Crispy, golden, and a little bit spicy—Air Fryer Curly Zucchini Fries are the ultimate way to turn humble zucchini into everyone’s favorite finger food! With a light, flavorful coating and irresistibly curly shape, these fries are a playful alternative to traditional fries, made even better (and healthier!) in the air fryer.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fun and Whimsical: The curly texture of these zucchini fries turns any meal into a celebration—kids and adults alike can’t resist their playful spirals.
- Seriously Crispy Without the Grease: Thanks to the air fryer, you get that perfect crunch every time, minus the mess and heaviness of deep frying.
- Zippy, Flavor-Packed Seasoning: A bold blend of paprika, cayenne, garlic, and black pepper makes every bite sing with savory heat.
- Quick and Crowd-Pleasing: Ready in under 30 minutes and made with pantry staples—these are golden bites of joy whenever the mood strikes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Air Fryer Curly Zucchini Fries is how a few kitchen staples transform zucchini into something extraordinary! Each ingredient here isn’t just simple—it brings texture, seasoning, or that crave-able golden finish.
- 2 Spiralized Zucchinis: The star of the show! Spiralizing gives you those signature curly fries and ensures a tender-but-crispy bite.
- 1 cup flour: Creates the thin, crunchy coating—feel free to use all-purpose or swap for gluten-free if needed.
- 2 tablespoons paprika: Adds deep color and a sweet, earthy warmth that stands out.
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper: Just enough to bring a gentle heat. Adjust to your preferred spice level!
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: For that savory, lip-smacking finish that truly makes these fries stand out.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Offers a sharp, aromatic kick that balances out the other spices.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Brings every flavor into focus and enhances the natural taste of zucchini.
- 2 eggs: The eggs help the flour stick for max crunch—don’t skip them!
- Olive oil or cooking spray: A spritz before air frying creates that unforgettable crispy exterior without the oil bath.
Variations
One of the joys of Air Fryer Curly Zucchini Fries is how easy they are to make your own—swap out spices, tweak the breading, or get creative based on what’s in your pantry or what suits your cravings!
- Cheesy Upgrade: Mix a little grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast into the flour for a cheesy, umami-packed crust.
- Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute the flour with a gluten-free blend or fine cornmeal for a slightly different texture and flavor.
- Mild and Herby: Leave out the cayenne and add chopped fresh parsley or dried Italian herbs for fries with gentle, garden-fresh flavor.
- Go Vegan: Use dairy-free egg replacer or aquafaba in place of eggs—the fries will still crisp up beautifully.
How to Make Air Fryer Curly Zucchini Fries
Step 1: Spiralize and Pat Dry
Start with fresh zucchini—spiralize using a spiralizer or even a julienne peeler in a pinch! Lay out your curly zucchini on paper towels and pat them gently. This step is essential: removing excess moisture ensures truly crispy fries and keeps them from steaming in the air fryer.
Step 2: Season the Flour
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Blending your spices into the flour ahead of time means every single fry comes packed with flavor, top to bottom!
Step 3: Dredge and Double Coat
Beat the eggs in a separate shallow bowl. Working in batches, toss the curly zucchini in the flour mixture, then dip them into the beaten eggs, then back into the flour mixture for a double layer of crunchy goodness. Gently shake off any excess between each step so the coating sticks but doesn’t clump.
Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Arrange the dredged zucchini spirals in a single, even layer in the basket, giving them a little wiggle room for maximum crispy edges. Lightly spritz with olive oil or cooking spray—they’ll sizzle and turn that gorgeous golden brown. Air fry for 10 minutes, flip gently, and cook for about 10 minutes more until gloriously crisp.
Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Curly Zucchini Fries
- Best Zucchini Shape: Choose zucchini that’s firm but not too thick—medium ones spiralize most easily and hold their shape in the air fryer.
- Dry for Extra Crisp: The more moisture you remove from your spiralized zucchini before breading, the crispier they’ll get. Take an extra minute for this step!
- Don’t Crowd the Basket: Work in batches if needed—overlapping fries leads to steaming, not crisping.
- Double Dredge Delight: That second dip in the flour mixture makes a huge difference for texture—don’t skip it if you want ultra-satisfying crunch.
How to Serve Air Fryer Curly Zucchini Fries
Garnishes
Right before serving, sprinkle your fries with a little extra flaked sea salt, a dusting of smoked paprika, or a scatter of chopped fresh parsley for brightness. If cheese is your thing, a quick grating of Parmesan or vegan cheese adds even more decadence—and looks beautiful, too.
Side Dishes
Serve Air Fryer Curly Zucchini Fries with a fresh and simple side salad, a juicy grilled burger, or alongside your favorite dipping sauces (think: smoky chipotle aioli, creamy ranch, or classic ketchup). They’re fabulous as a starter or even the main event for a light meal!
Creative Ways to Present
For an extra-special touch, pile your fries in parchment-lined cups for individual servings or stack them high on a rustic cutting board for family-style snacking. You can even swirl them into “nests” for a stunning side at brunch, or serve on a platter with a ring of colorful dips in the center!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Air Fryer Curly Zucchini Fries at their best, let them cool completely before placing in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to two days—just be mindful that their original crispiness will fade but the flavor stays fantastic!
Freezing
While you can freeze cooked fries, the texture will change and they may become softer once thawed. For the best results, freeze after breading but before air frying—just arrange on a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to a month. Air fry straight from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to the cook time as needed.
Reheating
When you’re ready to reheat, pop the fries back in the air fryer at 375°F for 3–5 minutes. This brings back a surprising amount of that original crispness compared to microwaving. A quick broil in the oven works, too—just keep a close eye so they don’t overbrown!
FAQs
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Can I use yellow squash instead of zucchini?
Yes! Yellow squash works beautifully for Air Fryer Curly Zucchini Fries and brings a subtle sweetness and cheerful color. Just spiralize, pat dry, and proceed with the recipe as written.
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What can I use if I don’t have a spiralizer?
If you don’t have a spiralizer, try using a julienne peeler or even slicing the zucchini into thin planks and then into strips. The texture will be more like shoestring fries but still perfectly delicious in the air fryer!
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How do I keep my curly zucchini fries from becoming soggy?
The trick is to start with really dry zucchini and avoid overcrowding in the air fryer. Patting the spirals dry and cooking in single layers will help you achieve that satisfying crunch.
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Can I make Air Fryer Curly Zucchini Fries ahead for a party?
Absolutely! Prep and bread your fries up to a few hours ahead, then arrange in a single layer on a tray in the fridge. Right before guests arrive, pop them in the air fryer so everyone enjoys them hot and crispy.
Final Thoughts
I honestly can’t wait for you to experience Air Fryer Curly Zucchini Fries—they’re as fun to eat as they are to make! Whether you’re glazing your fingers with crispy crumbs or dipping into your favorite sauce, these golden spirals are a treat that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your curly creations!
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/Side Dish
- Method: Air Fry
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Curly Zucchini Fries are a healthier alternative to traditional fries. Perfect as a snack or side dish, these zucchini fries are easy to make and delicious to eat.
Ingredients
Zucchini Fries:
- 2 Spiralized Zucchinis
Coating:
- 1 cup flour
- 2 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
Binding:
- 2 eggs
Additional:
- olive oil or cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
- Mix Coating: In a large bowl, combine flour and seasonings.
- Whisk Eggs: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs.
- Coat Zucchini: Dip zucchini in the flour mixture, then into the eggs, and back into the flour.
- Air Fry: Place the coated zucchini in the air fryer basket. Spray with oil.
- Cook: Cook for 10 minutes, flip over, and cook for an additional 10 minutes or until golden brown.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, you can spray the zucchini fries with oil before placing them in the air fryer.
- Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your liking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 93mg
