why make this recipe
This recipe gives you a quick, crunchy snack with less oil than deep frying. It uses the air fryer to make zucchini fries that are crisp on the outside and soft inside. It cooks fast and uses simple pantry ingredients.
introduction
Air Fryer Zucchini Fries are an easy snack or side. You cut zucchini into sticks, bread them, and cook them in the air fryer. If you want other simple recipe ideas, check a related pasta idea like campanelle pasta recipes for more weeknight options.
how to make Air Fryer Zucchini Fries Recipe
You bread the zucchini in three steps: flour, egg, breadcrumb mix. Let the cut zucchini rest after salting to remove moisture, then pat dry. Preheat the air fryer, spray the basket, and cook the fries in a single layer. Flip once so both sides get brown and crisp.
Ingredients :
- 2 large zucchini (about 1.5 lbs, cut into fry sticks)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free)
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 1.5 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 0.5 tsp paprika
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
- 0.25 tsp cayenne pepper (for heat)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 0.5 tsp dried oregano
Directions :
- Wash zucchini and cut into fry sticks. Sprinkle with a little salt and let rest 10 minutes. Pat dry with paper towels.
- Put flour in the first shallow dish. Beat eggs in the second dish. In the third dish, mix panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne, Italian seasoning, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Dip each zucchini stick in flour, then in beaten eggs, then press into the breadcrumb mix so it sticks.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Spray the basket with cooking spray.
- Arrange the zucchini fries in a single layer. Lightly spray the fries with cooking spray.
- Cook 8–10 minutes. Flip halfway through. Cook until golden and crisp.
how to serve Air Fryer Zucchini Fries Recipe
Serve hot with marinara sauce, ranch, or a yogurt dip. They work as a snack, side dish, or party finger food. Add a squeeze of lemon for a fresh touch.
how to store Air Fryer Zucchini Fries Recipe
Cool the fries to room temperature. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes to restore crispness. Do not store with wet sauce on them or they will go soggy.
tips to make Air Fryer Zucchini Fries Recipe
- Pat the zucchini very dry after resting; less moisture gives a crisper coating.
- Do not overcrowd the basket. Cook in batches if needed.
- Lightly spray both basket and fries for a golden crust.
- Press breadcrumbs onto each stick so they stick well.
- Use panko for the best crunch.
variation (if any)
- Gluten-free: use almond flour and gluten-free panko.
- Vegan: use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water per egg) and dairy-free Parmesan.
- Spicy: add more cayenne or a pinch of chili flakes.
- Cheesy: mix extra grated Parmesan into the breadcrumb mix.
- Oven-baked: bake at 425°F (220°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway.
FAQs
Q: Can I use other squash instead of zucchini?
A: Yes. Use yellow squash the same way. Adjust cooking time if pieces are thicker.
Q: Do I need to salt the zucchini first?
A: Yes. Salting draws out water and helps the coating stick and become crisp.
Q: How do I keep them from getting soggy?
A: Dry the zucchini well, do not crowd the basket, and reheat in the air fryer instead of the microwave.
Q: Can I freeze these?
A: You can freeze them raw after breading on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Cook from frozen and add a minute or two to the time.
Q: What if my fries fall apart?
A: Press the breadcrumb mix firmly onto each piece and make sure the zucchini is dry. Use a light coating of flour and egg to help the crumbs stick.
Conclusion
This Air Fryer Zucchini Fries recipe makes a quick, healthier snack with a crisp bite. For another simple air fryer zucchini recipe and more tips, see Quick and Easy Air Fryer Zucchini Fries | The Recipe Critic.