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Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Sticks: A Healthy Snack Delight

If you’re on the hunt for a deliciously healthy snack, look no further than air fryer zucchini sticks. These crispy, golden delights are not only easy to make but also provide a fantastic way to enjoy vegetables without sacrificing flavour. Whether you’re looking for a quick nibble or a vibrant side dish, zucchini sticks made in an air fryer offer the perfect balance of crispiness and tenderness, all while keeping your cooking oil usage to a minimum.

Why Choose Zucchini?

Zucchini, also known as courgette, is a nutrient-rich vegetable low in calories and high in essential vitamins and minerals. It’s an excellent source of vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants. Incorporating zucchini into your diet is a fantastic way to boost your vegetable intake while enjoying a satisfying crunch.

The Benefits of Air Frying

Air fryers have taken the culinary world by storm, and for good reason. They use circulating hot air to cook food, mimicking the results of traditional deep frying but with significantly less oil. This method not only reduces calories but also helps retain the nutrients in your vegetables, making air fryers a healthier alternative for preparing dishes like zucchini sticks. Plus, they cook much faster than conventional ovens, which is a bonus when you’re craving a quick snack.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To whip up a batch of air fryer zucchini sticks, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients:

• 2 medium zucchinis
• 1 cup of breadcrumbs (panko works best for extra crunch)
• ½ cup of grated parmesan cheese (or a plant-based alternative for a vegan version)
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon of onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 large egg (or a flax egg for a vegan option)
• Olive oil spray (or any cooking oil spray)

Step-by-Step Recipe

1. Prepare the Zucchini:
Start by washing the zucchinis and slicing them into sticks, approximately 1 cm thick. Aim for uniformity to ensure even cooking.

2. Set Up Your Breading Station:
In one bowl, whisk the egg (or flax egg) until well combined. In a separate bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, grated parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

3. Coat the Zucchini Sticks:
Dip each zucchini stick into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, roll it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating.

4. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (around 400°F). This step helps to achieve that perfect crispy texture.

5. Air Fry the Zucchini Sticks:
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil. Place the coated zucchini sticks in a single layer (you may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer). Spray the tops lightly with olive oil for extra crispiness.

6. Cook:
Air fry for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the zucchini sticks are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them, as cooking times can vary slightly based on the model of your air fryer.

7. Serve:
Once cooked, remove the zucchini sticks from the air fryer and serve immediately. A side of marinara sauce or a creamy garlic dip makes for an excellent accompaniment.

Enjoying Your Zucchini Sticks

These air fryer zucchini sticks are a fantastic addition to any gathering, serving as a healthier alternative to chips or other fried snacks. They’re perfect for both adults and children, making it easy to introduce more vegetables into your diet.

Incorporating air fryer zucchini sticks into your snacking repertoire not only enhances flavour but also allows you to indulge guilt-free. So why not give this delightful recipe a go? You’ll be amazed by how something so simple can be so rewarding!