Tired of the same old side dishes? Craving something crispy, healthy, and utterly delicious? Look no further! These air fryer zucchini fries are the perfect solution. They’re surprisingly easy to make, require minimal cleanup, and are a fantastic way to sneak some extra veggies into your diet. Whether you're looking for quick dinner ideas or a satisfying snack, these zucchini fries are guaranteed to become a family favorite. This easy recipe is perfect for homemade cooking enthusiasts of all levels.
Ingredients:
- 2 medium zucchini, washed and ends trimmed
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Optional: 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
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Prepare the Zucchini: Slice the zucchini into 1/4-inch thick fries. For extra crispy fries, you can pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
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Make the Coating: In a shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and optional parsley.
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Coat the Fries: Drizzle the zucchini fries with olive oil and toss to coat evenly. Then, dredge each fry in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure it adheres well.
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Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the zucchini fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they’re not overcrowded. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
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Serve: Serve your delicious air fryer zucchini fries immediately. They're fantastic on their own or as a side dish with your favorite dips like ranch dressing, marinara sauce, or aioli.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Zucchini Fries:
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket: This will prevent the fries from crisping evenly. Work in batches if necessary.
- Pat the zucchini dry: Removing excess moisture is crucial for achieving crispy fries.
- Adjust cooking time: Depending on your air fryer and the thickness of your zucchini fries, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
- Experiment with seasonings: Feel free to get creative with your seasonings! Try adding paprika, Italian seasoning, or even a little cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
Variations:
- Spicy Zucchini Fries: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy twist.
- Herb-infused Zucchini Fries: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano.
- Cheesy Zucchini Fries: Increase the amount of Parmesan cheese or add other shredded cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 100-120
- Fat: 5-7g
- Protein: 2-3g
- Carbohydrates: 15-18g
- Fiber: 2-3g
This healthy and delicious recipe for air fryer zucchini fries makes a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals. Enjoy!