Air Fryer Zucchini Fries Recipe (Crispy & Cheesy!)

A metal tray filled with crispy breaded zucchini fries, served with a small cup of creamy dipping sauce, sits on a marble surface next to a folded pink towel.

5 from 1 vote

Air Fryer Zucchini Fries Recipe (Crispy & Cheesy!)

Make crispy air-fried zucchini fries in just minutes! Golden brown, cheesy, and full of flavor, this easy recipe is the perfect healthy side or snack.

Prep Time30

Cook Time10

Total Time40

Course: Appetizer, game day, Side Dish, Snack

Cuisine: American

Diet: Low Calorie, Low Fat, Vegetarian

Servings: people

Calories: 240kcal

Author: Sarah Jenkins

Ingredients

3-4 medium zucchinis washed, ends trimmed
1 tablespoon salt (to help expell the moisture from the zucchini
¾ cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs beaten
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
1 spritz olive oil cooking spray (avocado or canola oil can also work)

Instructions

Cut the zucchini into “fries” (about ½-inch thick, 2-3 inch long strips). Place the zucchini fries in a colander and sprinkle with salt. Let the zucchini strips sit for 15-20 minutes to draw out excess moisture, then pat them dry with paper towels.
Set up the breading station by adding the flour to the first bowl, the beaten eggs to the second bowl, and the panko, parmesan, garlic powder, and paprika to the third bowl. Mix the ingredients in the third bowl to combine.
Bread the fries. Dip each zucchini piece first in the flour bowl, then in the egg bowl, and finally in the panko-Parmesan mix. Press the panko mixture gently to ensure the coating sticks well.
Preheat the air fryer to 400° F. Arrange the zucchini fries in a single layer (do not overcrowd). Lightly spray the fries with olive oil and air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the fries have a golden and crispy exterior.
Serve with your favorite dipping sauces (ranch, marinara) and enjoy!

Notes

Don't skip the salting/sweating step. This helps to draw the moisture out of the zucchini strips and helps to make them crispier.
Don't crowd the air fryer. Work in batches if you can't fit all the sticks comfortably in an even layer in the air fryer basket.
Use the oil cooking spray. It doesn't really matter what type of oil you use, just make sure it's in spray form to give them just a light coating prior to air frying.

Nutrition