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Made with a delicious Parmesan panko breading, these Air Fryer Zucchini Fries are irresistibly crispy, deliciously cheesy, and incredibly easy to make!
Looking for more recipes to put zucchini to use? After enjoying these "fries," don't miss my recipes for Chocolate Zucchini Muffins, Pineapple Zucchini Bread, Sautéed Zucchini and Yellow Squash, and Grilled Vegetable Kabobs.
Air Fryer Zucchini Fries at a Glance
- Serves: 4 as a side dish or appetizer; if doubling, will need to cook in batches
- Ready in Under 30 Minutes: Plan 15 minutes for prep and about 14 minutes of air-frying per batch
- Modifications Provided: Options for gluten-free, dairy-free, and baking if you don't have an air fryer.
- Why This Recipe Works: Panko and Parmesan create a crisp, flavorful coating, while the air fryer browns the breading with only a light coating of oil.
Kristen's Keys for Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
Zucchini fries sound simple, but they can quickly turn soggy or lose half their breading in the basket. After testing the coating and cook time, I landed on a method that gives the zucchini a crisp, cheesy exterior while keeping the center tender. In fact, my picky eaters enjoy them almost as much as Air Fryer French Fries.😉
- Cut zucchini into even sticks. You want to ensure that each fry is even in size, as uneven sticks will cook at different rates.
- Pat the zucchini completely dry. Excess moisture prevents the breading from sticking and can leave the fries soggy instead of crispy. Just as with my Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan recipe, a dry surface helps each layer of breading adhere.
- Use the three-step breading process. Coat each zucchini stick in seasoned flour, egg, and then Parmesan panko, shaking off the excess between each layer so the coating stays light and crunchy.
- Arrange the fries in a single layer. Do not overlap or crowd the air fryer basket. Air needs to circulate around each piece for the breading to brown and crisp evenly. Work in batches if needed.
Happy Cooking! xo Kristen
Notes on Ingredients
- Zucchini: Ideally, use small to medium zucchini that feels firm, as they have less moisture and hold their shape better. If using a large zucchini, quarter it lengthwise and slice away the soft, seedy center before cutting into fries.
- Breadcrumbs: I prefer panko breadcrumbs, as they create a lighter, crispier coating than traditional breadcrumbs. That said, feel free to swap them out for unseasoned plain breadcrumbs for a more traditional breading.
- Parmesan: For the best flavor and texture, use Parmesan grated from a block or refrigerated grated Parmesan. Avoid shelf-stable powdered Parmesan, which does not melt or brown quite as well.
- Flour: A thin coating of flour absorbs surface moisture and gives the egg something to cling to. All-purpose flour works best, but a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well too
- Cooking Spray: I recommend using an avocado or olive oil cooking spray for clean flavor and even browning. You can also fill an olive oil mister with your favorite cooking oil.
How to Make Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
The air fryer not only reduces the amount of oil needed but also yields the crispiest zucchini fries in a very short time.
- Cut zucchini into fries. Cut each zucchini in half lengthwise. If working with large zucchini, slice away the seedy center and discard. Slice each half lengthwise into ½-inch-thick planks, then cut the planks into sticks about ½ inch wide and 4 inches long.
- Prepare breading station. Set out three shallow dishes (pie plates or pasta bowls work great here).
- In the first bowl, combine flour, salt, and garlic powder
- In the second bowl, whisk the egg with a bit of water and a pinch of salt.
- In the final bowl, combine Parmesan, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes.
- Bread zucchini. First, spray your air fryer basket or tray with cooking spray. This lets you transfer each breaded zucchini stick directly into the basket without disturbing the coating. Dip the zucchini sticks into the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess. Next, coat them in the egg mixture, letting any excess drip off, then press them into the Parmesan breading. I like to use my hands to gently press the breading onto the zucchini so it adheres well.
- Air fry. Lightly spray the tops of the breaded zucchini with cooking spray, then air fry at 400°F for 7 minutes. Flip, lightly spray again with cooking spray, and cook for another 6-7 minutes, or until the breading is golden and the zucchini is crisp-tender. Begin checking a few minutes early, as air-fryer models cook at different rates.
- Serve. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce. Marinara or spaghetti sauce is the classic choice. Other options include homemade pizza sauce, buttermilk ranch dressing, or even bang bang sauce.
Recipe Modifications
- Dairy-Free: Omit the added Parmesan, increase the breadcrumbs to ¾ cup, and add ¼ cup of nutritional yeast and an additional ½ teaspoon of garlic powder to the breading for added flavor.
- Gluten-Free: For a gluten-free breading, use an all-purpose 1:1 gluten-free flour and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. I have done this many times with great success.
- Want to Skip the Breading? You may enjoy my simple recipe for sliced Air Fryer Zucchini and Yellow Squash.
Serving Suggestions
Air Fryer Zucchini Fries are delicious served as an appetizer or as a side. I love pairing them with one of the following entrées as a suitable alternative to oven fries or air fryer fries.
One of my personal favorites is to serve these Zucchini Fries alongside Pull-Apart Pizza Bread and Homemade Pizza Bread for a fun Game Day menu.
Storage Tips
I rarely, if ever, have any leftover zucchini fries at my house, which is a good thing because Air Fryer Zucchini Fries are at their crispiest when they are served warm straight from the air fryer. But in case you DO have leftovers, here is how to store them.
- Refrigerate: Let cool, then place in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. Refrigerate for up to 3 days, then reheat at 370°F for 3-4 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Freeze: Freezing works, but the zucchini will be softer after reheating than it is when freshly cooked. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and flash freeze. Once frozen to the touch, transfer to a freezer-safe bag and store in the freezer for up to 1 month. Air-fry frozen zucchini fries at 400°F for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway.
Air Fryer Zucchini Fries FAQs
Yes! Coat breaded zucchini fries with cooking spray and place on a parchment-lined sheet pan. Bake at 425℉ (220℃) for 20-23 minutes, flipping after 10 minutes.
Unless you have a large air fryer, you will need to work in batches. Keep the first batch on a sheet pan fitted with a baking rack in a 200℉ (95℃) oven while the other batch is being air-fried. The rack helps the air to circulate and prevents the breading from becoming soggy.
To prevent soggy zucchini fries, first ensure you pat the sticks dry before breading. Also, avoid overcrowding the basket and give the zucchini enough time to crisp.
More Air Fryer Vegetable Recipes
There is something about crispy veggies that entices the pickiest of eaters to give them a try. And thanks to the air fryer, crispy doesn't equal greasy or high in fat. After enjoying these Air Fryer Zucchini Fries, try out one of the following recipes.
- Air Fryer Potato Cubes
- Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
- Air Fryer Asparagus
- Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
- Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes
Did you make this recipe?
If you enjoyed this recipe, please leave a comment with a 5-star review at the bottom of the post. Thank you!
Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
Ingredients
- 2 small zucchini
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder, divided
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons water
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
Instructions
- If needed per your model, preheat the air fryer to 400℉ (200℃). Spray the basket or tray with nonstick spray and set aside.
- Wash and dry the zucchini. Remove the ends and cut each zucchini in half lengthwise. If working with large zucchini, slice away the seedy center and discard. Slice each half lengthwise into ½-inch-thick planks, then cut the planks into sticks about ½ inch wide and 4 inches long. Gently pat the zucchini sticks with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.
- Prepare the breading station by setting up 3 shallow dishes. In the first dish, combine ¼ cup all-purpose flour with ½ teaspoon kosher salt and ½ teaspoon garlic powder. In the second dish, whisk 1 large egg and 2 tablespoons water. In the final dish, combine ½ cup panko breadcrumbs and ½ cup grated Parmesan, with the remaining ½ teaspoon kosher salt and ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes.
- Dredge the zucchini sticks in the four, shaking off the excess, then dip them into the egg mixture. Allow the excess egg to drip off and then finally coat the sticks in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing to adhere.
- Place the breaded zucchini in the greased basket, leaving a bit of space for air to circulate between each fry. Spray the tops of the zucchini fries with cooking spray. Air fry for 7 minutes at 400℉ (200℃). After 7 minutes, remove the basket or tray from the air fryer and flip the zucchini. Spray again with cooking spray and return to the air fryer. Air fry for an additional 4-7 minutes or until the breading is golden. Begin checking at the 4-minute mark, as air fryer models vary.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Equipment
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
My family couldn't get enough of these zucchini fries, and they disappeared in no time. It's such a fantastic way to sneak in some veggies and still enjoy a treat. I'll definitely be making these on repeat. Thank you for sharing this fantastic recipe; it's a true winner!
YAY! Thrilled to hear you and your family enjoyed!
I love my air fryer so these were perfect! A great side dish for any meal.
These were so crispy and flavorful -- so so tasty!!
I am so happy to hear you enjoyed Andrea! Thanks for sharing.
I will never get sick of zucchini!! The air fryer makes them so crisp! Very tasty!
Oh my goodness, these Air Fryer zucchini fries were AMAZING!! My kids loved them!
I love hearing that Beti! Thanks for sharing!