Why Make This Recipe
Let’s face it: healthy snacking can sometimes feel like a sad affair. Enter Low Calorie Air Fryer Zucchini Fries! These little beauties let you indulge your cravings without the guilt. They’re crispy, satisfying, and oh-so flavorful. You can enjoy them as a snack, appetizer, or even a side dish. Plus, they’re made with just a few simple ingredients, making them a winner in my book. 🍽️
How to Make Low Calorie Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
Making these zucchini fries is super easy and fun! With the air fryer doing most of the work, you can whip them up in no time. Plus, you get that delicious crunch without all the oil and calories that typically come with frying. Here’s how to do it!
Ingredients:
For the Zucchini Fries:
- ✅ 2-3 fresh zucchinis
- ✅ 1-2 tbsp olive oil or cooking spray
- ✅ Salt and pepper (to taste)
- ✅ Optional: 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese
For Coating Options (choose one):
- ✅ Garlic Parmesan: Garlic powder, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs
- ✅ Spicy: Chili powder, paprika, salt
- ✅ Herby: Dried herbs like thyme or rosemary
Directions:
1️⃣ Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This helps achieve that perfect crispy texture.
2️⃣ Prepare the Zucchini
Wash and dry those zucchinis like they’re going to a spa day. Slice them into long, thin strips for fries or rounds for chips—your choice!
3️⃣ Remove Moisture
Sprinkle the zucchini slices with salt and let them sit for 10-15 minutes. This helps draw out moisture, making those fries crispier. Pat them dry with paper towels afterward. No soggy fries here!
4️⃣ Season and Coat
Toss those zucchini strips in olive oil or spray lightly with cooking spray. Season them well with your preferred spices or coating mix. Get creative here; the sky’s the limit!
5️⃣ Cook in the Air Fryer
Arrange the zucchini in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. You’re looking for that golden, crispy goodness!
6️⃣ Serve and Enjoy
Remove from the air fryer and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce. Seriously, don’t skip the dipping sauce. It’s a game-changer! 😋
How to Serve Low Calorie Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
These zucchini fries are super versatile! Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces, like marinara, ranch, or even a spicy mayo. Feeling fancy? Pair them with some homemade herb yogurt dip. Either way, you can’t go wrong!
How to Store Low Calorie Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store any uneaten fries in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for about 2-3 days. To reheat, pop them back into the air fryer for a few minutes to regain that crispy texture. Nobody likes sad, soggy fries—am I right?
Tips to Make Low Calorie Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Give those fries room to breathe for better crispiness.
- Experiment with different coatings! Mix it up with spices you love.
- Use medium-sized zucchinis for the best fry shape. Too small and they’ll turn mushy; too big and they’ll lose their crisp.
Variation
Feeling adventurous? Try adding parmesan cheese to your coating for that extra cheesy, savory experience. Or switch things up with a sweet and spicy chili lime flavor by adding lime zest and chili powder. 🌶️🍋
FAQs
Can I use frozen zucchini for this recipe?
While fresh zucchinis are the best for that crunch factor, you can use frozen ones if you thaw and drain them well. Just don’t blame me if they don’t turn out quite as crispy!
How do I prevent the zucchini fries from becoming soggy?
The key is a good pat down after salting and letting them sit. This removes extra moisture. Also, a hot air fryer helps!
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
No worries! You can bake these in a regular oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 20-25 minutes. Just flip them halfway through. They’ll still be tasty, but without that air fryer magic!
So, there you have it! Grab your zucchinis, fire up that air fryer, and enjoy a crispy, guilt-free snack. 😄
Low Calorie Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
Ingredients
For the Zucchini Fries
- 2-3 pieces fresh zucchinis
- 1-2 tbsp olive oil or cooking spray
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese optional
For Coating Options (choose one)
- Garlic powder, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs for Garlic Parmesan coating
- Chili powder, paprika, salt for Spicy coating
- Dried herbs like thyme or rosemary for Herby coating
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
- Wash and dry the zucchinis. Slice them into long, thin strips for fries or rounds for chips.
- Sprinkle the zucchini slices with salt and let them sit for 10-15 minutes to draw out moisture. Pat them dry with paper towels.
- Toss the zucchini strips in olive oil or spray lightly with cooking spray. Season with your preferred spices or coating mix.
Cooking
- Arrange the zucchini in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Serving
- Remove from the air fryer and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
Printable Recipe Card
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