Get ready to indulge in guilt-free crispy goodness with these low-carb and keto-friendly zucchini fries, baked to golden perfection in the air fryer.
With just under 12 minutes of cooking time, you can enjoy this easy zucchini recipe for snack or dinner.
This easy zucchini recipe requires only a handful of ingredients and an Air Fryer.
The best part? This recipe is made with no ''breading'', no flour, and no panko.
Serve them with a marinara sauce, green dip, zesty spicy garlic aioli, or any other favorite dipping sauce.
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Ingredients
Whether it's a quick snack or a delightful side, these homemade zucchini fries will become an instant favorite with your family.
Here's what you'll need to make them:
- Zucchini - When selecting zucchini for this recipe, opt for firm and heavy ones without any blemishes or bruises. There's no need to peel the zucchini; simply cut it into bite-size pieces or sticks for the fries. Additionally, you can get creative and make a fried veggie medley by including small cauliflower or broccoli florets with the zucchini.
- ‘’Breading’’ - For the crispy exterior I used a combination of beaten egg, parmesan cheese, and almond flour to create the illusion of breading, all while keeping the calorie count in check. This breading combo is perfect for low-carb and keto diets. And these keto zucchini fries are seriously crispy!
- Blanched Almond Flour - You can either make homemade or get a package from the store. Almond meal can be used as well but I prefer flour for it's fine texture.
- Garlic - Adds a nice flavor and pairs well with zucchini. Feel free to double garlic if you love the flavor. Alternatively, garlic powder can be used as well.
- Seasonings - I used simple seasonings but you can get away with salt and black pepper only. Or try the same seasonings in this recipe but without the Italian herbs (Italian Seasoning), also tasty. Cajun seasoning would taste delicious here too.
- Cooking spray - Without vegetable oil these fries may burn and not crisp up nicely. I like to use olive oil or avocado oil spray.
Check the step-by-step photos below the recipe card.
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Recipe Substitutions
- Almond Flour - if you are allergic to tree nuts, you can use almond flour alternatives such as panko bread crumbs, pork rinds (pork panko), or bread crumbs (all are available as gluten-free), or use whole wheat flour for the non-gluten free version. I’ve also heard some recipe variations use cornmeal or cassava flour, but I haven’t made similar recipes using these ingredients. Just keep in mind that the texture will be slightly different if using any almond flour replacement.
- Dairy free - you can leave the parmesan cheese out and serve freshly roasted fries with nutritional flakes on top.
How To Make Zucchini Fries + Step By Step Photos
Before you begin cooking, gather all the required ingredients and prep bowls in an organized manner.
This preparation will make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable, without the need to pause and search for ingredients while in the middle of the recipe.
Prepare the zucchini by cutting them into ½ inches-wide and 4-inch-long strips.
If your zucchini is straight from the fridge, it will start to condensate. Pat it dry with paper towels to ensure the breading sticks well.
Prepare two bowls: In the first bowl, add the beaten egg.
In the second bowl, combine paprika, salt, black pepper, onion powder, dried herbs, garlic, almond flour, and grated Parmesan cheese.
Dip each zucchini fry lightly into the beaten egg wash, ensuring it is coated on all sides. Shake off any excess egg.
Roll the egg-coated zucchini fry in the almond flour-seasoning mixture until it is fully coated with the flavorful blend.
Be patient, it may not stick instantly and you'll have to slowly roll the zucchini a couple of times more in the breading.
Place the coated fries on a large cutting board or plate, continuing the process until all the fries are coated.
Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
Transfer the ''breaded'' zucchini into preheated air fryer basket. To prolong your equipment you can use air fryer basket liners.
Arrange them in a single layer with at least half an inch of space between each fry.
This allows proper air circulation and helps the fries become crispy.
📋 JULIA'S TIP Depending on your air fryer you may need to make 1-2 batches of this recipe. Keep the first batch warm in the preheated oven while you continue with the rest!
Air fry zucchini for 10-12 minutes or until they turn golden brown and develop a crisp exterior. I didn't have to flip the fries over while roasting.
The exact cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model and the thickness of the zucchini fries.
Once everything cooked, carefully remove the zucchini fries from the air fryer and serve them hot as a delicious and healthy keto-friendly snack or side dish. Enjoy!
Can I Make These On The Oven?
Yes, as a base you can use my recipe for crispy zucchini chips.
- Related: How To Store Zucchini
Recipe Troubleshooting
How do you keep fried zucchini from getting soggy?
- Avoid overcrowding. Ensure your air fryer isn't too packed with zucchini. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of crisping. Allow enough space between the fries for proper air circulation.
- Let the fries cool. After cooking, resist stacking the zucchini fries immediately. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving. This will prevent the heat from making them soggy, preserving their delightful crunch.
- Eat them fresh out of the air fryer!
Dipping Sauces
For those who enjoy a burst of tangy goodness, try dipping them in marinara sauce, green goddess dip, or indulge in the creamy richness of garlic aioli and avocado crema.
These delicious sauces are also fantastic accompaniments to healthy cauliflower tacos, crunchy cabbage salad and crispy chicken wraps. And of course, classic ketchup is what my son loves to eat any zucchini dish with.
- Something spicy - homemade Buffalo sauce, Sriracha sauce or Sriracha mayo.
- Cold spinach dip
- Herby Yogurt Dip
- Cream cheese Taco Dip
- Guacamole - can't really go wrong with this one!
- Big Mac sauce
- Bang bang sauce
- Whipped feta
Julia's Tip
Go for smaller to medium zucchinis as larger ones tend to have more moisture in them (the result will not be as crispy).
Tips
- Almond flour can burn very quickly so make sure to check the fries toward the end of cooking.
- When dipping the zucchini in the egg mixture, take care to coat each piece evenly. This will help the breading adhere better and result in a consistent crispy texture.
- To avoid a messy and clumpy breading process, I use two separate bowls for the breading (whatever you do it will still become messy in the end, so two bowls help with this issue). Also, I use two hands when coating the fries. One hand is used for the egg bowl, and the other hand for the dry breading. This way, I don't touch the breading with my wet hand, which prevents it from becoming clumpy. Avoid using both hands for everything, as it may cause the breading not to stick properly.
- To prevent the zucchini fries from sticking to the basket, consider using a non-stick air fryer basket or basket liners.
- For perfectly crispy zucchini fries, it's essential not to overcrowd your air fryer. Arrange as many fries as possible in the air fryer without overlapping them. This ensures even cooking all around, resulting in irresistibly crispy fries.
- Avoid cutting the zucchini too thin and small. Opt for slightly thicker strips of zucchini to ensure they retain their texture and don't become overly soft during roasting.
- Salting zucchini is an optional step that I typically don’t use for quick air frying (usually for roasting in the oven or other recipes) and sometimes it can actually make your zucchini mushy!
- Zucchini chips variation - Instead of fries, try slicing your zucchini into rounds to create crispy zucchini chips.
- For maximum crispiness, serve your zucchini fries right out of the air fryer. Delayed serving may cause them to lose their crunchiness (and become soggy). But these will taste great as well if you reheat them once in the air fryer.
- A larger air fryer allows you to cook more fries at once, preventing the need to keep batches warm in the oven.
- Always spray the zucchini fries before roasting. It helps them to crisp up and become golden brown.
- Watch the cook time! Since air fryers can vary, adjust the cooking time based on your specific air fryer model for the perfect zucchini fries.
🥒 Read also: 18 Types of Zucchini You Didn't Know About
Freezing And Storing Instructions
- To Store Leftovers. Once your zucchini fries have cooled down completely, store them in an airtight container before placing them in the refrigerator. They can be stored for up to 3 days.
- To Reheat. To reheat, preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and heat for 1-3 minutes until crispy again. I don't recommend reheating them more than 1-2 times as they will loose their texture.
- To Freeze. Since zucchini is a high water-content vegetable, freezing is not recommended. Freezing can lead to the fries becoming soggy and mushy, losing their delightful crispiness when reheated. To ensure the best results and texture, it's better to only make the amount you plan to consume within a few days.
🥒 To store leftover raw zucchini, read my tips in this zucchini guide.
Love Zucchini Recipes? Try These Next!
If you crave savory delights, you can't go wrong with the mouthwatering air fryer zucchini chips, roasted zucchini slices, casserole, zucchini skins and zucchini fritters.
Read my full collection of 55 Best Zucchini Recipes here.
Zucchini Fries: FAQs
Fried zucchini offers a healthier alternative to traditional french fries. Nevertheless, fried food is still fried food.
Thankfully, using an air fryer to prepare your favorite fried snacks significantly reduces cholesterol and fat intake, while preserving that beloved crispiness you adore.
Yes! Yellow squash is great for air fryer fries.
Zucchini is a nutritonal vegetable and can be prepared in many ways to enjoy. It suits many diets, helps digestion, reduces blood sugar levels and so much more.
Read on about zucchini benefits in detail.
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Recipe Card
Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Fries With Almond Flour (Low Carb Keto)
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INGREDIENTS
- 1 pound zucchini (small-medium), cut into ½ inches wide and 4 inch long strips
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- ⅓ cup blanched almond flour, or almond meal
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground sweet paprika, or regular
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon Italian dried herbs, Herbs de Provence
- 1 teaspoon freshly minced garlic
INSTRUCTIONS
- Prepare the zucchini by cutting them into ½ inches-wide and 4-inch-long strips.
- For crispy exterior, prepare two bowls: In the first bowl, add the beaten egg. In the second bowl, combine paprika, salt, black pepper, onion powder, dried herbs, garlic, almond flour, and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Dip each zucchini fry lightly into the beaten egg wash, ensuring it is coated on all sides. Be patient, it may not stick instantly and you'll have to slowly roll the zucchini a couple of times more in the breading.
- Roll the egg-coated zucchini fry in the almond flour-seasoning mixture until it is fully coated with the flavorful blend. Place fries on a large cutting board or plate, continuing the process until all the zucchini fries are coated.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
- Transfer the coated zucchini fries into preheated air fryer basket. To prolong your equipment you can use air fryer basket liners. Arrange them in a single layer with at least half an inch of space between each fry. This allows proper air circulation and helps the fries become crispy.
- Air fry zucchini for 10-12 minutes or until they turn golden brown and develop a crisp exterior. I didn't have to flip the fries over while roasting.
- The exact cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model and the thickness of the zucchini fries.
- Once everything cooked, carefully remove the zucchini fries from the air fryer and serve them hot as a delicious and healthy keto-friendly snack or side dish. Enjoy with dipping sauces!
NOTES
- Depending on your air fryer you may need to make 1-2 batches of this recipe. Keep the first batch warm in the preheated oven while you continue with the rest!
- How do you keep fried zucchini from getting soggy?
- Avoid overcrowding. Ensure your air fryer isn't too packed with zucchini. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of crisping. Allow enough space between the fries for proper air circulation.
- Let the fries cool. After cooking, resist stacking the zucchini fries immediately. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving. This will prevent the heat from making them soggy, preserving their delightful crunch.
- Eat them fresh out of the air fryer!
- Zucchini - When selecting zucchini for this recipe, opt for firm and heavy ones without any blemishes or bruises. There's no need to peel the zucchini; simply cut it into bite-size pieces or sticks for the fries. Additionally, you can get creative and make a fried veggie medley by including small cauliflower or broccoli florets with the zucchini.
- I like small to medium zucchinis, larger ones have more moisture in them.
- Blanched Almond Flour - You can either make homemade or get a package from the store. Almond meal can be used as well but I prefer flour for it's fine texture.
- Garlic - Adds a nice flavor and pairs well with zucchini. Feel free to double garlic if you love the flavor. Alternatively, garlic powder can be used as well.
- To avoid a messy and clumpy breading process, I use two separate bowls for the breading. And I use one hand for the egg bowl, and the other hand for the dry breading. This way, I don't touch the breading with my wet hand, which prevents it from becoming clumpy. Avoid using both hands for everything, as it may cause the breading not to stick properly.
ADD YOUR OWN PRIVATE NOTES
NUTRITION
Note: Nutrition information is estimated and varies based on the products used.
Full Nutrition Disclaimer can be found here.
Julia | The Yummy Bowl
Enjoy perfectly crispy air fryer zucchini fries!