I’ll admit, I’ve always had a soft spot for crispy snacks—but when I discovered these air fryer Parmesan zucchini fries, I was hooked. They’re crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, and that golden Parmesan crust makes them almost impossible to stop eating. The best part? They satisfy every fry craving without the guilt (or the deep fryer).
I love making these on busy weeknights because they’re fast, foolproof, and pair perfectly with just about any dipping sauce. They’re also a sneaky way to get everyone—yes, even the veggie skeptics—to eat their greens. Whether you serve them as a side dish, appetizer, or a late-night snack, these zucchini fries always disappear faster than I expect.
What You Need to Make This Recipe
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini is the heart of this recipe. Choose medium-sized ones that are firm and bright green—those tend to have the best texture. When sliced into fries, they hold up beautifully and don’t get soggy easily in the air fryer.
Parmesan cheese: Grated Parmesan adds that irresistible savory crunch. It melts slightly as it cooks, coating the zucchini in a golden, cheesy crust that gives every bite a rich, nutty flavor.
Breadcrumbs: I like using Italian-style breadcrumbs for their seasoning, but plain breadcrumbs or panko work great too if you prefer more crunch. They’re what give these fries that crisp, satisfying texture.
Eggs: The eggs act as the glue that helps the Parmesan and breadcrumb mixture stick to the zucchini. A quick dip in whisked eggs ensures every fry gets a perfect coating.
Garlic powder: A touch of garlic powder enhances the flavor without overpowering it. It gives the fries a warm, savory kick that complements the cheese perfectly.
Salt and pepper: Just a pinch goes a long way. These basic seasonings balance out the richness of the Parmesan and make every bite pop.
Cooking spray: A light mist before air frying ensures that the fries come out golden and crisp without extra oil.
Ingredients List
- 2 medium zucchinis
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup Italian-style breadcrumbs (or panko)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray
How to Make Air Fryer Parmesan Zucchini Fries
Step 1: Prepare the zucchini
Wash and dry your zucchinis, then cut off the ends. Slice each one in half lengthwise, then cut into fry-shaped sticks about ½ inch thick. Try to keep them uniform so they cook evenly.
Step 2: Set up your coating station
In one shallow bowl, whisk the eggs. In another, mix together the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Having both ready makes the coating process quick and easy.
Step 3: Coat the zucchini
Dip each zucchini stick into the egg first, then roll it in the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated. Gently press the coating onto each piece so it sticks well.
Step 4: Arrange in the air fryer
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the coated zucchini fries in a single layer—don’t overcrowd them. If necessary, cook in batches for best results.
Step 5: Air fry until crispy
Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for about 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through. They’re ready when they’re golden brown and crisp.
Step 6: Serve and enjoy
Serve your zucchini fries hot with your favorite dip—ranch, marinara, or even a spicy aioli. They’re best eaten right away while still warm and crunchy.
Tips for Making This Recipe
- Don’t skip drying the zucchini: Excess moisture can make your fries soggy. Pat them dry with paper towels before coating.
- Use panko for extra crunch: If you prefer a more textured coating, panko breadcrumbs are your best friend.
- Cook in batches: Overcrowding the basket prevents the fries from crisping evenly. Leave space between each piece.
- Flip halfway through: This ensures both sides get perfectly golden.
- Add a flavor twist: Try mixing in a little smoked paprika or Italian herbs with the breadcrumbs for extra flavor.
- Serve immediately: These fries taste best fresh out of the air fryer—crispy, cheesy, and piping hot.
FAQs
Can I make these zucchini fries without eggs?
Yes! You can substitute the eggs with a mixture of milk and a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch to help the coating stick.
Can I bake them instead of air frying?
Definitely. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and golden.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to bring back their crispiness.
Can I use yellow squash instead of zucchini?
Absolutely. Yellow squash works just as well and has a similar texture and flavor.
What dips go best with these fries?
Ranch dressing, marinara sauce, or garlic aioli are classic favorites—but honestly, they taste amazing with just about anything.