Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Zucchini Fries

Looking for a healthy side dish that actually tastes like a treat? These Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Zucchini Fries are completely irresistible! Coated in a crunchy mixture of panko breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, and parmesan cheese, they get perfectly golden brown in the air fryer without the need for deep frying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthy & Light: Air frying uses a fraction of the oil compared to traditional frying.
• Extra Crispy: The panko breadcrumb coating ensures a satisfying crunch in every bite.
• Sneaky Veggies: A brilliant way to get picky eaters to devour their vegetables!

Ingredients You Need

Panko breadcrumbs are essential for this recipe—they are much lighter and flakier than regular breadcrumbs, which allows them to get incredibly crispy in the air fryer. The parmesan cheese adds a salty, savory depth that pairs perfectly with the mild zucchini.

How to Make It

Cut the zucchini into uniform sticks. Set up a breading station: one bowl for flour, one for beaten eggs, and one for the panko/parmesan mixture. Dip each zucchini stick into the flour, then the egg, then the breadcrumbs. Air fry at 400°F for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.

Tips for Success

Zucchini holds a lot of water! If you have time, sprinkle the cut zucchini sticks with salt and let them sit for 15 minutes, then pat them completely dry with a paper towel before breading. This guarantees they won’t get soggy.

Variations

Storage & Reheating

FAQ

Can I bake these in the oven instead?

Yes! Bake at 425°F on a wire rack set over a baking sheet for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Zucchini Fries

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

Main

• 2 medium Zucchini, cut into fry-sized sticks
• 1/2 cup All-purpose flour
• 2 large Eggs, beaten
• 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
• 1 tbsp Olive oil spray

Method

 

Main

1. Prepare your breading station with three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, add the flour. In the second bowl, beat the eggs. In the third bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Working in batches, toss the zucchini sticks in the flour, shaking off any excess.
3. Dip them into the beaten egg, allowing the excess to drip off.
4. Press them firmly into the panko and parmesan mixture until completely coated on all sides.
5. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
6. Place the breaded zucchini fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket (do not overcrowd). Lightly spray them with olive oil cooking spray.
7. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and very crispy.
8. Serve immediately with marinara sauce or garlic aioli for dipping.