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Today, I have a healthy snack or the perfect healthy side dish for you – Crispy Seasoned Air Fryer Zucchini Fries! Whether you’re on team oven or team air fryer, I’m going to give you not one, but two ways to whip up these healthy “fries”.
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Reduced Fat Grated Parmesan Cheese
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Medium-sized zucchini, cut into strips or planks is what I call them
- Whole Wheat Panko Breadcrumbs
- Reduced Fat Grated Parmesan Cheese
- Eggs
- Garlic Powder
- Onion Powder
- Smoked Paprika
- Salt and Pepper
- Cooking Spray
- Fat Free Greek Plain Yogurt
- Lemon Juice
- Ranch Dressing Packet
- Green Onions
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Crispy Seasoned Air Fryer Zucchini Fries | Healthy Snacks | Air Fryer Recipes | Party Snacks
Ingredients
- 5 Medium Zucchini Cut into thick strips
- 1 Cup Whole Wheat Panko Crumbs
- 1/2 Cup Kraft Reduced Fat Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 2 Large Eggs Beaten
- 1 Tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 Tsp Onion Powder
- 1/2 Tsp Smoked Paprika
- Salt/Pepper to Taste
- Vegetable Cooking Spray
For The Yogurt Ranch Dipping Sauce
- 1 Cup Fat Free Plain Greek Yogurt I use Fage
- 1 Tbl Fresh Lemon Juice
- 1 Packet (1 oz) Ranch Dressing Mix
- Salt/Cracked Black Pepper to Taste
- Green Onions Chopped
Instructions
- Wash and cut the zucchini into strips, resembling the size of steak cut fries.
- In a shallow dish, combine Panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well. In another dish, place the beaten eggs.
- Dip each zucchini strip into the beaten eggs, ensuring it is well-coated. Then, coat it with the Panko mixture, pressing the breadcrumbs onto the zucchini to adhere.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the coated zucchini strips in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they are not overlapping. Lightly spray the tops of the zucchini as well.
- Air fry the zucchini fries at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time, or until the fries are golden brown and crispy.
- Once done, remove from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve warm with the Ranch Yogurt Dipping Sauce. (Recipe Follows)
- This makes about 4 servings. On Weight Watchers, each serving is 4 WW Points. Enjoy.
Instructions for Yogurt Ranch Dipping Sauce
- In a bowl, combine the fat-free Greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice, and the dry ranch dressing mix.
- Stir the ingredients together until the ranch dressing mix is fully incorporated into the yogurt. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Refrigerate the sauce for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend and the mixture to thicken slightly.
- Before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh green onions on top for added freshness and flavor.
- Transfer the dipping sauce to a serving bowl. Pair it with the crispy seasoned air fryer zucchini fries for a delicious, low-calorie snack.
- This makes 4 servings too with each person getting 1/4 cup for dipping. On Weight Watchers, each serving of Ranch Yogurt Dipping Sauce is 0 WW Points. Enjoy!
For Baking in the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a shallow dish, combine Panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well. In another dish, place the beaten eggs.
- Dip each zucchini strip into the beaten eggs, ensuring it is well-coated. Then, coat it with the Panko mixture, pressing the breadcrumbs onto the zucchini to adhere.
- Place the coated zucchini strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Ensure they are not touching to allow for even crisping.
- Lightly spray the zucchini strips with cooking spray. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the fries are golden brown and crispy.
- Once done, remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve warm with the Ranch Yogurt Dipping Sauce.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use regular yogurt instead of fat-free Greek yogurt?
- Yes, you can, but using fat-free Greek yogurt keeps the sauce lighter and lower in calories.
- How do I store leftover dipping sauce?
- Store the leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Can I freeze the zucchini fries?
- It’s not recommended, as the texture of zucchini can change upon freezing and thawing.
- What other herbs can I add to the dipping sauce?
- Feel free to experiment with fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or dill based on your preference.
- Can I use store-bought ranch dressing instead of the mix?
- You can, but it may alter the Weight Watchers Points value. Adjust accordingly.
- How can I make the zucchini fries gluten-free?
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs in place of Panko.
- Can I make the dipping sauce ahead of time?
- Yes, the flavors will even intensify if it’s made a few hours in advance.
- What can I serve as an alternative dipping sauce?
- Tzatziki, hummus, or a light marinara sauce are good options.
- Can I use a different seasoning for the zucchini fries?
- Absolutely! Experiment with your favorite herbs and spices.
- Do I need to flip the zucchini fries in the air fryer?
- Yes, flipping halfway through ensures even cooking and crispiness.
- Can I make this recipe vegan?
- Substitute flax eggs for regular eggs and use plant-based yogurt for the dipping sauce.
- What temperature should the yogurt be for the dipping sauce?
- The yogurt should be at room temperature or slightly chilled for the best consistency.
- How do I prevent the zucchini fries from becoming soggy?
- Ensure the zucchini strips are not overcrowded on the baking sheet or air fryer basket.
- Can I use a different type of cheese in the zucchini coating?
- Parmesan works well, but you can experiment with alternatives like nutritional yeast for a vegan option.
- What’s the best way to reheat leftover zucchini fries?
- Use the oven or air fryer for a few minutes to help maintain their crispiness.
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Whether you use the oven or the air fryer, these Crispy Seasoned Zucchini Fries paired with the low-calorie Greek Yogurt Ranch dipping sauce promise a delightful snacking experience. So, gather your ingredients and make these incredibly healthy “fries” tonight.
