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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 zucchini recipes? You must try Chocolate Zucchini Muffins, Pineapple Zucchini Bread, Sauteed Zucchini, and Vegetable Kabobs.
Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
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-fried 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, while sacrificing nothing in terms of flavor or texture.
Happy Cooking! xo Kristen
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, making it a better option for this recipe.
- Panko: 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.
- Parmesan + Seasonings: Adding freshly grated parmesan, garlic powder, and a pinch of red pepper flakes, gives the zucchini fries an irresistible flavor.
- Cooking Spray: I recommend using an avocado or olive oil cooking spray for the best flavor, rather than a regular old cooking spray like Pam.
How to Make Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
The following tips are provided to help you achieve perfect results. You will find the ingredient quantities and 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.
Pat dry
Gently pat the zucchini sticks dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This is a key step to helping the breading adhere to the zucchini.
- Bread Zucchini Fries. For a light and crispy breading, use a 3-step process to bread the zucchini fries. First, dip the zucchini sticks into seasoned flour, followed by the egg wash, followed by the parmesan panko breading, gently shaking off excess between steps.
- Air Fry. Air fry the zucchini fries for 7 minutes, flip, and continue to cook for another 6-7 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the breading is golden.
Don't overlap
It is best to not overlap the zucchini fries in the air fryer, as that will prevent them from cooking evenly and getting that crispy exterior you are craving.
- Serve. 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 and enjoy!
Recipe Modifications
- Dairy-Free: Omit the added parmesan cheese and increase the panko to 1 cup.
- Gluten-Free: For a gluten-free breading, use an all-purpose 1:1 gluten-free flour and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.
- No Air Fryer? Coat breaded zucchini fries with cooking spray and place on a parchment lined sheet pan. Bake at at 425℉ (220℃) for 20-23 minutes, flipping after 10 minutes.
- Double the Recipe: Unless you have a large air fryer, you will need to work in batches. Keep the first batch in a 200℉ (95℃) oven while the other batch is being air-fried.
More Air-Fried Veggies
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
- 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℉ (200℃). 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 all-purpose flour with ½ teaspoon kosher salt. In the second dish, whisk 1 large egg with 2 tablespoons water. In the final dish, combine ½ cup panko bread crumbs, ½ cup parmesan cheese, 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℉ (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 6-7 minutes or until the breading is golden.
- 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!