Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Fries Recipe
These Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Fries are golden, crunchy, and irresistibly delicious! Made with a light panko-Parmesan coating and air-fried to perfection, this healthy snack delivers all the flavor and crispiness of fried food without the excess oil. Perfect as a side, appetizer, or guilt-free snack.
Ingredients
- 3 medium zucchini about 1.3–1.5 lb
- ½ cup all-purpose flour or corn starch for extra crispness
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt divided
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or oil spray
- Fresh parsley chopped (optional for garnish)
- Lemon wedges for serving
- Optional Dips: Marinara ranch, garlic aioli, or sriracha mayo.
Instructions
Prepare the zucchini:
- Trim ends and cut zucchini into fries (½ inch thick). Sprinkle lightly with salt and let rest 10–15 minutes to draw out moisture. Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
- Set up coating station:
- Bowl 1: Flour, salt, pepper.
- Bowl 2: Beaten eggs.
- Bowl 3: Panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, remaining salt, and pepper.
Coat the fries:
- Dredge zucchini pieces in flour, dip in egg, and coat in the panko mixture. Press crumbs firmly to adhere. Let coated fries rest 5–10 minutes.
Preheat air fryer:
- Heat to 200°C (400°F) for 3–5 minutes.
Air-fry the zucchini:
- Arrange fries in a single layer (don’t overcrowd). Lightly mist with oil.
- Air-fry for 8–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.
Serve:
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce and lemon wedges.
Notes
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 190°C (375°F) for 3–5 minutes.
- Freezer-friendly: Bread the zucchini and freeze on a tray. Air-fry directly from frozen (add 2–4 extra minutes).
- Vegan option: Replace eggs with aquafaba or non-dairy milk + cornstarch; use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
- For extra crunch: Mix crushed cornflakes or double-dip in egg and panko.
- Avoid sogginess: Always preheat your air fryer and cook in single layers.