I love finding ways to turn everyday vegetables into something irresistibly crunchy and satisfying. Zucchini has always been one of my favorites, but I used to struggle with making it crispy without drowning it in oil. When I discovered the magic of the air fryer, everything changed. These zucchini fries are now a staple in my kitchen—they’re quick to prepare, light, and perfectly crisp on the outside while tender on the inside.
I also enjoy experimenting with flavors, and this recipe allows you to get creative with herbs and seasonings while keeping things simple. Whether I’m serving them as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, these air fryer zucchini fries always disappear fast. They’ve even converted a few friends who swore they didn’t like zucchini before!
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Zucchini: The star of the show! Choose firm, medium-sized zucchinis with smooth skin. Smaller zucchinis are perfect for fries because they have less moisture and won’t get soggy. Wash them thoroughly, then cut into uniform sticks to ensure even cooking.
Breadcrumbs: For that satisfying crunch, I prefer using panko breadcrumbs. Their light, airy texture gives the fries a crisp coating without feeling heavy. You can also mix in some Italian seasoning for an extra flavor boost.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a salty, nutty depth to the coating. It helps the breadcrumbs stick and browns beautifully in the air fryer, creating that golden, cheesy crust everyone loves.
Eggs: Beaten eggs act as a binder, helping the breadcrumbs and Parmesan adhere perfectly to the zucchini. You can season the eggs lightly with salt and pepper to infuse flavor from the start.
Flour: A light dusting of all-purpose flour before dipping the zucchini in egg helps create an even coating and prevents the fries from slipping out of the breadcrumb mixture.
Olive Oil Spray: A quick spritz of olive oil on the coated fries ensures they crisp up nicely in the air fryer without needing deep frying. It’s the secret to golden perfection.
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika elevate the fries’ flavor. You can adjust according to your taste or try other spices like cayenne for a mild kick.
Ingredients List
- 2 medium zucchinis
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil spray
How to Make Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini
Wash and dry the zucchinis, then cut off the ends. Slice them into sticks about 3 inches long and 1/2 inch thick. Keeping them uniform ensures even cooking and crispiness.
Step 2: Set Up the Coating Stations
Place the flour in a shallow dish. In another dish, beat the eggs and season lightly with salt and pepper. In a third dish, combine panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt.
Step 3: Coat the Zucchini
First, dredge each zucchini stick in flour, shaking off any excess. Dip it into the beaten eggs, then roll it in the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated. Repeat for all the zucchini sticks.
Step 4: Air Fry the Zucchini
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the zucchini fries with olive oil and place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the fries carefully and serve immediately. They’re perfect with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or even a zesty aioli.
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Make sure the zucchini sticks are dry before coating to prevent sogginess.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; fry in batches if needed.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch over regular breadcrumbs.
- Experiment with seasonings—cayenne, smoked paprika, or Italian herbs add unique flavor twists.
- Serve immediately for the crispiest texture, as they may soften if left to sit.
FAQs
Can I make these zucchini fries ahead of time?
You can prep them ahead and refrigerate before air frying, but they’re best served fresh.
Can I freeze air fryer zucchini fries?
Yes! Freeze them on a baking sheet, then store in a freezer bag. Air fry straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Can I use another cheese instead of Parmesan?
Absolutely! Pecorino Romano or even a sharp cheddar works well for a different flavor profile.
How do I make them extra crispy?
Double-coat the zucchini: dip them in egg and breadcrumbs twice before air frying.
Can I bake them in the oven instead of using an air fryer?
Yes, bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.