Air Fryer Zucchini is quick and easy to make with simple ingredients, resulting in a crispy and delicious side dish or appetizer. It’s keto and gluten-free just like our baked zucchini roll-ups and zucchini salad!
Although zucchini, also known as summer squash, is available all year round, its peak season is from May to August.
You can make many things with this versatile vegetable such as zucchini fries in the air fryer.
But if you prefer to make zucchini chips instead, just cut the zucchini into slices and voila.
Take a look at how easy this recipe is!
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Fresh Zucchini – We used 2medium zucchini and cut each into 12 pieces or batons. Make sure they are fresh and firm. Wash them all under running water and pat dry. If you don’t enjoy the peel, remove it using a vegetable peeler. Remember, the peel contains fiber and is healthy.
- Almond flour – The best type for this air fryer zucchini recipe is superfine and blanched almond flour. If you aren’t on a low-carb diet, you may replace it with panko or bread crumbs.
- Parmesan cheese – Use the grated type to blend well with the breading mixture. It will add extra flavor to this recipe.
- Italian seasoning – If you prefer, you can replace it with Cajun seasoning, Herbs De Provence, Greek seasoning, or others of your choice.
- Other seasonings – I used garlic powder, salt, and pepper but you can use onion powder or others of your choice.
- Eggs – We beat the eggs in order to bread the zucchini fries.
- Olive oil cooking spray – to prevent sticking and help to brown the zucchini.
- Garnish – We used chopped parsley but you can use any herb of choice.
Air Fryer Zucchini Fries vs. Air Fryer Zucchini Chips
The ingredients and recipe directions are the same. The only difference is the type of cut.
To make air fryer zucchini fries, cut the zucchini into batons or long pieces, about ½-inch thick and 3-4 inches long.
On the other hand, cut zucchini slices or rounds, about ⅓-inch thick, to make zucchini chips. Different from potato chips, these are breaded!
It will take about 8-10 minutes to cook them in the air fryer at 400 degrees F. They are ready when golden brown and crispy outside and soft (but not soggy) inside.
How to make air fryer zucchini
- Wash the zucchini under running water and pat dry with a paper towel. Using a vegetable peeler, peel it only if you don’t enjoy the peel; otherwise, skip the peeling process.
- Cut the zucchini in half crosswise and then cut each half into 2 halves lengthwise. Cut each half into three sticks about ½-inch thick and 3-4 inches long. Each zucchini yields about 12 batons or fries. SEE PIC. 1
- In a bowl, combine the almond flour, grated parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until combined and reserve.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs until beaten. SEE PIC. 2
- Dredge the zucchini sticks in the egg wash and then coat in the flour mixture. Place on a large baking sheet or platter lined with parchment paper in a single layer. Generously spray them with olive oil cooking spray. SEE PIC. 3
- Working in small batches (depending on the air fryer size), place the zucchini fries in a single layer in a preheated air fryer. SEE PIC. 4 Air fry at 400℉ (200℃) for 8-10 minutes or until crispy and golden brown outside and soft inside (but not soggy). SEE PIC. 5
- Serve them with chopped parsley on top as a side dish or with a mixture of ketchup and heavy cream (see notes) or with your favorite keto sauce as an appetizer. SEE PIC. 6
Dipping Sauce
If using about ⅓ cup of ketchup, mix about 1 tablespoon of heavy cream until combined for making a quick sauce for the zucchini fries.
We call it in Brazil Rosé sauce!
Tips for Cooking Zucchini in Air Fryer
- Cut zucchini in uniform size so they cook evenly. I recommend cutting them into ½-inch thick batons or ⅓-inch thick chips if using medium zucchinis.
- Preheat your air fryer for 5 minutes before adding the veggies.
- Mix the ingredients for the breading well in order to season the zucchini evenly.
- Make sure to spray olive oil cooking spray generously to help them air fry properly.
- Cook them in a single layer and do NOT overcrowd the air fryer basket so hot air can pass through. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you’ll have to cook them in batches.
- Toss the fries every 4 minutes throughout the cooking time to ensure even cooking and browning.
- We made keto zucchini in an air fryer but if you’re not on a keto diet, replace almond flour with panko or whole wheat bread crumbs.
- Serve with your favorite dips! It makes the perfect healthy snack, appetizer, or side dish!
Frequent Asked Questions
What type of zucchini is best for this recipe?
Choose fresh dark green zucchini with smooth skin and firm texture.
Do I have to Cut Off the Peel for Making Zucchini Fries?
No, you don’t have to peel it unless you don’t enjoy the peel which contains fiber and is good for you.
The peel adds more texture and color to the fries and saves you time on prepping.
Is this air fryer zucchini recipe keto and gluten-free?
Yes! All the ingredients are keto-friendly and so gluten-free too. Air frying is a healthy way to cook them!
Can I make Roasted or Baked Zucchini instead?
Yes, you can also roast or bake the zucchini in the oven, although it will take longer to cook.
The ideal is to cook it at 425° F (220° C) for 18-22 minutes, flipping the zucchini halfway through (or until golden brown and crispy).
What seasoning blends can you use on this easy zucchini recipe?
Replace the Italian seasoning with any seasoning blend of choice (same amount). Here are a few options:
- Greek seasoning
- Cajun seasoning
- Herbs De Provence
- Keto taco seasoning
What to Serve with Air Fried Zucchini
There are many main dishes that pair well with this air fryer zucchini such as:
- Baked Chicken Thighs
- Baked Chicken Breast
- Air Fryer Steak
- Instant Pot Whole Chicken
- Pan Grilled Pork Chops
- Broiled Pork Chops
- Grilled Chicken Legs
- Baked Salmon
Storage
Keep the cool zucchini in an airtight container in the fridge for about 2-3 days.
To reheat, air fry them at 350° F (180° C) for about 2 minutes.
Freezing is not recommended because it will become soggy or too soft.
Other Air Fryer Recipes
- Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
- Air Fryer Asparagus
- Also Air Fryer Shrimp
- Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
- Air Fryer Chicken Legs
- Also Air Fryer Salmon
- Air Fryer Tilapia
PIN & ENJOY!
Air Fryer Zucchini
Equipment
- 2 Mixing bowls
- 1 baking sheet
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchini
- ⅔ cup almond flour superfine and blanched
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs beaten
- Olive oil cooking spray
- Chopped parsley to garnish
Instructions
- Wash the zucchini under running water and pat dry with a paper towel. Using a vegetable peeler, peel it only if you don’t enjoy the peel; otherwise, skip the peeling process.
- Cut the zucchini in half crosswise and then cut each half into 2 halves lengthwise. Cut each halve into three sticks about ½-inch thick and 3-4 inches long. Each zucchini yields about 12 batons or fries.
- In a bowl, combine the almond flour, grated parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until combined and reserve.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs until beaten.
- Dredge the zucchini sticks in the egg wash and then coat in the flour mixture. Place on a large baking sheet or platter lined with parchment paper in a single layer. Generously spray them with olive oil cooking spray.
- Working in small batches (depending on the air fryer size), place the zucchini fries in a single layer in a preheated air fryer and air fry at 400℉ (200℃) for 8-10 minutes or until crispy and golden brown outside and soft inside (but not soggy).
- Serve them with chopped parsley on top as a side dish or with a mixture of ketchup and heavy cream (see notes) or with your favorite keto sauce as an appetizer.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
** Nutrition labels on easyanddelish.com are for educational purposes only. This info is provided as a courtesy and is only an estimate, since the nutrition content of recipes can vary based on ingredient brand or source, portion sizes, recipe changes/variations, and other factors. We suggest making your own calculations using your preferred calculator, based on which ingredients you use, or consulting with a registered dietitian to determine nutritional values more precisely.
Please note that health-focused and diet information provided on easyanddelish.com is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice, nor is it intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Consult with your doctor or other qualified health professional prior to initiating any significant change in your diet or exercise regimen, or for any other issue necessitating medical advice.
Velva says
The air fryer is all the rage! Love breaded zucchini that comes out crisp. Nice!
John / Kitchen Riffs says
What a neat idea! These look SO darn good -- thanks.