Golden and crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside — these air fryer zucchini fries are the ultimate guilt-free snack or side. Paired with a punchy garlic aioli, they’re impossible to resist.
🕒 Quick Look
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: ~25 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty: Easy
Diet: Vegetarian
🛒 Ingredients
For the Zucchini Fries:
2 medium zucchini
⅓ cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more for finishing)
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 large eggs
½ cup plain bread crumbs
½ cup panko bread crumbs
⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Cooking oil spray (for air fryer)
For the Garlic Aioli:
4–5 garlic cloves, minced
1–2 tablespoons fresh lemon or lime juice
½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
⅔ cup mayonnaise
Kosher salt & black pepper, to taste
🔪 Tools You’ll Need
Air fryer
3 shallow bowls
Knife & cutting board
Mixing bowl (for aioli)
Whisk
Tongs or spatula
👨🍳 Instructions
1. Prep the Zucchini
Slice each zucchini into fries about 3 inches long and ½ inch thick. Pat dry if they feel wet.
2. Set Up Breading Stations
Bowl 1: Mix flour, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Bowl 2: Lightly beat the eggs.
Bowl 3: Combine breadcrumbs, panko, and Parmesan.
3. Bread the Fries
Dredge each zucchini piece in flour, then dip into the egg (let excess drip off), and roll in the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated. Place on a plate.
4. Air Fry
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Spray the basket with oil.
Arrange zucchini fries in a single layer, working in batches.
Spray the tops of the fries lightly with oil.
Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
Sprinkle with extra kosher salt while warm.
5. Make the Garlic Aioli
Mix garlic, lemon/lime juice, and Dijon in a bowl. Let it rest for 10–15 minutes (mellows the garlic).
Whisk in mayo until smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
6. Serve & Enjoy
Serve your crispy zucchini fries hot with a generous dollop of garlic aioli on the side.
💡 Pro Tips
Crispier texture: Mix panko with regular breadcrumbs.
Flavor kick: Add a pinch of cayenne to the breadcrumb mix.
No air fryer? Bake at 425°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping once.
Make it lighter: Sub Greek yogurt for mayo in the aioli.
❤️ Why You’ll Love It
Healthier than traditional fries
Great way to use up garden zucchini
Kid-approved finger food
Ready in under 30 minutes