Air-Fried Avocado Fries: Quick, Crispy, Healthy Treat

Avocado fries are a delicious and healthy snack that can be made in an air fryer. They are crispy and crunchy on the outside and soft and creamy on the inside. This recipe is perfect for those who want a tasty snack without the grease of traditional French fries. Avocado fries are also a great way to use up leftover avocados. The key to making perfect avocado fries is to use slightly under-ripe avocados that are ripe but still firm to the touch. The breading station is also important, with flour, egg, and panko breadcrumbs being the key ingredients to creating a crispy coating. Avocado fries can be served with a variety of dipping sauces, such as spicy mayo, ranch, or chipotle aioli.

Choosing the right avocado

First, look for avocados that are slightly under-ripe. They should not be too firm, but also not too soft. If they are ripe enough for guacamole, they are too ripe for avocado fries. The ideal avocado will give very slightly to pressure and have a dark green to nearly black skin colour, possibly with some black speckles. It should not be mushy at all.

When selecting avocados, focus on their colour, texture, and firmness. A ripe avocado will have dark green to nearly black skin with a bumpy texture. It should yield to gentle pressure without feeling mushy or leaving indentations.

Another trick to determine avocado ripeness is the "stem test." Check the colour beneath the stem; if it is green, the avocado is most likely ripe. However, this test has a downside: removing the stem lets air into the avocado, accelerating ripening and contributing to food waste.

If you need to ripen avocados quickly, place them in a brown paper bag with another ethylene-producing fruit like a banana, apple, or kiwi. Ethylene is a gas that naturally occurs and aids in the ripening process.

On the other hand, if you want to slow down the ripening process, store your avocados in the refrigerator. However, make sure they are fully ripe before moving them from the counter to the fridge, as this will halt the ripening.

Lastly, consider buying Haas avocados, as they provide a better indication of ripeness than other varieties due to their skin characteristics.

Preparing the breading station

To prepare the breading station, you'll need three shallow bowls or dishes. In the first bowl, mix together flour, pepper, and salt. You can also add in other spices like chili powder, garlic powder, or Italian seasoning. The second bowl should contain a beaten egg, or a mixture of egg and water. For a gluten-free option, you can use milk instead of egg. The final bowl should contain panko breadcrumbs. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. You can also add grated Parmesan cheese and black pepper to the breadcrumbs for extra flavour.

Give the avocado slices a dredge in the flour mixture first, shaking off any excess. Next, dip them into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, press the slices into the panko breadcrumbs, ensuring both sides are covered. Repeat this process for all the avocado slices and place them on a plate while you prepare the rest.

Dipping the avocado slices

Firstly, prepare your dredging or breading station by organising three shallow bowls or dishes. In the first bowl, mix together flour, pepper, and salt. You can also add in spices like chili powder, garlic powder, or Italian seasoning for extra flavour. The second bowl should contain a beaten egg, or a mixture of egg and a small amount of water. You can also use cream if you have an egg allergy. The third bowl should contain panko breadcrumbs. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. You can also add grated Parmesan cheese and black pepper to the panko mixture for extra flavour.

Now you are ready to start dipping the avocado slices! Take each avocado slice and first dredge it in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Next, dip the slice into the egg, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, press the slice into the panko mixture, making sure both sides are well coated. Repeat this process for all avocado slices.

If you find that the panko breadcrumbs are not sticking well to the avocado slices, try lightly spraying the slices with cooking oil or avocado oil spray before dipping them into the panko mixture.

Once all your avocado slices are coated, they are ready to be placed into the air fryer basket and cooked until golden and crispy!

Air-frying the avocados

Air-frying avocados is a quick and easy way to make a tasty snack with minimal mess. The air fryer cooks the avocados without overcooking them, so they are crunchy on the outside and creamy on the inside.

First, preheat your air fryer to 390-400°F. Next, prepare your avocados. You'll want to use ripe but firm avocados that are not too soft. Cut them in half, remove the pits, and slice them into wedges or strips. Set up three shallow bowls for the dredging station: one with flour, pepper, and salt; one with beaten eggs; and one with panko breadcrumbs. You can also add Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumbs for extra flavour.

Now it's time to coat the avocado slices. First, dredge them in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip them into the egg, and finally, coat them with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing it onto the avocado slices to ensure they are evenly coated. Generously spray the avocado slices with cooking spray, and place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded.

Finally, air fry the avocados at 390-400°F for 5-8 minutes, turning them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy. Serve immediately with your favourite dipping sauce, such as spicy mayo, ranch, or garlicky aioli. Enjoy!

Serving suggestions

Avocado fries are a delicious snack or side dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your avocado fries:

• Dips and Sauces: Avocado fries go well with a variety of dips and sauces. You can serve them with a simple spicy ranch dip, a mix of ranch dressing and sriracha hot sauce, or a garlicky aioli. Other options include Lebanese garlic sauce, spicy mayo dip, or a creamy chipotle aioli. If you prefer something simpler, a squeeze of lime juice or a sprinkle of coarse salt can also enhance the flavour of the fries.
• As a Side: Avocado fries make a great addition to burgers or vegetarian tacos. They can be a tasty and healthy alternative to traditional French fries, offering a creamy texture and a crunchy coating.
• Appetizers and Snacks: These fries are perfect for parties, potlucks, or movie nights. They are easy to prepare and can be made in advance, making them a convenient and impressive appetizer.
• Customization: Experiment with different spices and seasonings to create your own unique flavour profile. Try adding garlic powder, red pepper flakes, cilantro, parsley, dill, za'atar, or lemon salt to the panko mixture. You can also spritz the coating with olive oil before air frying for super crispy results.
• Storage and Reheating: Avocado fries are best served fresh, but any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a day. To reheat, simply place them back in the air fryer at 360°F for 1-2 minutes to regain their crispy texture.

Frequently asked questions