Why Air Fryer?
Using an air fryer has all kinds of great benefits. I love the air fryer because it heats up food fast and gives it a nice, crisp texture similar to deep fried foods. It uses much less (if any) oil than a deep fryer which makes your foods healthier. I love cooking with the air fryer especially during the summer months because it doesn’t heat up the house and there is no need to pre-heat.
How to Make it Crispy
The trick to making zucchini crispy is spraying the breadcrumb coating with cooking spray before air frying. If you coat the zucchini with breadcrumbs but don’t spray it, the coating will clump and fall off. Spraying over the coating will allow the crumbs to “fry” and get golden brown. Otherwise it will have more of a baked taste.
Types of Air Fried Zucchini:
There isn’t just one correct way to air fry zucchini. You can cut it thick or thin before cooking. You can add breadcrumbs for a crunch or you can keep it plain. The time and temperature you cook the zucchini at will depend on how you cut it and what outcome you are looking for. Here are some ideas:
Zucchini Spears
Fried zucchini spears is my favorite way to air fry zucchini. I love how you get a crisp outer coating but also a crisp-tender core. Spears also hold up well when dipped. Air fry zucchini spears for 10-12 minutes at 375 degrees.
Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
Zucchini fries are sliced smaller than spears and the coating is more prominent. This is great for those who love their zucchini extra crispy. My kids love the zucchini fries because they taste less of the zucchini and more of the crispy coating. Air fry zucchini fries for 8-10 minutes at 400 degrees.
Breaded Zucchini Chips
You can slice breaded zucchini chips as thick or as thin as you would like. I like slicing them slightly thicker and at an angle to get a nice big chip. Air fry breaded zucchini chips for 8-10 minutes at 400 degrees. If you have thicker chips, you may need to add more time. Check after 8 minutes and continue air frying for 1-2 minutes at a time until done.
Thin Zucchini Chips
If you want zucchini chips that aren’t breaded and that look more like a tiny potato chip, you will want to cook at a much lower heat. I love this kind of zucchini chip tossed with pasta. Air fry for 8-10 minutes at 250 degrees. When you slice the zucchini chips extremely thin, they may blow around in the air fryer. If you notice this, just redistribute them each time you check on them. If you want to crisp up the zucchini, raise the heat to 350-degrees the last minute of cooking.
Seasoning and Breading the Zucchini
I prefer to season my zucchini with salt and seasonings before coating. The flavor of the coating can be minimal if you season the zucchini first. That way you don’t have a tasty coating on the outside and a bland inside. You get flavor all the way through! Season with salt, seasoning salt, BBQ seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning or any of your other favorite spices or spice blends. Then toss with butter and coat in a blend of panko bread crumbs and parmesan cheese (about 1 cup breadcrumbs to ⅓ cup parmesan). Spray with cooking spray before cooking to hold the crumbs to the zucchini.
Air Fryer Zucchini Dips
What’s fried zucchini without a good dip to go with it? Here are some of our favorite dipping sauces for fried zucchini:
Tips for Air Frying Zucchini
Always cook in a single layer – if you overlap the zucchini slices or spears in the air fryer, it will cook unevenly and may not get crispy all the way around. Air fry in batches – If you have a large amount, it is better to fry in batches rather than crowding the air fryer basket. Know your air fryer – the times and temperatures are based on my own experiences with my basket air fryer. Cooking times may vary between brands or if you are air frying in a convection oven (in this case you may need to add more time).
More Ways to Cook Zucchini
Looking for more delicious ways to cook zucchini? Check out our guide on How to Cook Zucchini (4 different methods)! Try it roasted, grilled, or sautéed!
Marinara Dipping Sauce
Homemade Ranch Dressing
Red Robin Campfire Sauce Recipe
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Make Air Fryer Zucchini
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