Name: Air Fryer Zucchini Fries Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 medium zucchinis, cut into fry-shaped sticks; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs, beaten; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; Non-stick cooking spray

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If you’re looking for a crave-worthy snack that’s both wholesome and outrageously crunchy, Air Fryer Zucchini Fries are about to become your new obsession. These golden sticks of joy are everything you want in a fry: crispy on the outside, tender within, and bursting with savory flavor. The air fryer works its magic, transforming simple zucchini into a guilt-free treat you’ll want to pile high on every plate. Whether you’re a zucchini skeptic or a veggie enthusiast, this recipe is guaranteed to convert you.

Air Fryer Zucchini Fries Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of everyday ingredients, you’ll be amazed at how easily these Air Fryer Zucchini Fries come together. Each element plays a key role in building layers of crunch, flavor, and color that make these fries truly special.

Zucchinis: Fresh, medium zucchinis are perfect for sturdy fries with a tender bite.
All-purpose flour: Creates a dry surface so the egg can cling and the coating stays put.
Eggs: Acts as the glue, helping the breadcrumb mixture stick to every fry.
Panko breadcrumbs: The secret to that shatteringly crisp texture you’ll crave.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty depth and extra crunch to the coating.
Garlic powder: Brings a punch of aromatic savoriness to every bite.
Onion powder: Balances the flavors with a subtle sweetness.
Paprika: Delivers a gentle warmth and a pop of color.
Salt: Enhances all the other flavors, making each fry sing.
Black pepper: Adds a touch of sharpness and complexity.
Non-stick cooking spray: Ensures the fries get crispy all over, not just on the outside.

How to Make Air Fryer Zucchini Fries

Step 1: Prep Your Zucchini

Start by washing and drying your zucchinis, then slice them into fry-shaped sticks. Aim for pieces about 3 to 4 inches long and not too thick; this way, they’ll cook evenly and get that irresistible crispy finish without turning mushy inside.

Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station

You’ll need three shallow bowls. In the first, add flour. In the second, beat the eggs until smooth. The third bowl is where the magic happens: combine panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This is your secret weapon for the crunchiest Air Fryer Zucchini Fries ever.

Step 3: Bread the Zucchini Fries

Working in batches, dredge each zucchini stick first in flour, making sure it’s lightly coated. Dip it into the beaten eggs, letting any excess drip off, then press it firmly into the panko-Parmesan mixture until fully coated. Take your time and press gently so the crumbs stick—this is what gives you that perfect crispy shell.

Step 4: Arrange and Spray

Line up the breaded zucchini fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Give them a light spritz of non-stick cooking spray all over. This helps the exterior brown beautifully and crisp up, so don’t skip this step!

Step 5: Air Fry to Perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Slide in the basket and let the fries cook for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even golden crunch. When they’re deeply golden and crispy, they’re ready to serve. Don’t wait—enjoy them while they’re hot and at their absolute best!

How to Serve Air Fryer Zucchini Fries

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil on top adds color and a fresh, herby contrast to the golden fries. A quick dusting of extra Parmesan never hurts, either, for those who love an extra savory kick. If you like a little zing, a squeeze of lemon juice over the hot fries is totally irresistible.

Side Dishes

Air Fryer Zucchini Fries make a fantastic starter or side for just about any meal. Pair them with a crisp green salad, a hearty sandwich, or even alongside grilled chicken or burgers for a lighter twist on the classic fries-and-burger duo. They’re also perfect on their own with your favorite dipping sauces—marinara, ranch, or a garlicky aioli all make excellent choices.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun party platter, serve your Air Fryer Zucchini Fries in a paper cone or upright in a mason jar for that bistro vibe. If you’re entertaining, arrange them around a bowl of dip for easy sharing. Or make zucchini fry boats by piling them into small baskets lined with parchment for a casual, rustic feel that guests will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Air Fryer Zucchini Fries (though that’s a rare event!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days, though the coating may soften slightly over time.

Freezing

To freeze, arrange the cooled fries in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. For best results, reheat them straight from frozen in the air fryer to restore their crispiness.

Reheating

For maximum crunch, reheat your zucchini fries in the air fryer at 375°F for 3 to 5 minutes, or until hot and crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as it tends to make the breading soggy. If you don’t have an air fryer, a hot oven works too—just spread them out on a baking sheet and heat until crisp.

FAQs

Can I make Air Fryer Zucchini Fries gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap out the all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs for your favorite gluten-free versions. The fries will be just as crispy and delicious, and everyone can enjoy them without worry.

What dipping sauces go best with Air Fryer Zucchini Fries?

You really can’t go wrong here—classic marinara, cool ranch, tangy yogurt-based dips, or a creamy garlic aioli all pair beautifully. Try mixing a little hot sauce into your dip for a spicy kick!

Can I use other vegetables instead of zucchini?

Definitely! This method works wonders with yellow squash, eggplant, or even carrot sticks. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, since some veggies may cook a bit faster or slower than zucchini.

Why are my Air Fryer Zucchini Fries not crispy?

If your fries aren’t as crisp as you’d like, make sure you’re not overcrowding the basket. Also, a light spray of oil is essential to promote browning. Letting the breaded fries rest for five minutes before air frying can also help the coating adhere and crisp up beautifully.

Can I prep these ahead of time?

You can bread the zucchini fries and keep them covered in the fridge for a few hours before air frying. This makes it easy to get a jump on party prep or weeknight dinners. Just air fry right before serving for the best texture.

Final Thoughts

Air Fryer Zucchini Fries are the ultimate answer to snack cravings and veggie side dish dilemmas. They’re fun, flavorful, and so simple—you’ll find yourself making them on repeat. Give them a try and watch them disappear faster than you can say “crispy!” Your friends and family are sure to ask for this recipe again and again.

Air Fryer Zucchini Fries Recipe

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4.8 from 32 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A healthy and crispy twist on classic fries, these Air Fryer Zucchini Fries are coated in a flavorful Parmesan and panko breadcrumb crust and cooked to golden perfection in the air fryer. Perfect as a guilt-free appetizer or snack, they offer a crunchy texture with a delicious garlicky and cheesy flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

2 medium zucchinis, cut into fry-shaped sticks

Breading

1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Others

Non-stick cooking spray

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Instructions

Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) to warm up while you prepare the zucchini fries.
Prepare the breading station: Arrange three shallow bowls: one with all-purpose flour, the second with beaten eggs, and the third with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix the dry ingredients well to ensure even seasoning.
Bread the zucchini fries: Take each zucchini stick and first coat it evenly in the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, then press it firmly into the panko-Parmesan mixture to create a thick, crisp coating. Repeat for all zucchini sticks.
Arrange and spray: Place the coated zucchini fries in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Lightly spray them with non-stick cooking spray to help achieve a golden, crispy finish.
Cook: Air fry the zucchini fries for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning and crispiness.
Serve: Once golden brown and crispy, remove the fries from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara, ranch, or garlic aioli.

Notes

For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour and panko with gluten-free alternatives.
Allow breaded zucchini fries to rest for 5 minutes before air frying to enhance crispiness.
Serve with different dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or garlic aioli to complement the flavors.
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed for even cooking.
Use medium-sized zucchinis for optimal fry size and cooking consistency.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Air Fryer
Cuisine: American