These healthy “parmesan” air fryer zucchini fries are dangerously addicting. made in just 10 minutes, they are gluten-free, keto and can be made paleo or vegan as well.
A great low carb alternative to French fries, these air fryer zucchini fries are perfectly crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside.
You know that I love my “fried” food in my air fryer.
So I’ve been checking off the list recreating all of my favorite “fried” food like:
I’d be lying if I told you that these taste just like french fries, BUT, they are just as good.
They’re healthy, quick and easy to make, and will satisfy that salty, crunchy craving that french fries seem to cure
Even better? Zucchini fries are low-carb, gluten-free, can be made vegan or keto.
If you don’t have an air fryer don’t worry, it is super simple to bake these in the oven too. (I have you covered with both methods)
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Ingredients You Need for Healthy Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
Zucchini
Cut the zucchini in half lengthwise, then cut into thirds, and then finally cut the thirds into spears.
Your spears should be about 3” long. Try to make sure all of the zucchini spears are the same size so that they cook evenly.
Almond Flour
Great low carb, keto, gluten-free, and paleo option for coating the zucchini fries.
Parmesan Cheese
You can sub nutritional yeast for vegan or paleo options.
Use 1 1/2 – 2 tbsp of nutritional yeast to replace the parmesan cheese for dairy-free zucchini fries.
Salt and Pepper- season to taste.
Smoked Paprika- adds a rich, smoky flavor.
Garlic Powder- who doesn’t love a little touch of garlic?!
Eggs and avocado oil – for dredging
You can omit for a vegan option.
How to Make the Perfect Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
First, dredge zucchini slices in the egg mixture.
Thoroughly coat the zucchini slices in egg mixed with avocado oil
Second, mix together ingredients for flour coating.
Mix almond flour, coconut flour, parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast if using), salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic together.
Then, evenly coat zucchini slices with flour mixture.
Make sure all surfaces are coated.
Next, place zucchini slices in the air fryer basket.
Make sure to not overcrowd them. If they are too close or overlapping they won’t cook properly.
Lastly, Fry them up. Dip in some garlic aioli or ketchup.
Hea-ven.
What Makes These Air Fryer Zucchini Fries Healthy?
Using the air fryer or oven for this recipe eliminates the need for large amounts of oil that are traditionally used in deep frying methods.
This cuts back on added fat and calories making them a great light snack that you won’t have to feel guilty about.
There are no breadcrumbs required in this recipe.
Since we used almond flour these zucchini fries are low carb, gluten-free, grain-free, and keto-friendly.
This recipe can also be made paleo and vegan friendly by omitting the parmesan cheese and using nutritional yeast instead.
How to Serve Zucchini Fries
These fries are best served immediately right out of the air fryer or oven while they are hot and crispy.
You could easily serve this with your favorite ketchup or ranch dressing, but I really like to dip them in a simple and delicious homemade lemon garlic aioli (see below).
Simple Lemon Garlic Aioli:
Avocado mayo (I used Primal Kitchen’s Vegan Mayo)
Lemon juice
Garlic Powder
Salt, Pepper to taste
Mix it all together and enjoy!
I like to eat these as a snack/appetizer on their own, but you could make these to serve alongside lunch or dinner like my Paleo Italian Meatballs (Whole 30) recipe as well!
How to Store These Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
While these are best served fresh out of the oven or air fryer, you can store these zucchini fries in an airtight container in the fridge for up for 5 days.
To reheat, lightly spray the fries and air fryer basket with oil and fry at 375 F for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.
Additionally, you can microwave them but they won’t be as crispy.
FAQ and Tips for the Best Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
What can I substitute almond flour for?
If you are not following a paleo or keto diet, you can use panko breadcrumbs for this recipe.
Use the same amount of panko crumbs as you would almond flour.
Additionally, if you are using nutritional yeast instead of parmesan cheese, I highly recommend using breadcrumbs rater than almond flour to maintain the crispiness.
Can I freeze the zucchini fries?
I would not recommend freezing zucchini fries. Zucchini has high moisture content and when defrosted, the fries would become soggy.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
That’s okay! You can bake these in the oven and still have a delicious, healthy, crispy zucchini fry.
Bake them at 425 F for 20 minutes, flip once halfway.
Or if you are ready to invest in one, this is the one I love:
What’s your favorite way to eat zucchini fries? Leave a comment below!
I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR CREATIONS! YOU CAN USE “TRIED IT” ON PINTEREST OR SHARE ON INSTAGRAM BY TAGGING #SHUANGYSEATS
You may also like these other healthy veggie side dishes:
- Crispy Sweet Potato Fries
- Zucchini Mushroom Stir Fry (Gluten Free, Vegan)
- Avocado Hummus (Whole 30 Recipe)
Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchinis
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan * see notes for alternative
- 1 egg
- 2 heaping tbsp avocado oil
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 2 tbsp coconut flour
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash and dry zucchinis. Cut into strips about 3 inch long.
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together egg and avocado oil. In a separate bowl, whisk together almond flour, coconut flour, parmesan, and seasoning.
- Dredge zucchini slices in the egg mixture. Then evenly coat zucchini slices with flour mixture. Make sure all surfaces are coated.
- Next, spray the air fryer basket then place zucchini slices in it with a little bit of space in between. Make sure to not overcrowd them. If they are too close or overlapping they won’t cook properly. (I used a rack so you can cook more in one batch)
- Fry in the air fryer at 400 F for 9-10 minutes*
Notes
- If using the oven-baked method, place zucchini fries on a rack and bake at 425 F for 20 minutes. Flip once halfway through, bake until crispy and golden brown.
- For paleo option, omit parmesan. Instead, add 1 1/2 – 2 tbsp nutritional yeast to the flour mixture for the cheesy flavor.
- For a vegan option, in addition to the recipe in note 2, omit the egg. Note that the fries won’t be as crispy as the original version. Another vegan (non-paleo) option is to use 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs paired with nutritional yeast.
- Nutrition facts below are calculated based on the original recipe. It will vary with the alternatives provided in note 2 and 3.
Recommended Products
Nutrition
The Nutrition Facts above are specific to the ingredients I chose to use for this recipe, which may vary.
Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This does not result in any extra cost for you, but it does mean that I make a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
Can I use something in place of the coconut flour?
Hi Kellie- Although we haven’t tried subbing out the flour, you should be able to sub it out and use Almond Flour, or All-Purpose Flour. Let us know if you try it out 🙂
-Constance
I don’t see any nutrition facts?
Hi there,
It should be on the bottom of the recipe card. Let me know if you can’t find it, I can send them to you 🙂
Shuang