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These air fryer zucchini fries are so deliciously crispy. Coated with parmesan and breadcrumbs, they are perfect for dipping or serving as an appetizer or side! Say goodbye to potato fries and hello to zucchini fries.
This air fryer zucchini fries recipe is so quick and easy to make—just toss the zucchini with breadcrumbs and parmesan, and they are ready to cook. The air-fried method brings out the freshness of the zucchini while making them crispy on the outside and tender inside. Also, these zucchini sticks are the perfect appetizer or side to go with burgers, dips, and more. The whole family will love them!
Table of contents
Ingredients
- Zucchini: Look for dark green zucchini (like Dunja, Black Beauty, Gadzukes).
- Parmesan cheese: A block of fresh Parmigiano Reggiano or Granada Padano is the best though pre-grated will work too.
- Breadcrumbs: Stale bread or homemade breadcrumbs are best as it’s a great way to use up leftovers. You can also use Panko or other generic breadcrumbs.
- Flour: All-purpose flour works just fine or use gluten-free, rice, or alternative flour.
- Eggs: Used to bind the coating to the zucchini sticks.
- Lemon zest: Or lime zest – for a flavor boost.
- Italian seasoning: You can buy these pre-mixed, but if you want to make your own, you’ll need oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary.
- Salt & pepper: To taste.
- Olive oil: Go for really good extra-virgin olive oil.
- Parsley: To garnish (optional).
How to cook zucchini fries in air fryer
Prepare the Zucchini: Remove the top and bottom edges of the zucchini. Cut the zucchini in half, then into quarters. You should have thick-cut zucchini sticks of even sizes so they cook at the same time. Pat them dry before breading.
Bread the Zucchini: First, prepare your breading station. In one bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, grated parmesan, salt, and pepper. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs with the lemon zest until completely combined. In a third shallow bowl or a plate, add the flour.
Working in batches, dip a zucchini stick into the flour mix and coat it well, then shake away any excess. Next, dip it in the egg mixture and finally into the breadcrumbs to cover completely. Set it aside. Repeat until all the zucchini pieces are covered.
Air fry: Preheat the air fryer to 400ºF/200ºC. Some air fryers don’t need preheating, so make sure to check your appliance’s instructions. Spray the zucchini fries with olive oil. Then place them in the basket in a single layer and cook for 10 minutes until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through. Work in batches—you don’t want to overcrowd the fryer.
Recipe tips
- Cut zucchini into even pieces so they cook evenly.
- If you’re not into fries/sticks, try slicing your zucchini into coins.
- Pat them dry before reading to ensure they are crispy.
- To add more flavor, add your seasonings to the flour mixture AND the breadcrumbs.
- Air fry in batches and avoid overcooking.
- Everyone’s air fryer works differently, so do a test with a small batch. That way, there’s no risk of burned or undercooked zucchini fries!
- Serve right away for the best flavor and texture.
Storing leftovers
To store: These are best eaten right away while they are still crispy. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
To reheat: Place them back in the air fryer at 350ºF/175ºC until heated through.
To freeze: You can freeze the air fryer zucchini fries in an airtight container or a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before you reheat them.
What to serve with zucchini fries
Garnish the parmesan zucchini fries with the chopped parsley and serve with your favorite dipping sauce, with other appetizers or sides. I love them with:
- Dips: Yum yum sauce, marinara, or garlic aioli.
- With other appetizers: Add to your party spread alongside other popular appetizers like coconut shrimp, buffalo cauliflower wings, and chicken lollipops.
More zucchini recipes
If you try this air fryer zucchini recipe, let me know how it goes in the comments below. I’d appreciate a recipe card rating and would love to see your recipe recreations – tag me on Instagram @Alphafoodie!
Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1.1 lb zucchini 4 medium
- 1.4 oz all-purpose flour
- 1.4 oz breadcrumbs
- 0.9 oz parmesan cheese 1 cup grated
- 3 eggs
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 Tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 lemon zested
- 2 Tbsp parsley chopped, optional, for topping
Instructions
- Remove the top and bottom edges of the zucchini. Cut the zucchini in half and then into even-sized quarters. Pat them dry.
- In one bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, grated parmesan, salt, and pepper. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs with the lemon zest until completely combined. In a third shallow bowl or a plate, add the flour.
- Dip a zucchini stick into the flour mix, coat it well, and then shake away any excess. Dip it in the egg mixture. Finally, dip it into the breadcrumbs to cover completely. Set it aside. Repeat until all the zucchini pieces are covered.Â
- If needed, preheat the air fryer to 400ºF/200ºC.
- Spray the zucchini sticks with olive oil. Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, working in batches if needed.
- Cook for 10 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Flip halfway through.
- Garnish the air fryer zucchini fries with the chopped parsley and serve with your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
