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Air Fryer Zucchini Fries with Garlic Aioli Recipe | Crispy Snack

I recently tried making my own version of Air Fryer Zucchini Fries with Garlic Aioli Recipe, and let me tell you—it was a total winner! Crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, and that creamy garlic aioli just took it to the next level. I even thought about pairing them with Southern Crockpot Green Beans Recipe for a wholesome veggie combo, and it sounded delicious.

I found myself sneaking them while cooking and sneaking even more once they were on the plate. If you’re looking for a fun, veggie-friendly twist on traditional fries, you’re going to love this.

Ingredients.

For the Garlic Aioli Dipping Sauce

¾ cup mayonnaise — this creates a creamy base that lets the garlic shine.
3 cloves garlic, minced — fresh garlic gives a real punch, so skip the pre-minced jar if you can.
2 tablespoons lemon juice — a little brightness balances the richness of the mayo.
¾ teaspoon salt (or to taste) — helps round out the flavours in the aioli.

For the Zucchini Fries

1 large zucchini — slice into “fries”; using fresh zucchini gives a better texture than frozen.
Salt (enough to cover fries generously) — this is used to “sweat” the zucchini, removing moisture so the breading crisps up.
1 cup panko breadcrumbs — panko gives extra crunch compared to regular breadcrumbs.
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning — adds herb flavour without extra effort.
½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese — freshly grated gives better melt and flavour than pre-grated.
½ teaspoon garlic powder — layers in more garlic flavour beyond the aioli.
1 pinch salt (to taste) — fine-tunes the breading seasoning.
1 pinch freshly ground black pepper (to taste) — adds subtle heat and depth.
2 large eggs — these help the bread stick to the zucchini fries.

Variations

If you’d like to tweak this recipe, here are some great options:

For a dairy-free version, swap the parmesan cheese for nutritional yeast — it gives a cheesy flavour without dairy.
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones.
If you’re going keto-friendly, use almond flour or crushed pork rinds in place of breadcrumbs.
Want a flavour twist? Replace Italian seasoning with Cajun or ranch seasoning for a new kick.
For extra heat, stir in a bit of smoked paprika or chili powder into the breadcrumb mix.

You can also serve these fries alongside a hearty Red Beans and Rice Recipe for a complete, comforting meal.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes (including 30 minutes for sweating the zucchini)

Equipment You Need

Air fryer — the key to getting crisp fries without deep frying.
Large mixing bowl — for tossing and coating the zucchini.
Two large bowls — one for the egg wash, one for the breadcrumb mixture.
Whisk — to beat the eggs and mix the aioli ingredients.
Sharp knife & cutting board — to cut the zucchini into uniform sticks.
Paper towels — for drying the zucchini after sweating.
Cooking spray — ensures the breading crisps properly.
Tongs — to flip the zucchini fries halfway through cooking.

How to Make Air Fryer Zucchini Fries with Garlic Aioli

Prepare the Garlic Aioli

In a small bowl, whisk the mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, and salt until smooth and creamy. Cover and refrigerate the aioli while you prepare the zucchini. Chilling allows the flavours to meld, giving you a richer, more balanced dip.

Sweat and Dry the Zucchini

Slice the zucchini into sticks about ½-inch thick and ¾-inch long. Toss them with salt in a large bowl and let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. This step helps the zucchini release excess water, so the fries turn crisp instead of soggy. Once done, blot them dry thoroughly with paper towels.

Preheat and Prepare Breading

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. In one bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth. This setup makes the coating process faster and cleaner.

Coat the Zucchini Fries

Dip each zucchini stick into the beaten eggs, letting excess drip off, then roll it in the breadcrumb mixture until well coated. Use one hand for the egg wash and one for the crumbs to prevent clumping. The double coating creates that perfect crispy texture.

Air Fry the Zucchini Fries

Spray the air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray. Arrange the breaded zucchini fries in a single layer without overcrowding. Spray a little oil on top of the fries for an even golden finish. Air fry for 10 minutes, flip with tongs, and cook for another 5 minutes until golden and crisp. Work in batches if needed.

Serve with the Aioli

Once the fries are golden, transfer them to a serving plate and bring out the chilled garlic aioli. Dip the hot, crispy zucchini fries into the creamy sauce and enjoy right away for the best crunch and flavour.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

Here are a few tricks I’ve learned after making this recipe multiple times:

Dry the zucchini well — moisture is the enemy of crispiness. Even a little water can make the coating slip off.
Don’t skip the preheat — preheating the air fryer helps the fries cook evenly and crisp faster.
Lightly spray with oil — a small spritz gives a golden, fried look without needing extra oil.
Work in small batches — overcrowding leads to soft fries because air can’t circulate properly.
Serve immediately — these fries taste best hot and fresh. If you wait too long, they’ll soften.

How to Serve Air Fryer Zucchini Fries with Garlic Aioli

Presentation makes a difference! I like to pile the fries in a shallow bowl or on a platter and place the aioli in a small dipping cup in the center. Sprinkle a little parmesan or chopped parsley on top for colour and aroma. Add lemon wedges on the side for those who like a tangy finish. These fries make a great side dish, party snack, or even a fun appetizer for game nights.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate breakdown per serving:

Calories: ~433
Protein: ~10 g
Carbohydrates: ~16 g
Fat: ~37 g

These values can vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes, but this gives a good idea of what you’re getting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing

If you have leftovers (which rarely happens!), let them cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 2–3 days.

Freezing

You can flash-freeze uncooked, breaded zucchini fries on a baking sheet, then store them in a freezer bag. When ready to cook, just air fry straight from frozen — add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.

Reheating

To reheat, place the fries back in the air fryer at 375–400°F for 3–4 minutes until warm and crisp. Avoid microwaving, as it will make them soggy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why this recipe has become one of my go-to air fryer snacks:

Simple and beginner-friendly — no complex steps or fancy ingredients required.
A healthy twist on fries — all the crunch and flavour with less oil and fewer calories.
Completely customizable — easy to adapt for gluten-free, dairy-free, or low-carb diets.
Crispy and full of flavour — the parmesan-panko crust gives the perfect texture.
Crowd-pleaser — even picky eaters love them, and they make a great appetizer for any occasion.

These Air Fryer Zucchini Fries with Garlic Aioli are crispy, garlicky, and downright addictive. They’re the perfect balance between healthy and indulgent — the kind of snack that makes you forget you’re eating vegetables. Try them once, and they’ll definitely become a regular in your air fryer rotation!

Ben Carraoli