Crispy Breaded Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
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These air fryer zucchini fries are my newest air fryer obsession. They’re coated in a seasoned Parmesan breadcrumb crust for a crunchy outside that doesn’t require any oil. The magic of the air fryer strikes again.
Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, this healthier alternative to classic French fries is delicious dipped in homemade barbecue sauce, Big Mac sauce, cottage cheese ranch dressing and chipotle ranch.
These zucchini fries also make a great side dish served with Cajun steak bites, baked chicken cutlets or oven baked chicken tenderloins.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Simple ingredients.
- A delicious way to get in veggies.
Ingredients and Substitutions:
These are the main ingredients and substitutions for these crispy air fryer zucchini fries. See the recipe card below for the full ingredient list and instructions.
- Fresh Zucchini: be sure to thoroughly dry the cut zucchini before dipping into the flour.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: these are crispier and flakier than regular breadcrumbs and are my go-to when coating things for the air fryer.
- Parmesan Cheese: grated parmesan cheese is best.
- Large Eggs
- All-Purpose Flour: or almond flour for a flavor variation and added nutrition.
Variations
- For some heat, add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mix.
- Sprinkle with extra sea salt right when the fries are done cooking for a little extra saltiness.
Dietary Modifications
- For gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- For dairy-free, use a dairy-free parmesan alternative.
How to make these crispy zucchini fries (a step-by-step visual guide):
Step 1: prep zucchini & dip
Cut the zucchinis first in half, then into 1/8ths, so you end up with 16 pieces per zucchini. Dry them with a paper towel to absorb any extra moisture and season with salt. Let them sit for 5 minutes before patting dry again (image 1). Grab 3 shallow bowls and add flour to one and 2 beaten eggs to the second. In the third shallow bowl, whisk together the Panko, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt and black pepper. Dip each zucchini stick in flour (image 2), tapping excess off. Next, add to the egg wash and evenly coat (image 3). Finally coat in the panko mixture, pressing the seasoned breadcrumbs into the zucchini so that it sticks (image 4).
Step 2: air fry
Arrange the coated zucchini sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray the top with olive oil cooking spray (image 5). Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes. Flip halfway through and spray again with cooking spray. The crispy coating should be a golden brown and nice and crispy on the outside (image 6). Serve with your favorite dips like marinara sauce, garlic aioli or ranch dressing.
Expert Tip!
Make sure to dry the zucchini pieces before coating in flour. This will ensure tender zucchini inside with a crispy crunchy outside.
Recipe FAQs
Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for 3 days.
Reheat back in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes to make them crispy again.
These fries are best served hot, right after cooking.
Yes, follow the same instructions but cook in a 425 degree F oven for 20 minutes.
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Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
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Equipment
- 1 Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 3 medium zucchini
- 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp. paprika
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. pepper
- 2 whole eggs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Cut the zucchinis first in half, then into 1/8ths, so you end up with 16 pieces per zucchini. Dry them with a paper towel to absorb any extra moisture and season with salt. Let them sit for 5 minutes before patting dry again.
- Grab 3 shallow dishes and add flour to one. 2 beaten eggs to the second. In the third, whisk together the Panko, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt and pepper.
- Dip each zucchini slice in flour, tapping excess off.
- Next, add to the egg mixture and evenly coat.
- Finally coat in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing the breadcrumbs into the zucchini so that it sticks.
- Arrange the coated zucchini sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray the top with cooking spray. Air fry at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 8-10 minutes (time may vary depending on your air fryer). Flip halfway through and spray again with cooking spray. The coating should be a golden color and nice and crispy on the outside. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce like marinara or ranch dressing.
Notes
- Make sure to dry the zucchini pieces before coating in flour. This will make the crust extra crispy while the center is tender.
- Nutritional information is an estimate and will vary with substitutions.
