If you’re craving something crispy, golden, and guilt-free, you must try these vegan air fried zucchini fries recipe! I love making these when I want that satisfying crunch without the extra oil of deep frying. With air frying, they come out perfectly crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and full of flavor.
Once you try these, you won’t want to stop! You can enjoy this vegan air fried zucchini recipe as a snack or appetizer or just enjoy vegetables in a new way. An air fryer, a few simple ingredients, and 15 minutes are all you need to make the best vegan fried zucchini ever. Come on, let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love Vegan Air Fried Zucchini Fries Recipe
There’s no question these crispy, golden fries are delicious. They’re the best! Here are some reasons you should make this vegan air fried zucchini fries recipe.
1. Healthy Without Sacrificing Crunch
Despite their deliciousness, traditional fries aren’t exactly the healthiest choice. That’s where these zucchini fries shine! Zucchini is low in calories and rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Besides, air frying uses way less oil than deep frying, so you still get that crispy, golden texture.
2. Super Easy to Make
Slice, coat, and air fry without complicated steps or fancy ingredients! Whether you’re a novice cook or a kitchen pro, this vegan air fried zucchini recipe is foolproof. In less than 20 minutes, you’ll have a plate of crispy fries ready to enjoy. This is the perfect solution when you need something quick, homemade, and satisfying.
3. Perfect for Dipping
It’s no secret that half the fun of fries is the dipping, isn’t it? These vegan fried zucchini fries pair beautifully with all kinds of sauces. The possibilities are endless, whether you like classic marinara, creamy vegan ranch, or spicy sriracha mayo. Try them with a homemade garlic aioli for a next-level taste!
4. A Crowd-Pleasing Snack
Are your friends coming over? Need a fun side dish for dinner? These zucchini fries are a guaranteed hit. They’re crispy, flavorful, and shareable. Even picky eaters won’t be able to resist! Whether you make them for yourself or serve them at a party, everyone asks, “Can I have the recipe?”
5. Completely Guilt-Free
We all experience snack cravings at some point. With this vegan air fry recipe, you can enjoy these fries guilt-free instead of reaching for greasy fast food. Enjoy crispy, savory zucchini fries while keeping them light and healthy. I promise your taste buds (and your body) will thank you!
Ingredients You’ll Need for Vegan Air Fried Zucchini Recipe
Now that you’re excited to make these crispy zucchini fries, let’s see what you need. Don’t worry—it’s all super simple- no fancy ingredients! Most of these are probably already in your kitchen.
- 2 medium zucchinis – The centerpiece of the dish! Zucchini is light, crunchy, and full of flavor. Plus, it’s an excellent base for a healthier fry.
- 1 cup almond flour (or breadcrumbs) – This is your coating to give the fries that satisfying crunch. Using almond flour is gluten-free, but if you’re not worried about that, you can use breadcrumbs for a crispy finish.
- 1 tbsp garlic powder – Adds a savory, mouthwatering flavor. If you’re a garlic lover like me, feel free to add a bit more!
- 1 tsp onion powder – Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the garlic. Trust me, these two work wonders together.
- Salt and pepper – Add according to taste. You know how it goes-season to taste, but don’t skip this step!
- Vegan parmesan cheese (optional) – If you’re craving that cheesy kick, this is your go-to! You can find vegan parmesan at most grocery stores or make your own if you’re adventurous.
- Olive oil spray – A quick spritz to ensure those fries get golden and crispy. You only need a tiny bit for the perfect texture!
How to Make Vegan Air Fried Zucchini Fries
Now that we’ve got everything ready let’s start cooking! I’ve broken this down step-by-step to make it as simple as possible. You’ll have crispy, golden zucchini fries prepared in no time. Let’s dive in!
Step 1: Prep the Zucchini
Start by washing your zucchinis and cutting off the ends. Now, slice them into thin fries. Try to cut them into uniform pieces that are 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick so that they will cook evenly. Don’t stress too much about perfecting them—keep them similar in size. The goal is crispy, not perfect!
Step 2: Prepare the Coating
In a shallow bowl, mix together almond flour (or breadcrumbs), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. If you’re using vegan parmesan, add that as well. This mix will give your fries that irresistible crunch and flavor!
Step 3: Coat the Zucchini Fries
It’s time to coat the zucchini fries! Coat each zucchini piece evenly in the flour/seasoning mixture. I like giving them a gentle press to ensure the coating sticks.
You can even double-coat them for extra crunch. After the first layer, simply dip them back into the coating. Once they’re all coated, place them on a plate or tray. You’re almost there!
Step 4: Air Fry the Fries
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. While the fryer is warming up, lightly spray them with olive oil to make them crispy.
Place the zucchini fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer. If you need to cook in batches, that’s fine! Just don’t overcrowd them! Air frying works best when the fries have a little space to breathe.
Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure the fries are evenly cooked. Keep an eye on them as they approach the 15-minute mark. You want them golden and crispy but not overcooked.
Step 5: Check for Crispiness
The key to perfect zucchini fries is getting that crispy texture. They’re ready when they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside! If you want them even crispier, pop them back in for a few more minutes. You’re ready to enjoy your air fried zucchini fries!
Tips for Perfect Zucchini Fries Every Time
Do you want to ensure your vegan air fried zucchini fries recipe are always crispy and delicious? I’ve got you covered! Here are a few tips to help you master this recipe:
1. Don’t Skip the Drying Step
Zucchini has a high water content, and you don’t want soggy fries! After you slice your zucchini, pat them dry with a paper towel. The air fryer gets crispier because the coating sticks better with less moisture.
2. Make Sure They’re Evenly Coated
The key to that crispy texture is a good, even coating. Press each zucchini piece into the flour/seasoning mixture and coat it well. After the first layer, dip them back into the flour mixture if you want extra crunch.
3. Space Them Out in the Air Fryer
If you leave some space between each fry in the air fryer basket, you’ll get crispier fries. Overcrowding the basket can lead to uneven cooking. If you need to cook in batches, don’t worry—it’s worth the extra effort for that perfect crunch!
4. Flip or Shake Halfway Through
Zucchini fries are thin and delicate, so to ensure they cook evenly, shake the basket or flip them halfway through cooking. This ensures they get golden brown and crispy on all sides.
5. Experiment with Seasonings
Zucchini is like a blank canvas, so feel free to get creative with the seasonings. Want a smoky flavor? Add some smoked paprika. Craving something a little spicier? Toss in some cayenne pepper or chili powder. Play around with different flavors to find your perfect combination!
Serving Suggestions for Your Vegan Air Fried Zucchini Fries
Having made your crispy zucchini fries, let’s talk about serving them. You can enjoy these little bites of deliciousness in so many ways. You can make these fries even more fun by serving them with these ideas:
1. As a Side Dish
Zucchini fries make the perfect side dish for almost any meal. Pair them with a vegan burger or a hearty veggie wrap for a complete meal. Add them to your salad bowl for a crispy crunch that takes your greens to the next level.
2. Serve with a Fun Dip Trio
Why settle for one dip when you can have three? Set up a dipping station with various sauces, like the creamy vegan ranch, spicy ketchup, and garlic aioli I mentioned earlier. For parties or family dinners, everyone can pick their favorite dip. Trust me, it adds a fun element to the meal!
3. Snack Time with a Twist
Need a quick and satisfying snack? Zucchini fries are the way to go! Put them in a fruit smoothie or dip them in vegan yogurt for the perfect balance of salty and sweet. It’s the ideal snack for craving something crispy but don’t want to go overboard.
4. Make a Zucchini Fries Salad
Try making a zucchini fries salad for something a little different. After air-frying zucchini fries, toss them with leafy greens, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and a light dressing. The crispy fries add a fun texture to the salad, making it feel like a real treat!
5. Serve with a Protein
Serve these fries with a vegan protein like tofu, chickpea nuggets, or tempeh if you want a full meal. Thanks to the protein, you’ve got a hearty, delicious meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
Read More: Cheesy Garlic Zucchini Steaks Recipe
Conclusion
Crispy, tasty, and vegan air fried zucchini fries that are as healthy as they are delicious! With simple ingredients, easy steps, and endless ways to serve them, this recipe can be served for any meal or snack. So, grab your zucchini, fire up that air fryer, and get ready to enjoy a crispy bite of heaven. You’re going to love these fries—trust me!
Vegan Air Fried Zucchini Fries
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchinis
- 1 cup almond flour or breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil optional
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast optional, for extra cheesy flavor
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Slice zucchini into fries, and pat dry with paper towels.
- In a bowl, mix almond flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Coat zucchini pieces in the flour mixture, ensuring an even layer.
- Arrange zucchini fries in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded.
- Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve with your favorite vegan dipping sauce. Enjoy!
