These air fryer zucchini fries are my new favorite way to eat zucchini. Once you've tried them, I'm sure you'll agree the crispy flavorful coating and soft, tender interior is amazing! They're perfect for an easy appetizer and a great side dish for your next summer meal in under 20 minutes!
These air fryer zucchini fries are a perfect summertime appetizer or side dish. It's a great way to use up bountiful summer zucchini from the garden or farmer's market. And making them in the air fryer means you don't need to heat up the house with the oven.
They're crispy and flavorful, and you can serve them as an easy appetizer with dipping sauce or as a healthier substitution for french fries with hamburgers. And, best of all, they're ready in under 20 minutes!
Why this Recipe Works
- Crispy!- The coating of seasoned panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese produces a crispy, flavorful crust.
- Air Fried - Using an air fryer to make zucchini fries is quick and easy and won't heat up the whole house in the summer like a traditional oven.
- Versatile - These parmesan zucchini fries are perfect as an appetizer or side dish.
Ingredient Notes
- Zucchini - Use medium or small zucchini. Larger zucchini have a spongier texture and more water content, so they get soggier when cooked.
- Panko Breadcrumbs - These ultra crispy Japanese-style breadcrumbs add the perfect crunch to these zucchini fries. You can use regular breadcrumbs if that's all you have on hand, but they will not have the same texture.
- Parmesan Cheese - The cheese adds a bit of saltiness and flavor to the breading. Finely grate your own from a block of Parmesan for the best results.
- Cooking Spray - Use your favorite spray to coat the breaded zucchini to help them brown.
See the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the complete list of ingredients and measurements.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375℉. Cut the ends off the zucchini, then cut it in half, then cut into wedges or sticks.
- Prepare a three-part breading station by combining the flour, salt, and pepper on a plate. Beat together the eggs and water in a bowl. On another plate, stir together the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning.
- Bread the zucchini by dredging it in the flour, dipping it in the egg mixture, and then coating it with the breadcrumb mixture. Repeat with the remaining zucchini.
- Spray the air fryer basket and the breaded zucchini with cooking spray, then place them in the air fryer basket, in a single layer, leaving a little space between each piece. Cook for 7-8 minutes, shaking the basket every few minutes, until lightly browned.
Expert Tips
- Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer so the air can circulate properly.
- You can add all of the zucchini fries back to the air fryer and heat them for a minute just before serving to reheat the earlier batches.
- Shake the basket or flip the zucchini every 2-3 minutes to ensure even cooking on all sides.
Serving Suggestions
These easy air fried zucchini fries make a great healthy appetizer served with ranch dressing or marinara sauce for dipping.
They are also a perfect side dish for almost any meal. I love them with my spinach and feta turkey burgers and other grilled dishes in the summertime.
Storage and Reheating
These zucchini fries are best right out of the air fryer. You can store leftovers, and they're still delicious, just not as crispy. Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Reheat leftovers in your air fryer for 3 minutes or until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
For crispy fried zucchini, it's important not to overcook them. Since they have a high water content, they can become mushy and soggy.
If you have extra time, lightly salting the cut zucchini wedges and letting them sit for 15-20 minutes before cooking will help to draw out excess moisture. After they've sat out, pat them dry with paper towels before breading them.
Yes, these fried zucchini wedges can also be baked in your love. Follow the same prep steps, then bake them on a wire rack set on a baking sheet at 400°F for around 20 minutes until they're golden brown.
More Air Fryer Recipes
📖 Recipe
Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 medium zucchini
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1 Tablespoon water
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 Tablespoon Italian seasoning
- cooking spray
Instructions
- Prepare a breading station by combining the flour, salt, and pepper on a plate. Beat together the eggs and water in a bowl. On another plate, stir together the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375℉. Cut the ends off the zucchini, then cut it in half, then cut into wedges or sticks.
- Bread the zucchini by dredging it in the flour, dipping it in the egg mixture, and then coating it with the breadcrumb mixture. Repeat with the remaining zucchini.
- Spray the air fryer basket and the breaded zucchini with cooking spray, then place them in the air fryer basket, in a single layer, leaving a little space between each piece. Cook for 7-8 minutes, shaking the basket every few minutes, until lightly browned.
Notes
Nutrition
* All nutrition information we provide are estimates based on third party calculators. We encourage you to calculate these on your own for accurate results.
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