Vegan Air Fried Zucchini Fries Recipe for Crispy Delight

Looking for a delicious, healthy snack that’s both vegan and incredibly easy to make? These vegan air fried zucchini fries are just what you need.

Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, they offer the perfect guilt-free crunch without the mess of deep frying. Zucchini, a versatile summer squash, is transformed into a savory treat coated with a flavorful blend of breadcrumbs and spices, then crisped to perfection in the air fryer.

Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, a side dish, or a fun snack, these fries will impress even the pickiest eaters.

With minimal oil and quick cooking time, air frying zucchini fries is a game-changer for anyone wanting a healthier alternative to traditional fries. Plus, they’re naturally gluten-free if you choose the right breadcrumbs, and packed with vitamins and fiber.

Ready to add a tasty, plant-based twist to your snack routine? Let’s dive into this simple recipe that’s bound to become a favorite in your vegan cooking repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These vegan air fried zucchini fries combine health and taste in one easy dish. Here’s why you’ll want to make them again and again:

• Quick and Simple: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute guests.
• Low in Oil: Air frying uses less oil than traditional frying, making this a lighter option.
• Crunchy and Flavorful: The crispy breadcrumb coating with herbs and spices adds a delicious savory crunch.
• Kid-Friendly: A great way to sneak veggies into your family’s diet with a fun, finger-food format.
• Customizable: Adjust spices or dipping sauces to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients

• 2 medium zucchinis, cut into fry-sized sticks
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if preferred)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour for gluten-free)
• 1/2 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (almond, soy, oat, etc.)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast (optional, for a cheesy flavor)
• Cooking spray or oil mist, for air frying

Equipment

• Air fryer (essential for crispiness with minimal oil)
• Mixing bowls for dredging and coating
• Sharp knife and cutting board for slicing zucchini
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Tongs or fork for flipping fries
• Cooling rack or plate lined with paper towels

Instructions

1. Prepare the zucchini: Wash and dry the zucchinis. Cut off the ends and slice them lengthwise into sticks approximately 3-4 inches long and about 1/2 inch thick.
2. Set up the coating stations: In one bowl, place the flour. In a second bowl, pour the plant-based milk. In a third bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, pepper, and nutritional yeast.
3. Dredge the zucchini fries: Working in batches, dip each zucchini stick first in the flour, shaking off excess, then into the plant milk, and finally coat well with the breadcrumb mixture. Press the breadcrumbs lightly to help them stick.
4. Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for 3-5 minutes.
5. Arrange the fries: Place the coated zucchini sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
6. Air fry the zucchini fries: Lightly spray the fries with cooking spray. Cook at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Fries should be golden and crisp when done.
7. Serve immediately: Transfer fries to a cooling rack or paper towel-lined plate to remove excess moisture. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips & Variations

For extra crispy fries, use day-old breadcrumbs or toast fresh panko lightly before coating.

If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake these fries at 425°F (220°C) on a parchment-lined baking sheet for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Experiment with spices: add cayenne for heat, Italian seasoning for an herbaceous note, or nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor.

Try dipping sauces like vegan ranch, spicy ketchup, or a creamy avocado dip for varied tastes.

Nutrition Facts

Note: Nutrition values are estimates and depend on ingredient brands and quantities used.

Serving Suggestions

These vegan air fried zucchini fries are versatile and pair well with many dishes. Consider serving them alongside fresh salads or grain bowls for a wholesome meal.

They also work great as a snack with dips such as vegan aioli, salsa verde, or a tangy marinara sauce. You can even serve them with a side of Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes for an indulgent twist.

For a fun appetizer platter, combine these fries with other vegetable bites like those found in Air Fryer Frozen Vegetable Recipes for Quick Healthy Me. Or create a satisfying snack board with vegan dips such as the Lipton Vegetable Dip Recipe: Easy Party Favorite.

Conclusion

Vegan air fried zucchini fries are a fantastic addition to your plant-based cooking arsenal. They offer the perfect balance of crunch, flavor, and nutrition, all while being quick and easy to prepare.

Whether you’re looking for a healthy snack, a side dish for dinner, or a kid-friendly finger food, this recipe delivers on all fronts.

With simple ingredients and minimal oil, you can enjoy these guilt-free fries any day of the week. Don’t forget to experiment with different spices and dips to keep things exciting.

For more delicious vegan recipes, check out our collection of Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals and the Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious.

Happy cooking and crunching!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Vegan Air Fried Zucchini Fries”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “Crispy and flavorful zucchini fries made in the air fryer for a healthy snack. Perfectly seasoned and vegan-friendly.”, “prepTime”: “PT10M”, “cookTime”: “PT15M”, “totalTime”: “PT25M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“2 medium zucchinis, cut into fries”, “1/2 cup all-purpose flour”, “1/2 cup unsweetened plant-based milk”, “1 cup panko breadcrumbs”, “1/4 cup nutritional yeast”, “1 teaspoon garlic powder”, “1 teaspoon smoked paprika”, “1/2 teaspoon salt”, “1/4 teaspoon black pepper”, “Cooking spray”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Preheat the air fryer to 400\u00b0F (200\u00b0C).”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Place flour in one bowl, plant-based milk in another, and mix panko, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a third.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Dip zucchini fries first in flour, then in milk, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Lightly spray the fries with cooking spray.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Arrange fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway, until golden and crispy.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “150 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “5 g”, “fatContent”: “4 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “25 g”}}