Air Fryer Zucchini Fries with Yogurt Ranch Dip
Perfectly crisp and flavorful air fryer zucchini fries served with a simple Greek yogurt dipping sauce. These tasty and nutritious veggie fries are a great alternative to traditional fries. Not to mention, a great way to use up your summer zucchini harvest! These breaded zucchini fries turn out crisp-tender and delicious! You won’t even miss the deep-fried version!
Tips For Air Fryer Success
I’m currently on my third…yes third, air fryer. The first two fryers that I purchased ended up going back to the store because I either didn’t love them or was disappointed in the results when experimenting with recipes. One of the fryers was just too small, so I had to cook in batches. That is not saving me time at all. The second one smelled like burning plastic when it heated up, so that was a bit of an appetite killer. Not to mention, I started questioning the safety of the product. Thankfully, the third fryer was the charm. I finally found an air fryer with all the right features that delivered the results that I was after.
I recently bought the {*affliate link} COSORI Air Fryer Oven Combo 5.8QT Max Xl and I am obsessed. Not only does this air fryer do it all, but it does it well. I love the large capacity of the fryer basket and how quickly and evenly it cooks the food. If you are a fryer newbie, I will caution you that you need to watch the food closely as you figure out the time adjustment for different recipes. It cooks faster than you’d think! Which is another reason why I love it so much. I can have recipes ready in a flash, which is a huge plus for this busy mama! All air fryers are a bit of trial and error because the cooking time isn’t exactly the same for every model.
The Difference Between Air Fryers and Convection Ovens
I did some research to inquire about the difference between air fryers and convection ovens. They appear to use the same method of cooking by circulating heated air around the food along with a heating element, but what sets them apart?
In a convection oven, the heat comes from the top and the bottom with the fan coming from the back of the oven or the side. The speed of the fan is also slower in the convection oven than the air fryer. In an air fryer, the heating element and the fan are located on the top of the unit with fan speeds up to 30% faster than convection cooking. Therefore, air fryers cook faster than convection ovens with a different method of air circulation.
That’s my, very quick, summary for air frying 101. Now, let’s get to the FOOD. 🙂
How To Make Zucchini Fries In The Air Fryer
First, slice 2 zucchini into quarters and remove the seeds with a vegetable peeler or a small spoon. This will help prevent soggy fries, so be sure to get all of the seeds and watery center removed. Then cut each quarter in half.
Next, make the breadcrumb coating by mixing 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs with 4 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil in a small, microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring in between, until breadcrumbs are lightly golden brown for up to 1 1/2 minutes (depending on your microwave settings). Make sure to check often so they don’t burn. Pretoasting the breadcrumbs will create a nice outer texture for the zucchini. Allow this mixture to cool. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg with the flour and seasonings to create the “glue” for your breading.
Next, make an assembly line for dipping the fries…
After all of the zucchini is coated and ready, lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and arrange the fries so that there is space in between. You want to air to be able to circulate around each fry, making sure not to overcrowd the basket. If you have a small basket, you can arrange them “Lincoln log” style for the best air circulation.
Set the air fryer to 400 degrees F. and cook for 10-12 minutes, gently shaking halfway through for even cooking. While zucchini is cooking, make the dipping sauce.
Easy Greek Yogurt Ranch Dip
These air fry veggie fries are served with a simple protein-packed dipping sauce made with only three simple ingredients. Sure, you can use a store-bought ranch dressing, but why not make your own with a little protein boost??
For the yogurt dip, all you need is:
- 5% Full-fat plain Greek yogurt (this tastes close to sour cream and will be creamier and more flavorful)
- A packet of ranch dressing mix
- fresh lemon juice
Mix one cup of Greek yogurt with 2 1/2 tsp of the ranch dressing mix and 1 tsp lemon juice. Whisk and serve on the side to dip those crispy yummy fries. If you want a stronger ranch flavor, just add a little more seasoning and adjust to taste.
How To Store Leftover Dip
The leftover Greek yogurt dip can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. It also makes a great dip for raw vegetables for a healthy snack or use it as a sandwich spread for wraps or pitas.
Reheating Tip
These zucchini fries are best eaten right away, but if you need to reheat the leftovers I recommend heating them up in the oven or convection oven at 300 degrees F until heated through.
More Delicious Zucchini Recipes
Zucchini is one of my favorite green vegetables. If you haven’t tried this Zucchini Spaghetti with Easy Beef Bolognese, definitely give it a try for a tasty veggie-packed low-carb meal. For a simple side dish, this zucchini salad is also a winner!
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Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings
Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 2 zucchini seeded and quartered lengthwise
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 oz grated Parmesan cheese about 1 cup
- 2 eggs
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning blend
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- salt and pepper to taste
- For The Dipping Sauce
- 1 cup 5% fat plain Greek yogurt
- 2 1/2 tsp ranch dressing mix Such as Hidden Valley Ranch
- 1 tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
Instructions
- Slice zucchini into long quarters and remove the seeds with a small spoon.
- Next, cut each quarter in half.
- Mix the panko with the olive oil in a bowl until panko is evenly coated. Microwave, stirring every 30 seconds, until it's lightly golden brown. This should take about 1 1/2 minutes. Check often so breadcrumbs do not burn.
- Allow the crumbs to cool then stir in the cheese
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg with the flour and seasonings. This becomes the "glue" for your breading
- Dip each zucchini slice into the egg mixture, allowing any extra to drip off, then dip into the panko mixture until coated, pressing to adhere on all sides
- Spray the air fryer with olive oil spray and arrange breaded zucchini in the basket, making sure to leave space in between for even cooking. Add a second layer of zucchini on top going the opposite direction (you may have to cook it in more than one batch, depending on the size of your fryer)
- Set airfryer to 400 degrees and cook for 10-12 minutes
- While zucchini fries are cooking, in a small bowl, stir together the yogurt, ranch mix and lemon juice. Serve with fries for dipping
Notes
Nutrition
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