Air-Fried Avocado: Quick, Crunchy, And Healthy!

Avocado fries are a delicious snack that can be made in an air fryer. They are crispy and crunchy on the outside and soft and creamy on the inside. The perfect combination of textures and truly addicting! Avocado fries are also very versatile and can be served with a variety of dips or stuffed with different fillings. The best part? They are super easy to make and only require a few simple ingredients. So, if you're looking for a tasty and unique way to enjoy avocados, making fried avocado in an air fryer is definitely the way to go!

Choosing the right avocado

Start by checking the colour of the avocado's skin. Ripe avocados will typically have skin that is dark green to nearly black. If you are looking for avocados that will be ready to eat in a day or two, choose ones with dark green and black speckled skin and a slightly bumpy texture. If you need avocados that will take a few days to ripen, go for the brighter green ones, which will take longer to soften.

Feel the avocado to determine its firmness. It should yield to gentle pressure but should not feel mushy. A good avocado for air frying will be slightly soft, but still firm enough to hold its shape. Remember, if it's too soft, it will be challenging to coat it with breadcrumbs, and it may turn mushy after frying.

When comparing a group of avocados, look for any that are darker in colour than the others, as these are likely to be riper. Also, check the avocado's skin for any large indentations, which could indicate that the fruit has been bruised.

Another tip is to check the weight of the avocado. Heavier avocados often indicate a higher quality of flesh. Lighter avocados may be dried out or rotten inside.

Finally, inspect the stem of the avocado. The little "hat" on top of the avocado, where the stem attaches, is crucial for slow and steady ripening. If the stem is firmly intact, your avocado may need more time to ripen fully. If it's looser, your avocado is likely closer to being ready to eat.

Preparing the dredging station

Firstly, you'll need three shallow bowls or dishes to contain the dry and wet ingredients for dredging. In the first bowl, combine the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, and spices such as chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, and salt. Mix these ingredients well to ensure they are evenly distributed. You can adjust the amount of each spice according to your taste preferences.

The second bowl will be for the wet ingredient: the egg. Beat the egg until it becomes frothy. You can use a fork or a small whisk to beat the egg. If you prefer, you can also add a small amount of water to the egg to create an egg wash, which will help the coating adhere better to the avocado slices.

Finally, the third bowl will hold the panko breadcrumbs. Panko breadcrumbs are crucial to achieving that light and crispy texture on your avocado fries. They are larger in size and lighter than regular breadcrumbs, giving a crunchier texture. If you have any dietary restrictions, you can opt for gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.

Once your dredging station is set up, you can start the dredging process by coating the avocado slices in the flour mixture, then dipping them in the egg, and finally coating them evenly with the panko breadcrumbs. Make sure to gently press the panko onto the avocado slices to ensure an even coating. Repeat this process for all the avocado slices, and you'll be one step closer to enjoying your delicious air-fried avocados!

Dredging the avocado slices

Firstly, prepare your dredging station by setting up three shallow bowls or dishes. In the first bowl, mix together all-purpose flour with your desired seasonings. For a simple option, you can use just salt and pepper, but feel free to experiment with other spices such as chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, or even everything bagel seasoning. Give the ingredients a good stir to ensure they are well combined.

The second bowl will contain the wet mixture. Beat an egg until frothy and add a little water if needed. You can also use milk or cream as an alternative if you have an egg allergy.

The third bowl will hold the crispy coating. For the best results, use panko breadcrumbs as they are light, airy, and create an incredibly crispy texture. If you prefer a gluten-free option, simply use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs instead.

Now, it's time to start dredging! Take an avocado slice and coat it lightly with the flour mixture, making sure to shake off any excess. This step helps the wet mixture and breadcrumbs adhere better to the avocado.

Next, dip the floured avocado slice into the egg mixture, ensuring it is well coated. Allow any excess egg to drip off before moving on to the final step.

Finally, press the avocado slice into the panko breadcrumbs, making sure both sides are evenly coated. Gently press the breadcrumbs onto the avocado to ensure they stick properly. Repeat this entire process for each avocado slice.

Once all your avocado slices are dredged, they are ready to be placed into the air fryer and cooked to crispy perfection!

Cooking the avocado fries

Now that you have your avocado slices, it's time to cook them to perfection! Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Prepare your air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, which is typically around 375-400°F. Don't forget to spray the air fryer basket with a little non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
• Coat the avocado slices: Set up a dredging or breading station with separate bowls of flour, beaten egg, and panko breadcrumbs. You can also add spices to the flour for extra flavour. Dip each avocado slice first in the flour, shaking off the excess, then coat it with the egg, and finally press it into the breadcrumbs until both sides are covered. Repeat this process for all the slices.
• Add some crunch: For an even crispier texture, you can spritz the coated avocado slices with avocado oil, olive oil, or cooking spray. This step is optional but will give your fries that extra crunch.
• Arrange in the air fryer: Place the avocado fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they have some space between them. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding.
• Cook the fries: Air fry the avocado slices for about 7-8 minutes at the preheated temperature, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. Keep an eye on them, as the exact cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer. The fries are done when they turn golden brown and crispy.
• Serve and enjoy: Once cooked, remove the avocado fries from the air fryer and allow them to cool down briefly before serving. These fries are best enjoyed fresh, as they tend to lose their crispiness over time. Serve them with your favourite dipping sauce, such as spicy mayo, ranch, or a simple squeeze of lime juice.

Serving suggestions

Air-fried avocado is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Dips and Sauces

Avocado fries are a perfect snack on their own, but they go exceptionally well with dips and sauces. Try serving them with a spicy mayo dip, made by mixing mayonnaise with hot sauce and a squeeze of lime juice, or a creamy ranch or chipotle aioli sauce. If you're looking for something simpler, a sprinkle of coarse salt and a squeeze of lime juice can also do the trick. For a healthier option, serve the avocado fries with a dip made from Greek yogurt, light mayonnaise, fresh lime juice, and lime chili seasoning salt.

As a Side

These avocado fries can be a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional French fries. Serve them as a side dish with a juicy smash burger or some chicken tinga tacos for a tasty and satisfying meal. They also go well with ranch, so consider serving them with a simple spicy ranch dip or a garlicky aioli.

In a Salad

Add a warm, crispy element to your salad by serving these air-fried avocados on top. They will elevate your everyday salad to restaurant levels!

Stuffed Avocados

Slice the avocado into halves and stuff them with different kinds of tasty fillings. Try tuna salad, chicken salad, pulled pork or pulled chicken, scrambled eggs, or cheese. You can even air fry the stuffed avocados for a few extra minutes to melt the cheese.

Avocado Tacos

Cut your avocado into slices to make avocado tacos. Drizzle or dip them in a cilantro lime crema for added flavor.

Frequently asked questions