Ingredients and preparation
To make delicious air fryer avocado fries, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that come together to create a crispy, flavorful snack or side dish. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 ripe avocados – Make sure they are firm but slightly soft to the touch. Overripe avocados will be too mushy for this recipe.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour – This will help the coating stick to the avocado slices.
- 2 large eggs – Lightly beaten, these will act as the binding agent for the breadcrumbs.
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs – Panko gives the fries a light, crispy texture. You can also use regular breadcrumbs if you prefer.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – Adds a subtle garlic flavor to the coating.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika – For a hint of smokiness and color.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – To season the fries.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – For a touch of heat.
- Cooking spray – To lightly coat the avocado fries before air frying, ensuring they crisp up nicely.
Before you start cooking, it’s important to prepare your ingredients properly. Begin by slicing the avocados in half, removing the pit, and carefully peeling off the skin. Cut each half into 4-6 wedges, depending on the size of the avocado. You want the slices to be thick enough to hold their shape during cooking.
Next, set up a breading station with three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, place the flour. In the second bowl, whisk the eggs. In the third bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This will be your coating mixture.
Step-by-step cooking instructions
Now that your ingredients are prepped, it’s time to start cooking. Follow these steps to make perfectly crispy air fryer avocado fries:
- Step 1: Coat the avocado slices in flour. Take each avocado wedge and gently roll it in the flour, making sure it’s evenly coated on all sides. This will help the egg mixture stick to the avocado.
- Step 2: Dip in the egg mixture. After coating the avocado in flour, dip it into the beaten eggs. Ensure the entire slice is covered, but let any excess egg drip off before moving to the next step.
- Step 3: Coat with panko mixture. Once the avocado slice is coated in egg, transfer it to the bowl with the panko breadcrumb mixture. Press the breadcrumbs onto the avocado gently to ensure they stick well. Repeat this process for all the avocado slices.
- Step 4: Preheat the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes. Preheating ensures that the avocado fries cook evenly and get crispy.
- Step 5: Arrange the avocado slices in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the breaded avocado slices in a single layer in the basket, making sure they don’t overlap. If necessary, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Step 6: Spray the avocado fries with cooking spray. Lightly spray the tops of the avocado fries with cooking spray. This will help them achieve a golden, crispy exterior.
- Step 7: Air fry the avocado fries. Cook the avocado fries at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. They should be golden brown and crispy on the outside when done.
- Step 8: Remove and cool slightly. Once the fries are cooked, carefully remove them from the air fryer using tongs. Let them cool for a minute or two before serving, as they will be very hot.
Tips for serving and variations
When it comes to serving your air fryer avocado fries, there are plenty of ways to elevate this already delicious dish. For a simple yet satisfying option, serve them with a dipping sauce. A classic choice is a creamy garlic aioli, which complements the crispy texture and rich flavor of the avocado. You can also try a spicy sriracha mayo for a bit of heat, or even a tangy ranch dressing for a more traditional pairing.
If you’re looking to add a bit more flair, consider sprinkling the fries with a finishing touch of flaky sea salt or a squeeze of fresh lime juice right before serving. The lime juice adds a bright, zesty contrast to the creamy avocado, while the salt enhances the overall flavor.
For a heartier meal, you can serve the avocado fries as a side dish alongside grilled chicken, fish tacos, or a fresh salad. They also make a great addition to a brunch spread, paired with scrambled eggs or a breakfast burrito.
As for variations, there are plenty of ways to customize this recipe to suit your taste. If you’re a fan of spice, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the breadcrumb mixture for an extra kick. You can also experiment with different seasonings like cumin, onion powder, or even grated Parmesan cheese for a savory twist.
For a gluten-free option, simply swap out the all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free alternatives. Almond flour and gluten-free panko work well in this recipe and still provide that crispy texture you’re looking for.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try using different types of avocados or even other fruits and vegetables. For example, you could substitute the avocado with thick slices of zucchini or sweet potato for a fun variation on this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed, depending on the thickness and moisture content of the ingredient you’re using.