Zucchini Fries in the Air Fryer are the easiest way to enjoy crispy zucchini fries at home. Made with a delicious parmesan panko breading, Air Fryer Zucchini Fries make a delicious appetizer or side dish that comes together in record time!
Looking for more zucchini recipes? You must try Chocolate Zucchini Muffins, Pineapple Zucchini Bread, Sauteed Zucchini, and Vegetable Kabobs.
Crispy Zucchini Fries in Air Fryer
When you are craving something salty and crispy, nothing quite compares to crispy zucchini fries right out of the air fryer. In fact, I would argue that Air Fryer Zucchini Fries are every bit as satisfying as Air Fryer French Fries!
Made with a combination of panko breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese, and air-fried until the zucchini is tender and the breading becomes crispy, Air Fryer Zucchini Fries are salty, savory, cheesy, and simply delicious!
And with the magic of an air fryer, you don't need more than a spray of oil to replicate the texture of a deep-fried favorite, making this appetizer much better for you. So go ahead, grab some marinara, pizza sauce, or ranch dressing, and dip away!
Notes on Key Ingredients
- Zucchini: I recommend using small or medium zucchini that is bright green, without blemish, and firm. Smaller zucchini has fewer seeds and is overall less bitter than larger zucchini, therefore making it a better option for this recipe.
- Panko + Parmesan Breading: For best results, use plain panko breadcrumbs, or Japanese-style breadcrumbs which are lighter than than traditional breadcrumbs and will help to form a crispy breading on the fries. Adding freshly grated parmesan, garlic powder, and a pinch of red pepper flakes, gives the Zucchini Fries an irresistible flavor.
- Parmesan: Adding parmesan cheese to the breading adds an irresistible flavor to these zucchini fries. For the best flavor, use freshly grated parmesan versus parmesan from a canister.
- Cooking Spray: Instead of using oil to fry these zucchini fries, you only need to lightly spray the fries with cooking spray and still achieve a crispy, golden breading. I recommend using an olive oil spray for the best flavor.
How to Make Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
The following tips are provided to help you achieve perfect results. You will find the detailed instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Cut Zucchini into Fries
To make fries out of zucchini, cut each zucchini into sticks that are each about ½ inch thick by 4 inches long. After cutting the zucchini into sticks, gently pat them dry using a paper towel, as this will help remove excess moisture and help the breading adhere to the zucchini.
Bread Zucchini Fries
Just like my recipe for Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan and Air Fryer Chicken Strips, this recipe uses a 3-step process for breading the zucchini fries. By dipping each zucchini stick into flour, followed by the egg wash, followed by the panko breading, you will ensure that the breading sticks to the zucchini fries. Once breaded, place the breaded zucchini in an even layer in the basket or tray of the air fryer.
Air Fry Zucchini Fries
Air fry the zucchini for 7 minutes, flip, and continue to cook for another 6-7 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the breading is golden.
Serve with Sauce
If you can resist the urge, let the zucchini fries cool slightly so you don't burn your tongue! Then serve with spaghetti sauce, pizza sauce, or ranch dressing.
recipe modifications
- Dairy-Free Zucchini Fries: Omit the added parmesan cheese and increase the panko to 1 full cup of panko breadcrumbs.
- Gluten-Free Zucchini Fries: To make these fries gluten-free, use an all-purpose 1:1 gluten-free flour and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.
- Baked Zucchini Fries: Place the breaded zucchini fries on a sheet pan that has been lined with parchment paper. Spray the zucchini with cooking spray and bake at 425 degrees F for 10 minutes. Carefully flip the zucchini over, spray with cooking spray again, and return to the oven for another 10-13 minutes.
- Double the Recipe: It is best to not overlap the zucchini fries in the air fryer, as that will prevent them from cooking evenly. Therefore, if you double the recipe, you will need to air fry the zucchini fries in batches. Keep the first batch in a 200-degree F oven while the other batch is being air-fried.
Storing & Reheating Instructions
Zucchini Fries are best served immediately after air-frying when they are crisp and warm. However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To keep the zucchini fries crispy when reheated, reheat them in the air fryer at 360 degrees F for 2 minutes per side.
More Vegetable Air Fryer Recipes
- Air Fryer Potatoes
- Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
- Air Fryer Asparagus
- Air Fryer Squash
- Air Fryer Potato Wedges
- Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan
- Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes
- Air Fryer Cauliflower
If you enjoyed these Air Fryer Zucchini Fries, I would love for you to leave a comment and review below.
Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
Ingredients
- 2 small zucchini
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons water
- ½ cup panko bread crumbs
- ½ cup parmesan cheese freshly grated
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
- If needed per your model, preheat the air fryer to 400℉. Spray the basket or tray with nonstick spray.
- Wash and dry the zucchini. Cut the zucchini into ½-inch by 4-inch sticks. 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, mix ¼ cup flour with ½ teaspoon salt. In the second dish, whisk 1 egg with 2 tablespoons of water. In the final dish, combine ½ cup panko, ½ cup parmesan, 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, working in batches if needed to leave space between each fry, and spray the tops of the zucchini fries with cooking spray. Air fry for 7 minutes at 400℉. 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 6-7 minutes or until the breading is golden.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Shadi Hasanzadenemati
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!
Kristen Chidsey
YAY! Thrilled to hear you and your family enjoyed!
Brandi
I love my air fryer so these were perfect! A great side dish for any meal.
Andrea Thueson
These were so crispy and flavorful -- so so tasty!!
Kristen Chidsey
I am so happy to hear you enjoyed Andrea! Thanks for sharing.
Kristyn
I will never get sick of zucchini!! The air fryer makes them so crisp! Very tasty!
Beti
Oh my goodness, these Air Fryer zucchini fries were AMAZING!! My kids loved them!
Kristen Chidsey
I love hearing that Beti! Thanks for sharing!