Air Fryer Recipe
Crispy Dill Parmesan Zucchini Fries
Courgette fries achieve their best texture when the coating crisps up before the soft centre collapses. An air fryer is ideal for this dish, as its fast-moving convection heat dries the crumb quickly, while a touch of oil helps the parmesan brown beautifully before the courgette releases too much moisture.
Ingredients
- 2 medium courgettes, about 450–500g total
- 1 tsp fine sea salt, divided
- 45g plain flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tbsp milk or water
- 90g panko breadcrumbs
- 45g finely grated parmesan
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill, plus extra to finish
- 1 tsp dried dill
- 1 tsp garlic granules
- ½ tsp onion granules
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika
- 1½ tbsp olive oil or rapeseed oil
- Oil spray, ideally olive or rapeseed
- Lemon wedges, to serve
- 120g Greek yoghurt or soured cream
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp chopped dill
- a pinch of salt
Method
- Trim the courgettes and cut each into batons about 8cm long and 1.5cm thick.
- Toss the courgette batons with ½ tsp fine sea salt in a colander and leave for 15 minutes.
- Pat the courgettes very thoroughly dry with kitchen paper or a tea towel.
- Set up three bowls: flour in the first; eggs beaten with milk or water in the second; panko, parmesan, fresh dill, dried dill, garlic granules, onion granules, black pepper, smoked paprika, and the remaining ½ tsp salt in the third.
- Drizzle 1½ tbsp olive oil into the panko mixture and rub it through with your fingertips until the crumbs look lightly and evenly damp.
- Coat a handful of courgette batons at a time: dust in flour, shake off excess, dip in egg, then press firmly into the dill parmesan crumbs.
- Preheat the air fryer to 200°C for 3 minutes or run it empty for 2 minutes if it tends to start from cold.
- Lightly spray the basket or perforated parchment with oil.
- Arrange the courgette fries in a single layer with space between them and spray the tops lightly with oil.
- Air fry at 200°C for 7 minutes, then turn the fries gently with tongs.
- Cook for a further 4–6 minutes until deep golden in spots and crisp at the edges.
- Mix the dipping sauce ingredients while the fries cook.
- Serve the fries immediately with extra fresh dill, lemon wedges, and the yoghurt dip on the side.
Nutrition
Calories: 250
