Easy Air Fryer Zucchini Fries (Gluten free, THM-FP)
The end of zucchini season is near…but you still have oodles of it and you’ve cooked it every way known to man. I give you one more recipe to try with all the zucchini: air fried zucchini fries!
This recipe was born out of desperation to use up zucchini and add another side to our supper. I was making a delicious bone in chicken recipe that uses a flour-free coating that tastes a lot like the famous “shake it up with unhealthy ingredients” chicken coating. I played off of that concept, and made these yummy zucchini fries.
These zucchini fries are healthy and easy. Basically the perfect side dish! They are full of flavor from the coating, and still crunchy on the outside yet firm on the inside from the magic of the air fryer.
Do You Have to Use an Air Fryer?
The air fryer is a very handy appliance to have in your kitchen. It took me only 7 minutes to cook up these zucchini fries with mine.
However, if you do not own one, you could try these in the oven, but with thin cut fries like these…I have bad luck burning the ends. But if you do give it a try, let me know. Maybe someone out there is better at fry making than me.
If you are shopping for air fryers, I use the Ninja Foodi with the air fryer built in. It also acts as a pressure cooker, dehydrator, and slow cooker. The links provided are my affiliate links. If you choose to shop through my link, I will receive a small commission at NO extra cost to you! Thank you!
What You Need to Make Zucchini Fries
Besides an air fryer, you only need a few simple ingredients you’re bound to have around the house.
Zucchini: I used a medium sized zucchini with minimal seeds. You could use a bigger one, but just be sure to de-seed. It will be cut into small strips, the size of a fry wedge, about 1/4 inch thickness.
For the coating, I used:
Parmesan cheese. I bought mine from Azure Standard. You can use the kind that comes from the store in the green can.
Nutritional yeast. Also, you can buy this from the grocery store, but I order mine from Trim Healthy Mama because there’s is NOT made with synthetic B vitamins.
Paprika
Salt
Pepper
How to Make Zucchini Fries
I made this recipe without using any oil to coat the zucchini. If you want to try these in the oven, you might need to use oil. But the air fryer is magical in that it doesn’t need oil to “fry”.
Therefore, this recipe is considered a fuel pull in the Trim Healthy Mama world. That means there is neither a significant source of fats or carbs. Zucchini is a non-starchy vegetable, and the lack of oil makes it low fat. Low carb and low fat makes it perfect to pair with basically anything.
First, you will cut up the zucchini into fries.
I cut the whole zucchini in half first, to give me to sections of about 3-4 inches long.
Then, I sliced the portions into fries about 1/4 inch thick.
(Preheat the air fryer. To do this, I just turned it on (empty) and let it run for 5 minutes.)
Mix up your coating blend in a bowl.
The zucchini should naturally be moist. We will just use that natural moisture, and it should hold the coating well.
One by one, coat each piece of zucchini with the parmesan mixture. Use your fingers to make sure it’s sticking!
After your zucchini is coated, place it onto your air fryer tray.
Make sure you leave room around the fries so the air circulates properly, and you get an even “fry”.
I actually had to do two batches to fit all my zucchini. This is ok. It doesn’t take long to make.
My air fryer automatically sets to 390 degrees.
After the air fryer is loaded with the zucchini, just close the lid and set for 7 minutes. Based on my air fryer being preheated, and the thickness of my zucchini…this time was perfect. If you need more time, or less, just adjust according to the doneness you prefer.
When time is up, take them out of the air fryer with tongs, and place in plate or bowl!
Enjoy!
Easy Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 zucchini cut into fry slices
- 2 tbsp parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp mineral salt
- Ground Black Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer for 5 minutes.
- Slice the zucchini into fry slices, about 1/4 inch thick, and 3-4 inches in length.
- Mix the spice blend together in a bowl.
- Coat the zucchini pieces one by one, making sure they're evenly coated.
- Place in the air fryer with space between each fry.
- Cook on 390 for 7 minutes in your air fryer.
- Check for doneness, and enjoy!
Notes
Looking for more healthy recipes?
I only post recipes that are healthy and family approved! You’ll find me making these recipes over and over again for my growing family.
Recipes that are specifically Trim Healthy Mama can also be used by anyone looking for a healthier option! Don’t let the THM title scare you. Most of my recipes are based off of whole foods and if they do contain special ingredients, I’ll have them listed!
For more recipes, see my Farm Fresh Recipes section!
