![- 2 medium zucchinis - 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred for extra crunch) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1 large egg - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese for topping - Spiralizer or vegetable peeler - Colander - Mixing bowls - Air fryer To create air fryer curly zucchini fries, you need fresh and crisp ingredients. Start with medium zucchinis. They hold their shape well and have a nice flavor. For the crunch, use panko breadcrumbs. They give that extra crisp you want. The spices are key. Garlic powder adds depth, while onion powder gives a sweet touch. Smoked paprika brings a warm flavor. Salt and pepper enhance all the tastes. You can also add a large egg to help the breading stick better. A tablespoon of olive oil adds richness and flavor. Finally, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for color. If you love cheese, a light dusting of grated Parmesan is a tasty option. Gather these tools: a spiralizer or vegetable peeler to cut the zucchini, a colander to drain moisture, mixing bowls for your ingredients, and of course, your air fryer to cook everything evenly. With these items ready, you're set to make a delightful snack! For the full recipe, check out the details provided in the earlier section. - Spiralizing the zucchinis: Start by washing your zucchinis well. Use a spiralizer or a vegetable peeler to create curly shapes. If you use a peeler, make long strips. Twist them into curls for a fun look. This shape helps the fries cook evenly and get crispy. - Draining excess moisture: Place the curly zucchini in a colander. Sprinkle them lightly with salt. Let them sit for about 15 minutes. This step pulls out extra moisture. Pat them dry with paper towels. When less water is left, the fries will crisp up better in the air fryer. - Mixing the breadcrumb seasoning: Grab a bowl and combine 1 cup of breadcrumbs with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix it well. This mix gives the fries a burst of flavor. Panko breadcrumbs work best for extra crunch. - Coating the zucchini properly: In another bowl, beat one egg and mix it with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Dip each curly zucchini piece into the egg mix. Then, coat it well in the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure every piece is covered. This helps the seasoning stick and adds a tasty crunch. - Preheating the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This takes about 3 to 5 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking and crispy fries. - Cooking the zucchini fries: Place the coated zucchini fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook them at 400°F (200°C) for 10 to 12 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through to cook them evenly. When they turn golden and crispy, they are ready to enjoy. For the full recipe, check out the details above. To get crispy curly zucchini fries, you must drain moisture. Zucchini holds a lot of water. After you spiralize, sprinkle salt on the curls. Let them sit in a colander for 15 minutes. This process removes excess water. After that, pat them dry with paper towels. Using panko breadcrumbs is key for crunch. They are lighter and create a crispier texture. Mix them with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. This mix enhances the flavor and adds extra crunch. Spices and herbs boost the taste of your fries. Try adding Italian seasoning or a pinch of cayenne for heat. You can also mix in fresh herbs like basil or thyme. These additions make your fries unique. Dipping sauces can take your fries to the next level. I love ranch or garlic aioli with these fries. You can also serve them with marinara sauce. This adds a fun twist to the snack. Air fryers can vary in cooking times. Check your model's manual for specific times. Start with 10 to 12 minutes at 400°F (200°C). If they need more time, add a minute or two. If you want to make more fries, cook them in batches. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer. This way, every fry gets crispy and golden. You’ll enjoy a perfect snack every time. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. {{image_2}} You can change up the flavor of your curly zucchini fries easily. Here are two fun ideas: - Italian Herb Blend: Mix dried oregano, basil, and thyme into your breadcrumbs. This adds a classic Italian taste that goes great with marinara sauce. - Spicy Cajun Twist: Add cayenne pepper and paprika to the mix. This blend gives a spicy kick, making your fries exciting and bold. You can prepare zucchini in different ways: - Baking vs. Air Frying: Air frying gives you crispy fries with less oil. Baking can take longer and may not get as crisp. If you want a healthier option, air fry your zucchini. - Using Other Vegetables: Try sweet potatoes or carrots. They also make great curly fries. Just adjust the cooking time based on the vegetable's thickness. You can easily modify the recipe to suit your needs: - Gluten-Free Alternatives: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs. They work well to keep your fries crisp and tasty without gluten. - Vegan Options: Skip the egg and use a flaxseed mixture instead. Combine 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let it sit to thicken before using it to coat the zucchini. For the full recipe, check out the Air Fryer Curly Zucchini Fries 🥒. To keep your curly zucchini fries fresh, store them in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container. This helps prevent them from drying out or getting soggy. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to save them longer, consider freezing. Lay the fries on a baking sheet in a single layer first. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. This way, they won’t stick together. You can freeze them for up to three months. The best way to reheat your curly zucchini fries is in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the fries in the basket and cook for about 5 minutes. This method helps them regain their crispy texture. You can also use the oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the fries on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes. Flip them halfway to ensure even heating. In the fridge, curly zucchini fries last about three days. If they sit longer, check for spoilage. Signs of spoilage include a slimy texture or an off smell. If you see or smell anything strange, throw them away for safety. For frozen fries, they can last up to three months. After that, they may lose flavor and texture. Always label your freezer bags with the date to keep track. Yes, you can use regular zucchini. Simply slice it into thin strips or rounds. Curly zucchini adds fun shapes, but regular zucchini tastes just as good. For a gluten-free option, use almond flour or crushed nuts. You can also coat zucchini in a mix of eggs and spices. This method gives flavor without the crunch of breadcrumbs. Serve them hot, right from the air fryer. They taste best with a sprinkle of salt and fresh herbs. Add grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. Yes, you can make them in advance. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes until crispy again. Zucchini fries pair well with ranch, marinara, or garlic aioli. You can even try spicy ketchup for a kick. Experiment with your favorite sauces for a fun twist. For the full recipe, check the recipe section above. You learned how to make crispy zucchini fries. We covered the ingredients, tools, and easy steps. With tips, variations, and storage info, you can enjoy different flavors. Feel free to adjust seasonings and try other veggies. These zucchini fries are simple and quick to make in the air fryer. Enjoy them fresh or as leftovers. Whatever option you choose, they will taste great! Happy cooking!](https://grilledflavors.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/7075e1f9-011d-456c-832a-5fc643121622-300x300.webp)
Air Fryer Curly Zucchini Fries
Get ready to enjoy a healthier twist on a classic favorite with these Air Fryer Curly Zucchini Fries! Made with fresh zucchinis and a deliciously crispy breadcrumb coating, these fries are perfect for snacking or as a side dish. They're easy to make in just 30 minutes and are packed with flavor. Click through to discover the full recipe and tips for achieving that perfect crunch! Your taste buds will thank you!