Golden, crispy, and guilt-free — these Air Fryer Zucchini Fries are the perfect way to transform simple zucchini into crunchy, addictive bites. They’re light, flavorful, and far healthier than traditional deep-fried versions. Serve them as a snack, appetizer, or side dish with your favorite dipping sauce, and watch them disappear fast!
🥒 Ingredients
For the Zucchini Fries
- 2 medium zucchini
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional but recommended)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
For Serving (Optional)
- Marinara sauce
- Ranch dressing
- Garlic aioli
🍽️ Instructions & Method
1. Prepare the Zucchini
- Wash and dry the zucchini.
- Cut off both ends, then slice into fry-shaped sticks — about 3–4 inches long and ½ inch thick.
2. Set Up the Breading Stations
Prepare three shallow bowls:
- Bowl 1: Flour, plus a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Bowl 2: Eggs, beaten.
- Bowl 3: Panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Bread the Zucchini
- Coat each zucchini stick in flour, shaking off excess.
- Dip into the beaten eggs.
- Roll in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently so the coating sticks.
4. Preheat the Air Fryer
- Set to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
5. Cook the Zucchini Fries
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking.
- Place zucchini fries in a single layer (do not overcrowd).
- Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
- Cook in batches if necessary.
6. Serve
- Serve immediately with marinara, ranch, or your favorite dipping sauce!
🌱 Tips for Extra Crispiness
- Use panko breadcrumbs — they crisp better than regular breadcrumbs.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket; airflow is key.
- For extra golden color, spray the fries lightly with cooking oil.