Crispy zucchini fries made in the air fryer. A gluten-free, paleo version plus a more traditional breadcrumb version. A crispy healthy snack, ready in 15 minutes!
Yes, summer is over. Yes, it is officially fall. Yes, this is a zucchini recipe. I am still getting zucchini from my CSA which means creative zucchini recipes are in order. At this time of year the ubiquitous vegetable of the summer season, zucchini, feels overplayed. If you grow zucchini in your garden you are overflow-eth with bounty, if your neighbor grows zucchini, you most likely are the recipient of said overflow.
Luckily zucchini is one of the most versatile vegetables. You can literally do just about anything with it.
Let's get cooking!
Easy Ingredients You Need for Homemade Zucchini Fries
- Zucchini – Fresh is the only way to go here. Zucchini is in season in summer and early fall.
- Egg – or for vegan version whisk vegan mayo with water, this is for dredging before breadcrumbs/ or almond flour
- Almond Flour – for gluten free, paleo version – or breadcrumbs work for a more traditional crispy zucchini fry
- Avocado Dip – trust me this is a delicious treat! You will need avocado, lime, and garlic.
How to Make Zucchini Fries – Air Fryer and Oven Version
Start with zucchini (duh!), and cut into matchsticks. I tend to like mine a little thicker (as seen above) so they retain some texture. If you prefer your zucchini super tender then cut into thinner sticks.
Choose your topping:
You can use almond flour for a paleo, gluten-free, keto version of the recipe or a more traditional panko breadcrumbs.
Dredge the zucchini in whisked eggs, then into your almond flour or panko mixture. Follow Air Fryer or oven instructions below. Super easy!
VEGAN VERSION! Whisk 2 tbsp of vegan mayo (I like Primal Kitchen or Vegenaise) with 2 tbsp water and dredge zucchini in this rather than eggs.
How to Make Zucchini Fries in the Air Fryer
I got my first Air Fryer a few months ago and have had so much fun playing with it. Truth be told, I don't think it is a necessary appliance. You can't fit very much into it, and I can achieve similar results in the oven. It is fun though and a few things have turned out fantastic, my turmeric chicken wings are great in the Air Fryer and Trader Joe's Cauliflower Gnocchi is the bomb!
To make zucchini fries in the air fryer: cook at 400 for 10 minutes. I sprayed liberally with coconut oil before and during cooking and shook the basket once or twice during cooking.
How to Make Crispy Zucchini Fries in the Oven
How to Make Crispy Zucchini Fries in the OvenIf you don't have an Air Fryer, don't despair. You can easily make these zucchini fries in the oven.
Bake at 450° for 15 minutes tossing once during cooking.
Zucchini Fries as a Snack or Zucchini Fries as a Side!
If you're enjoying zucchini fries as a snack they are delicious dipped into something creamy! I love the zesty garlic avocado dip in the recipe card but you could also make this creamy parmesan basil dip or this cilantro yogurt sauce.
Zucchini fries are also fantastic as a fun side dish try them alongside crispy chicken thighs, or salmon. While you have the air fryer out, cook the salmon in the air fryer using this excellent recipe that teaches you how to cook frozen salmon in the air fryer.
Dietary Modifications for Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
This recipe is vegetarian, gluten-free, and paleo/vegan/keto-modifiable
- Keto/ Paleo– Replace the breadcrumbs with almond flour
- Vegan – Replace the eggs with vegan mayo (Primal Kitchen and Vegenaise are my preferred brands) (2 tbsp vegan mayo + 2 tbsp water whisked together)
- Low Fodmap – Low fodmap friendly, with almond flour
Zucchini Fries (Air Fryer and Oven Options) with Avocado Dip
Ingredients
Zucchini Fries
- 1 large zucchini
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup almond flour **(or 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs)**
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- olive oil or coconut oil spray
Avocado Dip
- 1 avocado
- 2 small garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1-2 tbsp water to thin
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
Instructions
Zucchini Fries
- Cut zucchini into matchsticks about 1/4 inch thick, dry well on paper towel
- Scramble eggs in one bowl
- In a separate bowl combine the almond flour with salt and pepper. If you aren't gluten free and you want a crunchier zucchini fry use panko bread crumbs instead.
- Dredge zucchini in egg mixture then almond flour mixture until well coated on all sides. Continue with all zucchini. Depending on the size of your zucchini you may have to continue add more almond flour to your bowl.
- AIR FRYER INSTRUCTIONS: Cook at 400 for 10 minutes tossing 1-2 times during cooking. You will need to spray the zucchini fries with avocado, coconut, or olive oil prior to cooking.
- OVEN INSTRUCTIONS: Place on cookie sheet that has been rubbed with olive oil and bake in 450 oven for 15 minutes, flip over and bake for additional 10-15 minutes until brown and crispy.
Avocado Dip
- Scoop flesh of avocado into blender or food processor. Add all additional ingredients and blend until smooth. Add water until you reach desired consistency. (should be smooth, thin, and dip-able)
Notes
- You will achieve a crispier result with breadcrumbs
- Nutrition data is for 1/4 of the recipe assuming you will consume 1/4 of the dip as well.
DIETARY MODIFICATIONS FOR AIR FRYER ZUCCHINI FRIES:
This recipe is vegetarian, gluten-free, and paleo/vegan/ keto modifiable- Keto/ Paleo– Replace the breadcrumbs with almond flour
- Vegan – Replace the eggs with vegan mayo (Primal Kitchen and Vegenaise are my preferred brands) (2 tbsp vegan mayo + 2 tbsp water whisked together)
- Low Fodmap – Low fodmap friendly, with almond flour
Nutrition
More Great Healthy Zucchini Recipes!
Gluten Free Rhubarb Zucchini Bread
Zucchini Chocolate Chip Muffins
Zucchini and Grass Fed Beef Skillet
