How to remove water from zucchini before frying
Removing water from the zucchini will make it extra crispy. This step helps keep the batter layer from getting too soggy–it prevents the zucchini’s moisture from hydrating the flour and bread crumbs too much. The best way to remove water from zucchini before frying is to let the sliced zucchini strips air dry for about 15 minutes on a paper towel-lined plate. Then, right before breading, pat each of the strips bone dry with more paper towel.
How do you cut zucchini for fries?
The best way to cut zucchini for fries is to cut them into ½-inch thick long strips: First, cut the tips off both ends. Then, cut it in half lengthwise. Finally, cut zucchini halves into ½-inch thick spears. You should get 6-8 spears for one medium-sized zucchini.
Breading and seasoning ingredients
These air fryer zucchini fries are made up of crispy breading and seasonings:
Panko for extra crispy texture Parmesan cheese for nutty and tangy flavor Italian seasoning for earthy and fresh flavor Garlic powder for a savory kick
I bread these zucchini sticks with a traditional breading method of flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs/panko. This breaded trio will give you extra crispy and crunchy zucchini fries. I add seasoning for extra flavor for both the flour and panko dredging steps. I add kosher salt, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder to the all-purpose flour. And in the panko, I add grated parmesan and more kosher salt. I also like to thin the egg wash with water so the breading doesn’t get too thick and globby.
Tips for crispy and evenly browned breading
Before breading, let the zucchini sticks air dry for about 15 minutes to make sure you remove as much water as necessary and get crisp zucchini fries. Season zucchini in both the flour and panko dredging steps to get optimal flavor. After breading, let the zucchini sticks rest on a wire rack for 20-30 minutes. This makes the breading stick better to the zucchini and gives you an ultra-crunchy layer. Air fry them in a single layer so there’s no crowding and all the surfaces of your breading brown evenly.
What to serve with zucchini fries
Air fryer zucchini fries are a great snack or appetizer best served with dips like buttermilk ranch. In Pittsburg, where fried zucchini was popularized, they serve it with marinara.
Can you refrigerate and reheat zucchini fries?
I wouldn’t make this ahead of time because, like all fried and air-fried foods, they do get stale after cooking. You can reheat them from the fridge, but since zucchini are very soft to begin with, you may run the risk of overcooking them during re-toasting. I would try to serve them immediately and eat them in one sitting–not like that’s a hard thing to do because they’re so delicious. Since they’re so quick and easy to make, you should only make as many zucchini fries as you’re going to eat in that sitting.
Is fried zucchini healthier than french fries?
While these air fryer zucchini fries can be healthier than traditional french fries because they’re not deep-fried in oil and higher in calories, it’s important to consume them in moderation because they are still heavily breaded. Compared to potatoes, zucchini have a lower glycemic index, so they won’t spike your glucose levels as much as eating french fries.
How long do you cook zucchini in the oven at 400 °F?
I air fry these zucchini fries in the oven at 400 °F for about eight to ten minutes per batch. If your zucchini sticks are larger than ½-inch thick, you may air fry them for at least 10 minutes or longer. If they are thinner, they will cook much faster, about six to eight minutes. Don’t overcook them, or they will get too mushy.
