If you’re ready to give your veggie game a serious upgrade, look no further than these Air Fryer Curly Zucchini Fries! Crispy, golden, and curly as can be, they’re a fun—and totally irresistible—twist on traditional fries that brings out the very best in humble zucchini. All it takes is a handful of pantry staples, a spiralizer, and your trusty air fryer. It’s snack-time delight that tastes as good as it looks!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Crispy Texture: The air fryer transforms simple zucchini into delightfully crunchy fries—no deep fryer or greasy mess required.
- Spicy & Flavorful: A blend of paprika, cayenne, and garlic powder packs each curly fry with punchy, crave-worthy seasoning.
- Fun to Eat and Serve: Those irresistible zucchini spirals are a total crowd-pleaser, whether you’re feeding kids or adults.
- Healthy-ish Comfort Food: You get all the satisfaction of crispy fries, but with more veggies and less oil—win-win!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the greatest things about Air Fryer Curly Zucchini Fries is that they come together with easy-to-find ingredients—yet each one plays a key role in building bold flavor and the perfect crunch. Here’s what you need and why you’ll love each piece of the puzzle.
- 2 Spiralized Zucchinis: The star ingredient—fresh zucchini is ideal for spiralizing and gives the fries their fabulous curls.
- 1 cup flour: This creates the fries’ crispy outer shell; all-purpose flour works perfectly, or use gluten-free if needed.
- 2 tbs paprika: For that deep golden color and a subtle smokiness that makes each bite pop.
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper: Adds a gentle heat—adjust up or down depending on your spice preference!
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Boosts savory depth; a must for true fry flavor.
- 1 tsp black pepper: Freshly ground is best for a zingy, aromatic finish.
- 1 tsp salt: Essential for flavor balance—don’t skip it!
- 2 eggs: Acts as the binding “glue” to hold your flour coating in place and lock in moisture.
- Olive oil or cooking spray: Just enough to ensure extra crispness in your air fryer—not for frying, but for that perfect finish.
Variations
Don’t be afraid to get creative—there are endless ways to put your own twist on Air Fryer Curly Zucchini Fries! Whether you’re working around dietary needs or simply want to explore new flavors, here are some of my favorite variations.
- Gluten-Free Swap: Use a cup-for-cup gluten-free baking blend in place of all-purpose flour for fries everyone can enjoy.
- Panko Power: For extra crunch, swap half the flour for panko breadcrumbs and pulse them a bit finer—your fries will be shatteringly crispy!
- Cheesy Zucchini Fries: Stir a few tablespoons of finely grated parmesan into the flour mixture; it forms a delicious, savoury crust.
- Mild or Wild Spice: Skip the cayenne for a milder batch, or dial it up with even more for extra fire.
How to Make Air Fryer Curly Zucchini Fries
Step 1: Spiralize and Prep the Zucchini
Start by spiralizing your zucchinis into long, curly strands. If you don’t have a spiralizer, a julienne peeler or even thick-cut slices will work, but curls add so much visual fun! Lay the zucchini on paper towels and gently pat dry—removing excess moisture helps the fries crisp beautifully.
Step 2: Mix Your Coating and Whisk Eggs
In a large bowl, combine the flour, paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Give it a whisk so the spices are evenly distributed. In a separate, shallow bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth—this is your “glue” for the next step.
Step 3: Dredge the Zucchini
Now for the fun (and a little messy) part: Dip each zucchini spiral into the seasoned flour, then into the whisked egg, then back into the flour mixture. This double-dip approach is the secret to fries that stay crispy and golden from edge to edge.
Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Arrange the coated zucchini curls in the basket, making sure not to overcrowd (cook in batches if needed). Give them a light mist with olive oil or cooking spray—this helps them get beautifully crisp. Air fry for 10 minutes, flip, then cook for another 10 minutes, until they’re deeply golden and irresistibly crunchy.
Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Curly Zucchini Fries
- Spiralizer Success: Go for medium or large zucchinis for the best spirals—they hold their shape and texture during air frying.
- Crispy Secret: Don’t skip drying the zucchini—too much moisture means soggy fries, and we want snap, not sog!
- Batch Cooking: Give the fries a little space! Overcrowding the air fryer basket can lead to steaming instead of crisping.
- Personalize Your Spice: Adjust the heat by changing the cayenne, or toss in other seasonings (like smoked paprika or Italian herbs) to mix things up.
How to Serve Air Fryer Curly Zucchini Fries
Garnishes
A final scatter of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds a dash of color and freshness right before serving. For a cheese-lover’s twist, a light sprinkle of grated parmesan takes these fries totally over the top.
Side Dishes
Serve your Air Fryer Curly Zucchini Fries alongside grilled chicken, burgers, or a plant-based sandwich for a balanced meal. They also shine as a fun appetizer on a party platter with a variety of dipping sauces—think ranch, spicy aioli, or cool tzatziki.
Creative Ways to Present
Pile fries high in a paper cone or basket lined with parchment for that classic street-food vibe. Or, twist the curls artfully atop a platter, paired with colorful dipping sauces in small bowls—it’s a snack spread that’s as Instagram-worthy as it is delicious!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover zucchini fries (which, let’s be honest, is a rare event!), pop them into an airtight container. They’ll stay tasty in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, but for peak crispiness, enjoy them sooner rather than later.
Freezing
While freshly made Air Fryer Curly Zucchini Fries are best, you can freeze the uncooked, breaded spirals in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to cook, air fry straight from frozen—just add a few minutes to the cook time.
Reheating
To bring leftover fries back to their crispy prime, skip the microwave and use your air fryer. Just cook at 375°F for 2–3 minutes, and your Air Fryer Curly Zucchini Fries will be hot and crunchy once more.
FAQs
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Can I make Air Fryer Curly Zucchini Fries without a spiralizer?
Absolutely! While a spiralizer gives you those playful, curly fries, a julienne peeler or even simply cutting the zucchini into thin strips will still give you delicious results—they just won’t be quite as curly.
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Why are my zucchini fries soggy instead of crispy?
Sogginess usually means too much moisture—make sure to blot the zucchini well before dredging, and don’t overcrowd your air fryer (work in batches if needed). Spraying the fries lightly with oil also helps boost their crisp-factor!
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Can I use almond flour or another substitute for the coating?
Definitely! Almond flour gives a slightly nutty flavor and is a great gluten-free option for Air Fryer Curly Zucchini Fries. Just note that the texture will be a bit different (less crunchy but very tasty).
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What sauces pair best with these zucchini fries?
Think creamy ranch, spicy sriracha mayo, classic ketchup, or garlicky yogurt dips. The curly fries are a perfect canvas for dunking, so don’t be afraid to mix it up!
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you’ll give these Air Fryer Curly Zucchini Fries a try the next time you’re craving something crispy, savory, and a little bit whimsical. They’re the kind of snack that brings smiles to the table, and I’m so excited for you to fall in love with them just as much as I have. Enjoy every curly, crunchy bite!
Print
Air Fryer Curly Zucchini Fries Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 Cups 1x
- Category: Appetizer/Snack
- Method: Air Fry
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make crispy and delicious Air Fryer Curly Zucchini Fries with this easy recipe. These fries are a healthier alternative to traditional fries and are perfect as a snack or side dish.
Ingredients
Zucchini Fries:
- 2 Spiralized Zucchinis
Coating:
- 1 cup flour
- 2 tbs paprika
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
Egg Wash:
- 2 eggs
Additional:
- olive oil or cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
- Prepare Coating: In a large bowl, mix together flour and seasonings.
- Prepare Egg Wash: Whisk eggs in a separate bowl.
- Coat Zucchini: Dip spiralized zucchini in the flour mixture, then egg wash, and back in the flour.
- Cook in Air Fryer: Place the coated zucchini in the air fryer basket. Spray with oil.
- Cook: Cook for 10 minutes, then flip over and cook for an additional 10 minutes or until golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 215
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 618mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 93mg
