Air Fryer Zucchini Fries

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Air Fryer Zucchini Fries are made with parmesan panko breading and air-fried until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

These Zucchini Fries are not only easy to make, but they are also better for you and just as tasty as the fried version. Serve them up with a side of Homemade Spaghetti Sauce as an appetizer or as a side for Homemade Burgers.

Basket of air fryer zucchini fries with marinara sauce.

When zucchini is plentiful, there is nothing better than a slice of Homemade Zucchini Bread or a Chocolate Zucchini Muffin. But if you are craving something savory, Zucchini Fries hit the spot.

And this recipe for Air Fryer Zucchini Fries is the BEST!

Not only does the air fryer keep these zucchini fries much lower in fat than deep-fried or pan-fried recipes, but the combination of light panko breadcrumbs and salty parmesan cheese adds incredible flavor.

Whether served as an appetizer or as a side dish, you are guaranteed to love this crispy, crunchy air fryer breaded zucchini.

What You Need

Ingredients for zucchini fries labeled on white counter.

Zucchini: Smaller zucchini has fewer seeds and less bitter, therefore it is a much better option for this recipe. Select small to medium-thin zucchini that is bright green, without blemish, and firm.
Flour: Use whole wheat, all-purpose flour, or even a gluten-free1:1 flour blend.
Egg: The egg is needed to help the breading adhere to the zucchini.
Breadcrumbs: For best results, panko, or Japanese-style breadcrumbs, are best. They are lighter and crisp up better. If you only have traditional breadcrumbs, they will work as well.
Parmesan: Parmesan cheese adds the best flavor to the zucchini fries and for the most punch, use freshly grated parmesan versus parmesan from a canister.
Seasoning: Garlic powder and a few red pepper flakes go a long way to add flavor to the breading. Feel free to omit the red pepper flakes if you are sensitive to spice.

How to Make Air Fryer Zucchini Fries

Spray the basket or tray of your air fryer with nonstick spray and if needed per your model, preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F.
Wash the zucchini. Cut the zucchini in half lengthwise. Cut each half into fourths length-wise. Finally cut each stick in half widthwise, for a total of 16 sticks, each about ½ inch by 4-inch. Gently pat the zucchini sticks dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.

Step by step photos showing how to cut a zucchini into fries.

Prepare the breading station by setting up 3 shallow dishes. In the first dish, mix the flour with the salt. In the second dish, whisk the egg with 2 tablespoons of water. In the final dish, combine the panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes.

3 shallow white bowls showing breading station for zucchini fries.

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, being sure to not overlap the zucchini fries so they can crisp up evenly.
Spray the top of the zucchini fries with cooking spray.

Breaded zucchini fries in basket of air fryer.

Air fry for 7 minutes at 400 degrees F.

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.

Zucchini fries are delicious served with spaghetti sauce or ranch dressing.

Parmesan Zucchini Fries in a basket with one dipping into marinara sauce.

Storing Zucchini Fries

Zucchini Fries are best served immediately after air-frying when they are crisp and warm.

If you happen to have leftovers, store the zucchini fries in an airtight container for 3 days. Reheat the zucchini fries in the air fryer at 360 degrees F for 2 minutes per side.

Recipe FAQs

Can you make Zucchini Fries in the Oven?

Yes! Spray a baking rack that fits onto a sheet pan with cooking spray and place the rack onto a sheet pan. Place the breaded zucchini onto the prepared pan and spray the tops with cooking spray. Bake at 425 degrees F for 20-23 minutes or until crispy and golden brown. Alternatively, you can place your breaded zucchini onto 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.

Can you make Zucchini Fries using the Air Fryer Lid for an Instant Pot?

Absolutely. Use the air fryer setting and set as the recipe directs. Keep in mind that you will need to work in batches, as your Instant Pot will not fit as many fries.

What is the best Air Fryer to use for this recipe?

This recipe will work with any air fryer you have. I personally have a basic GoWise Air Fryer that has worked well for me.

Can this recipe be made dairy-free?

Yes! Simply omit the Parmesan from the breading and use 1 full cup of panko breadcrumbs.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Yes, you can use an all-purpose 1:1 gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.

How do you keep the fries warm if you need to prepare in batches?

If you need to prepare in batches, keep the first batch in the oven at 200 degrees F while the other batch cooks up. This will keep your fries warm and crispy.

More Air Fryer Recipes

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