Air-Fryer Courgette Fries: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

If you're looking for a healthier alternative to French fries, why not try making courgette fries in an air fryer? This cooking method brings out the freshness of the courgette while making them crispy on the outside and tender inside. They are also a great way to get your veggies in and can be served as a side dish or a snack.

How to prepare courgettes for frying

Preparing courgettes for frying is a simple process, but there are a few key steps to ensure they turn out crispy and delicious. Here's a detailed guide on how to prepare courgettes for air frying:

Step 1: Selecting and Cutting the Courgettes

Choose medium to small-sized courgettes, as they tend to have more flavour and are less watery than larger ones. Look for dark green varieties such as Dunja, Black Beauty, or Gadzukes. Cut off the top and bottom ends of the courgettes, then slice them in half lengthwise. You can also cut them into quarters if you prefer thicker fries. The key is to ensure the courgette sticks are of even size so they cook uniformly.

Step 2: Preparing the Breading Station

The breading station is a crucial component to achieving the perfect courgette fry. You'll need three separate dishes: one for the dry ingredients, one for the wet, and one for the breading.

In the first dish, combine all-purpose flour with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add other dry seasonings of your choice, such as Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or smoked paprika.

In the second dish, whisk together eggs with lemon zest until completely combined. The lemon zest adds a nice flavour boost, but you can omit it if preferred.

In the third dish, mix together breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. You can use regular breadcrumbs, panko breadcrumbs, or a combination of both. If using pre-seasoned breadcrumbs, you may want to reduce the amount of salt and pepper added to the flour mixture.

Step 3: Dipping and Coating the Courgettes

Take each courgette stick and dip it first into the flour mixture, coating it well and shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the egg mixture, ensuring it's well-coated again. Finally, dip it into the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture, making sure all sides are completely covered. Set the coated courgette stick aside and repeat this process for the remaining courgette pieces.

Step 4: Air Frying the Courgette Fries

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F/200°C. Some air fryers may not require preheating, so be sure to check your appliance's instructions. Spray the coated courgette fries with olive oil or cooking spray.

Place the courgette fries into the air fryer basket in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Cook for approximately 10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, flipping them halfway through the cooking process.

And that's it! You now have delicious, crispy courgette fries that are perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish. Serve them with your favourite dipping sauce and enjoy!

The best coatings for courgette fries

There are a few different options for coatings when making courgette fries in an air fryer. The most popular option is a combination of parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs. For the breadcrumbs, you can use regular, golden, gluten-free, rice, alternative, panko, or homemade. If you're making gluten-free courgette fries, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or even crushed cornflakes. You can also add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. For the parmesan, a block of fresh Parmigiano Reggiano or Grana Padano is best, but pre-grated will also work.

Another option is to use a mixture of almond flour and parmesan cheese, which is perfect if you're following a low-carb or keto diet. If you're not on a low-carb diet, you can swap the almond flour for regular flour or panko breadcrumbs. You can also add smoked paprika and salt to taste.

Before coating your courgette fries, you'll need to dip them in something that will help the coating stick. You can use a beaten egg, or, for a vegan option, try aquafaba, flax egg, or a mixture of oil and water.

How to cook courgette fries in an air fryer

Ingredients

• 2 medium courgettes
• 1 large egg, beaten
• ½ cup almond flour, or panko/Italian breadcrumbs
• ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, or seasoning of choice
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder, optional
• Pinch of salt and pepper
• Oil for spraying, olive or oil of choice

Utensils

• Air fryer
• Shallow bowl(s)
• Whisk
• Plate or baking sheet
• Knife

Method

• Cut the courgettes in half and into sticks (aka fries) about 1/2 inch thick and 3-4 inches long.
• In a shallow bowl, combine the almond flour (or breadcrumbs), grated parmesan, spices and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix to combine.
• Dredge courgettes in egg and then in the almond flour mixture and place on a plate or baking sheet. Generously spray courgettes with cooking spray.
• Working in batches, place the courgette fries in a single layer in the air fryer.
• Cook for 7-10 minutes at 400°F (200°C), or until crispy.
• Season to taste and serve.

Tips

• For a fuller coating, use egg, beat a large egg and dip the courgette fries before coating them.
• For extra flavour, add seasoning to the flour mixture and the breadcrumbs.
• Pat the courgettes dry before coating them to ensure they are crispy.
• To store, place in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days, or freeze for up to three months.

Serving suggestions

• Ranch dressing
• Lemon tarragon aioli
• Ketchup
• Marinara sauce

How to store courgette fries

While courgette fries are best enjoyed fresh, there are a few ways to store them if you have leftovers or are preparing them in advance.

Refrigeration

If you plan on eating your courgette fries within a few days, it is best to store them in the refrigerator. To do this, first ensure that the fries are completely cool. Then, place them in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days.

It is important to note that courgettes can absorb odours from other foods, so be sure to store them away from strong-smelling items. Additionally, make sure that the fries are completely dry before storing them, as excess moisture can cause them to rot or wilt.

Freezing

If you don't plan on eating your courgette fries within a few days, you can freeze them. To do this, first wash and dry the fries. Then, chop them into your desired size and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing, and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.

To thaw frozen courgette fries, simply transfer them to the refrigerator overnight and then reheat them in your air fryer or oven until heated through.

What to serve with courgette fries

Courgette fries are a delicious, healthy alternative to regular potato fries and can be served as a snack, side dish, or starter. They are light, crunchy, and healthy, making them a favourite among many. Here are some ideas on what to serve with them:

Dips

Courgette fries go well with a variety of dips. You can serve them with a rich and creamy dipping sauce, such as a quick homemade dip made by mixing fat-free Greek yoghurt with herbs (dill, parsley, and chives work well) and a generous pinch of smoked paprika.

Other dip ideas include:

• Creamy Sriracha: made with mayo, sour cream, Greek yoghurt or ranch dressing, sriracha, and lemon or lime juice
• Avocado Cilantro: made with avocado, sour cream or Greek yoghurt, water, cilantro, garlic, and lemon juice
• Creamy Chipotle: made with mayo, sour cream or Greek yoghurt, lime juice, smoked paprika, chipotle powder, chilli powder, and salt
• Garlic Aioli: made with mayo, crushed garlic, lemon juice, cayenne, and salt
• Fry Sauce: made with mayo, ketchup, pickle juice, lime juice or vinegar, and garlic powder
• Yum Yum Sauce
• Marinara
• Garlic Aioli
• Ranch dressing

Appetizers and Sides

Courgette fries also pair well with other appetizers and side dishes. Here are some ideas:

• Mozzarella sticks
• Coconut shrimp
• Buffalo cauliflower wings
• Chicken lollipops
• Blooming onion
• Guacamole
• Potato rosti
• Cauliflower steaks
• Crispy chicken wings
• Garden salad
• Cheese dip
• Shrimp skewers
• Mushroom risotto
• Spinach artichoke dip
• BBQ ribs
• Burgers

Mains

As a side dish, courgette fries can accompany a variety of mains, such as:

• Steak
• Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
• Air Fryer Fried Chicken
• Air Fryer Shrimp Po Boy
• Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
• Air Fryer Tofu
• Air Fryer Apple Chips
• Air Fryer Tortilla Chips
• Air Fryer Fried Pickles
• Air Fryer Slow Roasted Tomatoes
• Air Fryer Foil Pack Zucchini And Shrimp

Frequently asked questions