Air-Fried Zucchini: A Quick, Healthy Treat

Air fryers are a great way to cook zucchini, and there are several ways to do it. You can cut the zucchini into fries, chips, or sticks, or you can cook it whole. You can also add different seasonings and coatings to change up the flavor and texture.

Choosing the right zucchini

Size:

Select small to medium-sized zucchini. Larger zucchini tend to be more watery and have more seeds, which can affect the texture and taste of your fried zucchini. Smaller zucchini are ideal as they have a firmer texture and fewer seeds.

Freshness:

Look for zucchini that are firm, bright in colour, and have shiny, unblemished skin. Avoid zucchini that are overly soft, wrinkled, or have brown spots as they may be past their prime.

Firmness:

The zucchini should feel heavy for its size and be slightly firm to the touch. Avoid zucchini that are very soft or squishy, as they may be overripe or contain too much water.

Source:

If possible, opt for organic zucchini or those sourced from local farmers' markets. These zucchini are often fresher and have better flavour than those from conventional grocery stores.

Storage:

Store your zucchini properly before using them. They should be kept in the refrigerator and placed in a plastic bag or container to maintain freshness. Zucchini are highly perishable, so it's best to use them within a few days of purchase.

By following these tips, you'll be able to choose the right zucchini for making delicious fried zucchini in your air fryer!

Preparing the zucchini

Firstly, select two small to medium zucchini. You can also use one medium zucchini and cut it into quarters lengthwise. Then, cut each quarter into 3/4-inch thick slices. It is important to note that you should avoid using large zucchini as they tend to be too seedy and watery, which will result in soggy zucchini chips or fries.

Once you have cut the zucchini to the desired size, pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel. This step is crucial as zucchini has a high water content, and removing the excess moisture will help achieve crispier results.

Next, place the zucchini slices in a medium-sized bowl. Drizzle them with olive oil and toss to ensure an even coating. You can also add other seasonings to the bowl at this stage, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, or Italian seasoning. If you prefer a lighter option, you can omit the olive oil and simply coat the zucchini slices with cooking spray.

At this point, you have the option to bread the zucchini for a crispier texture. To do this, set up a breading station with three separate bowls. In the first bowl, place some all-purpose flour or almond flour. You can also add some salt and pepper to the flour for extra flavour. In the second bowl, whisk an egg. In the third bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and any additional seasonings of your choice. Now, take each zucchini slice and dip it first in the flour, then in the egg, and finally in the breadcrumb mixture. Ensure each slice is evenly coated.

Finally, place the zucchini slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving some space between each slice to allow for proper airflow. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the zucchini in batches. Lightly spray the zucchini with cooking spray or olive oil, which will help them achieve a golden colour and crispiness.

Coating the zucchini

Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini

Before coating the zucchini, it is important to prepare it properly. Wash the zucchini thoroughly and dry it with a clean kitchen or paper towel to absorb any excess moisture. This step helps ensure that the coating adheres better to the zucchini.

Step 2: Cut the Zucchini

Cutting the zucchini into the desired shape is the next step. For zucchini fries, cut the zucchini in half lengthwise, then cut each half into quarters. You can also cut the zucchini into thin slices or sticks, depending on whether you want to make chips or fries.

Step 3: Prepare the Coating Mixture

In a shallow bowl, prepare the coating mixture by combining the dry ingredients. The specific ingredients may vary depending on your preference, but common options include panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and pepper. You can also add flour to the mixture, which helps the coating adhere better to the zucchini. If using flour, you can use white whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, or almond flour for a keto-friendly option.

Step 4: Coat the Zucchini

Once you have prepared the coating mixture, it's time to coat the zucchini. Place the zucchini sticks or slices into the bowl with the coating mixture and toss or shake gently to ensure an even coating. Make sure all sides of the zucchini are well-coated. You can use tongs or a fork to turn the zucchini and ensure an even application.

Step 5: Add Cheese (Optional)

If you want to add cheese to your zucchini, this is the step to do so. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast directly over the coated zucchini. The cheese will melt and crisp up during the air-frying process, adding a delicious flavour and texture to your dish.

Step 6: Spray with Oil

For the final step, spray the coated zucchini with a light coating of olive oil or cooking spray. This step helps the zucchini crisp up and promotes even browning during air frying. Make sure to use a light hand when spraying the oil to avoid making the zucchini soggy.

Now that your zucchini is coated and ready, you can place them in the air fryer basket and cook according to your recipe instructions. Enjoy your delicious and crispy air-fried zucchini!

Air-frying the zucchini

Air-frying zucchini is a quick and easy way to make a tasty, healthy snack. It's also a great way to use up any leftover zucchini you might have. The air fryer's intense heat mimics the deep-fried veggie experience without all the oil.

First, wash and dry your zucchini. You can either slice the zucchini into sticks/fries, or cut it into bite-sized pieces/chips. For fries, cut the zucchini in half lengthwise, then cut each half into quarters. For chips, cut the zucchini into 1/4-inch rounds.

Next, prepare a simple batter by mixing together dry ingredients like flour, panko bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. You can also add an egg to the batter to help the breadcrumbs stick to the zucchini.

Now, it's time to coat the zucchini. Place the zucchini in a shallow bowl and spray or drizzle with olive oil. Then, sprinkle or shake on the dry ingredients and mix until the zucchini is evenly coated. If using a batter, dip the zucchini into the mixture until fully coated.

Preheat your air fryer to around 350-400°F. Place the zucchini in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don't overlap. If needed, work in batches to avoid overcrowding. Spray or drizzle the zucchini with a bit more olive oil.

Air fry your zucchini for 7-12 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Check on them occasionally and give the basket a shake to ensure even cooking.

Once done, remove the zucchini from the air fryer and enjoy! They are best served fresh, as they can become less crispy over time. You can also serve them with dips like marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or garlic aioli.

Some tips for crispy zucchini fries: pat the zucchini dry before coating to remove excess moisture, and don't overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure proper airflow and even cooking.

Serving the zucchini

Once you've cooked your zucchini in the air fryer, it's best to eat it straight away. This is when it will be at its crispiest and most delicious. If you're serving it as a side, here are some main course options that go well:

• Baked pork tenderloin
• Braised short ribs
• Chicken piccata
• Broiled salmon
• Garlic butter shrimp
• Grilled cod
• Instant Pot spaghetti
• Pasta primavera
• Shrimp ravioli
• Chicken and rice casserole
• Chicken bacon ranch casserole
• Spinach artichoke mac and cheese
• Grilled chicken sandwich
• Slow cooker pulled pork sandwich
• Blue cheese burger
• Cauliflower fried rice
• General Tso chicken
• Beef lo mein

If you want to dip your zucchini in something, try marinara, ranch, garlic aioli, whipped feta, or alfredo sauce.

Frequently asked questions