Looking for a healthier snack? Try these crispy air fryer zucchini fries! They’re not only better for you than deep-fried ones, but they’re also delicious. This air fried zucchini recipe will help you get the perfect crispy texture using flour, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Learn how to make these amazing zucchini fries in just a few simple steps.
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I am obsessed with my air fryer and am always looking for ways to use it. We love that we can eat some of our favorite deep fried foods without actually deep frying them. Another great thing is the air fryer has a quick cooking time, just like the deep fryer. Plus, air frying is safer and makes less of a mess than deep frying.
Ingredients
See recipe card for exact amounts.
Ingredient Notes
See recipe card for exact amounts.
zucchini – I try to find medium zucchini, but any can be used. I have seen them in all sizes, from very large to very small.
Parmesan cheese – we use freshly grated off the wedge but you can use pre-shredded if you want.
breadcrumbs – I like Italian-style breadcrumbs because the Italian seasoning (and other seasonings) is already in it.
flour – all purpose flour works best for this recipe.
eggs – this helps everything stick to the zucchini sticks.
olive oil – we add this to the breadcrumbs to make them a little stickier so it adheres to the zucchini better.
seasonings – the flour is seasoned simply with salt and black pepper.
favorite dipping sauce – not mandatory, but highly recommended.
How to Make
- Wash zucchini and dry with paper towels, cut into fries.
- Beat the eggs in a small shallow bowl.
- Mix the flour, salt and pepper in a separate bowl, plate or shallow dish.
- Place the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese and olive oil on a plate and toss to combine.
- Pat the excess moisture off of each zucchini stick with a paper towel, then dredge zucchini into the flour mixture, then the egg mixture, then the breadcrumb mixture.
- Spray air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Place into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry zucchini at 400° for 7-9 minutes or until the zucchini is tender and golden brown.
Tips
- This amount of breading will work for one medium sized zucchini that should yield around 24 fries.
- Be sure to dry each piece of zucchini after they are cut to remove excess moisture.
- Subsequent batches may cook a little bit faster than the first batch since the air fryer is hot.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket.
- Keep zucchini fries warm in a preheated 200° oven on a rimmed baking sheet while you make the remaining batches.
Substitutions
- You can use Panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs. I recommend adding about 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder and ½ teaspoon of salt.
- Canola oil or vegetable oil can be used instead of olive oil.
Dipping Sauce Ideas
- ranch dressing
- marinara sauce
- spicy ketchup
- garlic aioli
- spicy mayo
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover zucchini fries in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best results reheat in the air fryer on 400° for 3-5 minutes, or until warm. Microwaving is not recommended because they will become mushy.
Try these air fryer appetizers next!
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Crispy Zucchini Fries
Ingredients
- 1 medium zucchini
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup Italian style breadcrumbs
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- cooking spray
Instructions
- Wash zucchini and dry with paper towels, cut into fries approximately 3" X ½".1 medium zucchini
- Beat eggs in a small shallow bowl.2 eggs
- Mix flour, salt and pepper in a separate bowl, plate or shallow dish.½ cup flour, ¼ teaspoon salt, ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- Place bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese and olive oil on a plate and toss to combine.1 cup Italian style breadcrumbs, ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Pat excess moisture off of each zucchini stick with a paper towel; dredge zucchini into flour mixture, then egg mixture, then breadcrumb mixture.
- Spray bottom of air fryer basket with cooking spray.cooking spray
- Place into air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry at 400° for 7-9 minutes or until zucchini is tender and golden brown.
About Mindy
Mindy has been cooking for over 30 years, starting as a young mother who learned how to create delicious meals on a budget. Today, she shares approachable recipes made with everyday ingredients that are easy, affordable, and family-friendly. Her goal is to show that great food doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive.