Crispy Accordion Zucchini Fries with Herb Parmesan Dipping Sauce Step-by-step instructions

Before you start

Before starting, gather all ingredients and equipment. Wash and dry the zucchinis thoroughly. If using an air fryer, preheat it to 400°F (200°C) so it's ready when the zucchini are seasoned.

Prepare the herb dipping sauce in advance so the flavors have time to meld. Have the chopsticks, a sharp knife, a pastry brush, and a small bowl for the sauce ready.

Instructions

Prep and Season

1. 1Cut the Accordion Zucchini
   Place one zucchini between two wooden chopsticks on a cutting board. Make straight vertical cuts along the entire length of the zucchini, spacing the cuts about 1/4 inch apart. Stop each cut at the chopstick so the bottom stays intact. Flip the zucchini over and make diagonal cuts at a 45-degree angle, again stopping at the chopstick. The result is an accordion that can be gently stretched open. Repeat with the remaining zucchinis.
   Look for The zucchini should fan open like a concertina without breaking apart.
   Tip Use even pressure and a sharp knife for clean cuts.
2. 2Season Between the Slices
   Gently stretch each accordion zucchini open. Brush the olive oil over the entire surface, including between the slices. In a small bowl, mix the garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and sea salt flakes. Sprinkle this seasoning mixture evenly over the zucchini, making sure to get some between the slices. Finally, press the grated parmesan cheese onto the surface, coating every nook and cranny.
   Look for The zucchini should be well coated with oil and spices, with parmesan clinging to the ridges.
   Tip Use your fingers to gently rub the seasoning into the cuts for even coverage.

After cutting, the zucchinis should fan open like an accordion without breaking. The seasoning should be evenly distributed, with parmesan clinging to every surface. The kitchen will smell of garlic, paprika, and herbs. Before air frying, ensure the zucchinis are well coated and not overly wet.

Air Fry to Crisp

3. 3Air Fry Until Golden
   Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the seasoned accordion zucchinis in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between them for air circulation. Air fry for 14 minutes, or until the edges are deep golden brown and crispy. The zucchini should be tender inside and shatteringly crisp on the outside. Work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding.
   Look for The edges will look blistered and golden, and the zucchini will feel firm when touched.
   Tip Check at 12 minutes; cook longer if needed for extra crispness.

The air fryer will produce a sizzling sound as the zucchini cooks. After 14 minutes, the edges should be golden and blistered, and the parmesan will have formed a crispy crust. The zucchini should feel firm but yield slightly when pressed. If not crispy enough, cook for a few more minutes.

Serve with Dip

4. 4Make the Herb Dipping Sauce
   While the zucchini fries cook, prepare the dipping sauce. In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, chopped fresh dill, and grated garlic clove. Stir until smooth and well blended. Season with a pinch of salt if desired. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
   Look for The sauce should be thick, creamy, and pale green with flecks of dill.
   Tip Let the sauce sit for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. 5Serve and Enjoy
   Remove the crispy accordion zucchini fries from the air fryer and let them cool for 2 minutes on a wire rack. Serve immediately with the herb parmesan dipping sauce on the side. The fries are best enjoyed right away while they are still crispy and hot.
   Look for The fries should be golden, crisp, and steaming when served.
   Tip For extra crunch, sprinkle with a little more sea salt just before serving.

The fries should be served immediately while still hot and crispy. The dipping sauce should be cool and creamy, with a bright herb flavor.

When you bite into a fry, it should crunch loudly, and the interior should be tender and steaming. The combination of hot, crispy fries and cool, tangy sauce is irresistible.

Common mistakes

One common mistake is cutting too deeply, which causes the zucchini to fall apart. Use the chopsticks as a guide and press firmly but gently. Another mistake is overcrowding the air fryer basket, which traps steam and prevents crispiness.

Cook in batches if necessary. Also, be sure to season between the slices—this is where the flavor lives. Finally, don't skip the rest time after cooking; letting them sit for a few minutes helps the coating set.

How to tell it’s done

The accordion zucchini fries are done when the edges are deep golden brown and crispy, and the zucchini is tender when pierced with a fork. The parmesan coating should be melted and slightly blistered.

If you like extra crunch, air fry for an additional 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. The internal temperature of the zucchini should reach 145°F (63°C) for food safety, though they are typically cooked well beyond that.