super delicious. They take only 30 minutes and can be fully customized with your favorite spices. 

Make them as an easy side dish, a dippable appetizer, or a quick snack. These zucchini fries get nice and crispy in the air fryer, but you can also bake them in the oven.

They pair perfectly with my Homemade Vegan Ranch Dressing for dipping.

For more vegan air fryer appetizers and side dishes, try these Air Fried Black Beans, Crispy Polenta Fries, or Crispy Air Fried Chickpeas. 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & easy – These vegan zucchini fries can be baked or air-fried. Either way, they are ready in under 30 minutes!
• Side or snack – Make these as an appetizer, a side dish, or a quick snack. The options are endless. This recipe is one of the best ways to use up excess garden bounty during zucchini season!
• Add your twist – The beauty of making your own zucchini fries is that you can add any extra spices you want to the breading! Add 1/2 tsp cayenne to the bread crumbs for extra heat, or mix it up entirely by adding some dill!

Ingredients

• Zucchini – I’ve only made this recipe with zucchini squash, but you could certainly try it with yellow summer squash.
• Breadcrumbs – The breadcrumbs make up the bulk of the coating for these zucchini fries. You can use plain or Italian flavored. If you are looking to make these gluten-free, opt for gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Cornstarch – This helps the breading stick to the zucchini. If you don’t have this ingredient, you can omit it and spray a touch more oil to help the breading stick.
• Spices – Garlic powder, dried oregano, parsley, and salt are featured here, but you can use any spices you like! Just don’t omit the salt.
• Olive oil – Just a touch is needed to help the breading stick to the zucchini fries.
• Optional: Add black pepper or Italian seasoning to your spice mix. 

Helpful Equipment

​In addition to measuring cups and spoons, the following equipment is helpful for this recipe:

• Chef’s knife
• Large bowl
• Small bowl
• Air fryer or baking sheet
• Optional: Parchment paper

How to Make Crispy Zucchini Fries

This is a detailed step-by-step guide on how to make this recipe, including photographs. For the quick version, skip ahead to the recipe card below!

Chop the Zucchini

Wash the zucchini and chop off the ends. Slice the zucchini in half width-wise, then slice each section length-wise several times, creating fry shapes. You can go as thick or thin as you’d like with your wedges, but if you go thicker than pictured below, it may increase the cooking time.

Place the zucchini fries in a large mixing bowl and toss with half the amount of salt. Let it sit for 5 minutes. The salt causes the zucchini to “sweat” a little bit. The excess moisture helps the bread crumb mixture to stick to the zucchini better.

Mix the Breading

In a separate bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, cornstarch, spices, and salt. Toss the breadcrumb mixture into the bowl with the zucchini fries, and shake until the fries are coated. Spray lightly with olive oil or cooking spray and mix again until all breading is coating the zucchini fries.

Air Fry or Bake

Place the breaded zucchini fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket.

This part can get a bit messy, so you can use tongs instead of your hands to place the pieces if you want less of a mess.

Air Fry at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes, shaking halfway through.

To make crispy baked zucchini fries, place the fries in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 425°F for 15-25 minutes or until the fries are golden-brown and crispy.

Carefully remove the finished zucchini fries from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. Enjoy this delicious snack all on its own or serve the fries with your favorite dipping sauce, like marinara sauce or Homemade Vegan Ranch Dressing. Enjoy!

How to Store

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 5-7 days.
• Reheat: For a crispier finish, reheat in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

More Tips

• Not Vegan? Use one beaten egg or egg whites to help the breading stick to the fries. Top with parmesan cheese or serve with dairy ranch dressing.
• Gluten-free? Choose gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe good to go.
• Want some heat? Add 1/4 – 1/2 tsp cayenne to the breading for a little kick.

FAQ