Air Fryer Zucchini Fries Recipe (Keto-Friendly)

These ultra-crispy air fryer zucchini fries are a keto-friendly, paleo snack cooked to golden perfection in just 10 minutes! Served with the most addicting sauce, this french fry alternative will be a staple all summer long. 

What Makes This Recipe Great

I’ve never met a fry I don’t like. As long as it’s crispy and crunchy and there are delicious dipping sauces, I’m sold! I’ve made and had so many different varieties because it’s just one of my top favorite indulgences (see Radish Fries, Avocado Fries, and even these Fried Pickles, yum!). 

These Air Fryer Zucchini Fries are my newest obsession! Not only are they extra crunchy and tasty, the air fryer makes them so easy and quick to make without the mess that comes with deep frying. 

Also, this scrumptious appetizer or side dish is low-carb and keto, gluten-free, dairy-free, and paleo! Most keto french fry alternatives use some kind of cheese for the “breadcrumbs,” but this one is simply crushed-up pork rinds as the base! Tons of flavor, a satisfying crunch, and a soft, tender middle. 

Watch the Recipe Video

How to Make Air Fryer Zucchini Fries

Personally, the air fryer has been one of my favorite kitchen purchases after the Instant Pot. Food just cooks so fast, the texture turns out incredible, and you get the same “fried” taste and effect without using a ton of oil. Here’s how to make air fryer zucchini fries. Simple ingredients and an air fryer are all you need!

Ingredient Notes

• Zucchini: I used a medium-sized zucchini for this recipe. 
• Egg
• Pork panko: This is your “bread crumbs” or all-purpose flour alternative. You can buy pork pank already crushed or grab a bag of pork rinds and crush them up in your food processor. 
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Sea salt
• Ground black pepper
• Avocado oil spray: Or olive oil spray. 

Fry Sauce

• Mayonnaise
• Ketchup: Use sugar-free ketchup to keep this recipe keto-friendly. 
• Hot sauce: Use your favorite! Adjust the amount based on spice and flavor preference. 

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the fry dipping sauce first by combining all ingredients together, and set aside in the refrigerator.
2. Slice the zucchini into fries as described above. Pat them dry with a paper towel.
3. In a bowl, whisk the egg.
4. In a separate, shallow bowl, combine pork panko and all the spices.
5. Dredge the zucchini sticks in the egg wash, then press all over into the pork panko mixture.
6. Shake off the excess and place on a plate. Repeat with the rest of the zucchini sticks.
7. When ready to cook, preheat the air fryer oven to 400 degrees, then spray the air fryer basket or tray with cooking oil (I like this avocado oil spray). Air fry in a single layer without touching for 10 minutes.
8. Enjoy immediately dipped in the fry sauce.

How to Slice Zucchini into Sticks

To make zucchini fries that are sturdy and hold up well, the way you cut the zucchini squash is important. You want to ensure that they are even in size and that each cut piece has the skin attached, which keeps the zucchini from falling apart. Here are the steps to cut them to make the tastiest air fryer zucchini fries:

1. Do not peel the zucchini. Slice the tops off.
2. Cut the zucchini into 3 even pieces widthwise.
3. Take each third and halve each piece LENGTHwise.
4. Then, take each half and cut it into 3 equal sticks lengthwise.

I used a medium-sized zucchini for this, but if you use larger ones, you should cut each half into 4 equal sticks for that last step to make them into thin fry shapes.

Expert Tips

• Refer back to how to cut zucchini into fries within this post above or in the recipe box below. You want the fries to be similar in size while each having the skin attached.
• Pat dry the zucchini fries after slicing them before dredging them to reduce excess moisture.
• Pork panko is just pork rinds crushed up. You can crush up your own pork rinds or use these that come already crushed. I love them and use them for low-carb breading often. They are how I make these keto zucchini fries without parmesan cheese.
• When dredging the zucchini from the egg wash to the pork panko, chopsticks make it much easier with less mess.
• Make sure to cook these low-carb zucchini fries in a single layer without overlapping. If you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to cook them in 2 batches.

Serving Tips

• For the most crispy texture, serve immediately with the dipping sauce. 
• Other dipping sauce ideas: garlic aioli, ranch dressing, marinara sauce, or your favorite keto-friendly dip. 

Storage Tips

• If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge and then heat them back up in the air fryer for 4-5 minutes until they are crispy again.

Recipe FAQs

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