Low Calorie Air Fryer Zucchini Fries: Crispy & Healthy Snack

Hey there, fellow foodies! Are you looking for a crispy, delicious, and guilt-free snack? Well, you’re in the right place! Today, I’m super excited to share with you my recipe for Low Calorie Air Fryer Zucchini Fries. These babies are so good, you’ll forget you’re even eating something healthy. Plus, they’re perfect for quick family dinners or as a tasty side dish. If you’re a fan of easy pasta recipes, you’ll love how simple this is to whip up—just like a 30-minute meal!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Lighter than traditional fries—only a fraction of the calories!
  • Customizable with your favorite seasonings—garlic parmesan, spicy, or herby, you choose!
  • Quick to make—ready in about 20 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinner ideas.
  • No deep frying required—your air fryer does all the work!
  • Gluten-free and low-sodium options available.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

  • ✅ 2-3 fresh zucchinis
  • ✅ 1-2 tbsp olive oil or cooking spray
  • ✅ Salt and pepper (to taste)
  • ✅ Optional: 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese
  • ✅ For Coating Options (choose one):
  • ‣ Garlic Parmesan: Garlic powder, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs
  • ‣ Spicy: Chili powder, paprika, salt
  • ‣ Herby: Dried herbs like thyme or rosemary

Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.

How to Make the Recipe

Let’s dive into the step-by-step process:

  1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes. This ensures it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to cook.
  2. Prepare the Zucchini: Wash and dry the zucchinis. Slice them into long, thin strips for fries or rounds for chips. The thinner they are, the crispier they’ll get!
  3. Remove Moisture: Sprinkle the zucchini slices with salt and let sit for 10-15 minutes. This step is crucial for getting that crispy texture. After sitting, pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  4. Season and Coat: Toss the zucchini strips with olive oil or spray lightly with cooking spray. Season with your preferred spices or coating mix. If you’re feeling fancy, go for the garlic parmesan option—it’s a crowd-pleaser!
  5. Cook in the Air Fryer: Arrange the zucchini in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and crispy.
  6. Serve and Enjoy: Remove from the air fryer and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce. I personally love a side of ranch or marinara for that extra flavor kick!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Here are a few tips to take your zucchini fries to the next level:

  • For extra crispiness, try soaking the zucchini slices in cold water for 30 minutes before seasoning.
  • If you’re a fan of cheesy goodness, sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on top right after cooking.
  • Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket—cook in batches if necessary for the best results.

How to Serve

These Low Calorie Air Fryer Zucchini Fries are super versatile. Here are a few ideas for serving:

  • As a side dish for your favorite creamy garlic pasta or a quick family dinner.
  • As a healthy snack on its own—perfect for satisfying those crispy cravings.
  • Paired with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, marinara, or even a homemade tzatziki.

Make Ahead and Storage

While these fries are best served fresh, you can make them ahead of time for meal prep:

  • Cook the fries as instructed, then let them cool completely on a paper towel-lined plate.
  • Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
  • Reheat in the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for 2-3 minutes to regain crispiness.

And there you have it, folks! A delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make snack that’s perfect for any occasion. If you’re looking for more quick and tasty recipes, be sure to check out my Best Cinnamon Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips Recipe or How to Make Sweet Air Fryer Churro Bites Recipe for more snack inspiration. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your creations with me on social media!

Crispy, golden-brown zucchini fries in a paper cone on a wooden table.

Low Calorie Air Fryer Zucchini Fries

A delicious and healthier alternative to regular fries, made crispy in the air fryer with minimal oil.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 2 people
Calories 120 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Zucchini Fries:

  • 2-3 whole fresh zucchinis
  • 1-2 tbsp olive oil or cooking spray
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)
  • 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese (optional) optional

For Coating Options (choose one):

  • Garlic powder for Garlic Parmesan coating
  • Chili powder for Spicy coating
  • Dried herbs like thyme or rosemary for Herby coating

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the Air Fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
  • Wash and dry the zucchinis, then slice into long, thin strips.
  • Sprinkle zucchini slices with salt and let sit for 10-15 minutes, then pat dry.
  • Toss zucchini strips with olive oil or cooking spray and season with preferred spices.
  • Cook in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway, until golden and crispy.
  • Remove from the air fryer and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

For extra flavor, try serving with a garlic aioli or a herby seasoning mix!

Nutrition

Calories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 6gFat: 4gSodium: 200mg
Keyword zucchini fries
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