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These easy, crispy air fryer zucchini fries will have you excited to eat more veggies! They’re served with a with a creamy, tangy Greek yogurt dill dip and one serving even packs 16 grams of protein. The perfect side dish!
These crunchy air fryer zucchini fries are one of my favorite ways to eat veggies and use up overflowing summer zucchini (along with my Cheesy Zucchini Garlic Bites!!). They’re a nutritious and delish side or healthy snack your family will love.
Your New Favorite Way to Eat Zucchini
If you’re looking for an excuse to pull out your air fryer, this is it! Let me tell you why I can’t stop making these crunchy zucchini fries:
- Add some fun to your veggies. While these aren’t the same as traditional French fries, they are a super fun way to eat more vegetables and a healthier alternative. One serving of the whole recipe even packs 16 grams of protein!
- Kid-friendly. Even picky eaters will enjoy these crispy bites. They’re one of my favorite ways to add veggies onto my family’s plates.
- Everything is better with dip. I am totally addicted to the tangy Greek yogurt dip in this recipe! Loaded with fresh dill and the zing of fresh lemon juice, it’s the perfect complement to the crispy, crunchy fries.
- Air fryer magic. Because these are air fried, they need a lot less oil than something in the oven to crisp up. A bit of cooking spray does the trick!
What You’ll Need
Here’s a shopping list of simple ingredients for this easy zucchini recipe. Be sure to scroll to the recipe card below for precise measurements.
For the fries:
- Zucchini – I used large zucchini, but small or medium would also work. You’ll just need more of them.
- Lemon juice – Freshly squeezed lemon juice is best (I love Meyer lemons).
- Eggs – To give the breadcrumb mixture something to hold on to.
- Panko breadcrumbs – You could use regular breadcrumbs, but I love Panko.
- Parmesan cheese – The Parmesan adds a rich, nutty flavor and a hint of saltiness. It’s the key to the best zucchini fries!
- Seasoning – I went with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt, but don’t be afraid to experiment! Smoked paprika would add a fun twist. So would dried oregano, parsley, or basil.
- Cooking spray – To spray over the fries in the air fryer. This helps them crisp up a bit more. Avocado oil spray is my personal favorite.
Greek Yogurt Dill Dip:
- Greek yogurt – I like using full-fat Greek yogurt best.
- Mayonnaise – If you’re not a mayo person, you can sub it out for additional Greek yogurt or sour cream.
- Dill – Stick with fresh dill for the freshest, boldest flavor.
- Garlic – Finely minced or micro-planed (you don’t want any big chunks!).
- Salt – Just a little! You can add some black pepper as well, if you’d like.
- Lemon juice
Variation Ideas
- Mix up the seasonings. Consider smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, or even something like Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper.
- Try a different dip. My Big Mac Sauce, this Creamy Garlic Cilantro Sauce, or Creamy Sriracha Sauce would be awesome with these crispy fries. Any of your favorite dipping sauces will work!
- Consider a different veggie. Summer squash and/or eggplant would be great if you’re not a big zucchini person.
- Dip in marinara. These zucchini fries also go great dipped in your favorite marinara sauce.
- Use your oven. If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake these too. Bake at 400 degrees on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for about 15-20 minutes until golden brown, flipping halfway.
How to Make Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
Time to fire up that air fryer! Here’s a quick look at how to make zucchini fries. You’ll find more thorough instructions in the recipe card below.
- Prep. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F and slice the zucchini into spears. Toss spears in lemon juice.
- Whisk. In a shallow bowl, whisk the eggs together.
- Mix. Mix together the panko, parmesan, and seasonings.
- Bread the zucchini. Dip zucchini strips in the egg wash, then roll in the panko mixture.
- Load the basket. Arrange the zucchini fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket and spray with cooking spray. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Air fry. Air fry for 5-6 minutes, flip, and spray with cooking spray. Air fry for another 5-6 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Combine. Add the yogurt, mayo, dill, garlic, salt, and lemon juice to a bowl.
- Mix. Mix it all together to make the perfect dipping sauce for these fries.
How to Store
- Refrigerator. Let any leftover fries cool to room temperature before sealing them in an airtight container and storing them in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer. Seal the fully cooled zucchini fries in an airtight freezer-safe container and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Allow the fries to thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- To reheat. You can reheat these zucchini fries in an air fryer, oven, or microwave. Preheat the airfryer to 375°F and cook for 3-5 minutes, shaking halfway through. Alternatively, bake (covered) at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway. For the microwave, heat on a paper towel-lined plate in 30 second intervals until warm.
Jamie’S Tips
Tips for Success
In order to achieve the perfect zucchini fries, check out these pro tips:
- Don’t crowd the basket. A key to evenly cooked, crispy spears is making sure your zucchini fries are in an even layer.
- Equal-sized spears. Slice the zucchini into equal-sized spears for more consistent cooking.
- Avoid overcooking. Zucchini releases moisture as its cooked, so it’s important not to let the zucchini get “mushy” or excess moisture will seep out into the breading.
- Don’t skip the cooking spray. A light layer of cooking spray is the key to getting these zucchini fries nice and crisp.
- Serve immediately. Zucchini has a lot of moisture, so it’s important to enjoy these fresh so that the moisture doesn’t affect the crisp breading!
What Goes With Zucchini Fries?
The more appropriate question might be, “What doesn’t go with zucchini fries?”. These air-fried goodies go with almost everything. Here are some of my faves:
- Dips and sauces. Whether you’re sticking with the Greek yogurt dill dip or branching out to something like my Creamy 3-Ingredient Honey Mustard Dip, Whipped Ricotta Dip with Rosemary + Thyme, Cottage Cheese Ranch Dressing or Buffalo Ranch Sauce, these zucchini fries LOVE a good condiment.
- Pretty much any sandwich. I mean…who doesn’t love a sandwich with fries!? Serve these crunchy zucchini sticks with my Healthier Big Mac Sloppy Joes or a couple Crazy Good Chopped Italian Sliders.
- Your favorite protein. Pair crispy zucchini fries with an unbeatable main. My Creamy Feta Chicken Bake with Spinach, these Lightened Up Creamy Garlic Pork Chops, or my Easy Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs would go beautifully.
- Other yummy sides. Round out the meal with some Creamy Ricotta Mashed Potatoes, Cheesy Cottage Cheese Bread, and/or a Kale and Broccoli Salad.
More Easy Summer Sides
On the hunt for more exciting summer sides. Here are a few ideas to get you excited about cooking up a storm:
If you’ve made and loved these Air Fryer Zucchini Fries or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and comments below!
Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
These crispy air fryer zucchini fries paired with a tangy Greek yogurt dill sauce are a delicious way to use your summer zucchini.
Ingredients
Zucchini Fries:
- 2 large zucchini
- 3 tbsp lemon juice, about 1 lemon
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 cup parmesan, grated
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Cooking spray
Greek Yogurt Dill Dip:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup dill, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced or microplaned
- 1/4-1/2 tsp salt
- 2-3 tbsp lemon juice, about 1 lemon
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
- Cut each zucchini in half, then slice into spears.
- In a medium bowl, toss the zucchini spears in lemon juice.
- In a shallow bowl, whisk eggs together to create an egg wash.
- In another shallow bowl, prepare the breading by mixing panko breadcrumbs, parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt.
- Coat each zucchini spear by dipping it in the egg wash, then rolling it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to coat evenly.
- Arrange the zucchini fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket and spray the tops lightly with cooking spray.
- Air fry at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through and spraying the other side with cooking spray. The zucchini fries should be golden brown and crispy.
- For the Greek yogurt dill dip, mix all the dip ingredients in a small bowl and whisk until combined.
- Serve the zucchini fries as is or with the Greek yogurt dill dip. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Calories: 215kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 82mg | Sodium: 823mg | Potassium: 373mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 692IU | Vitamin C: 22mg | Calcium: 334mg | Iron: 2mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an estimate.
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