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A pile of golden, crispy zucchini fries sprinkled with herbs on a white plate next to a bowl of ketchup.

Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Fries

Enjoy perfectly golden and irresistibly crispy zucchini fries without the deep-frying mess. These air-fried delights are a healthier alternative, seasoned to perfection, and quick to prepare for a satisfying snack or side.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 180

Ingredients
  

For the Zucchini
  • 2 medium zucchini ends trimmed, cut into 3-inch long by 1/2-inch thick sticks
  • 1/2 tsp salt for pre-salting
For the Breading
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 2 large eggs beaten
  • 1 tbsp milk
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 tsp paprika
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil, for spraying/tossing

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Shallow Dishes (3)
  • Tongs
  • Whisk

Method
 

Prepare the Zucchini
  1. Trim the ends off the zucchinis. Cut each zucchini in half crosswise, then slice each half lengthwise into 1/2-inch thick planks. Stack the planks and cut them into 1/2-inch thick sticks, resembling fries.
  2. Place the zucchini sticks in a colander and toss them with 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Let them sit for 10-15 minutes to draw out excess moisture. This is crucial for crispiness.
  3. After 10-15 minutes, thoroughly pat the zucchini sticks dry with paper towels. Remove as much moisture as possible.
Prepare the Breading Station
  1. Prepare three shallow dishes. In the first dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, and black pepper. In the second dish, whisk together the eggs and milk. In the third dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, dried Italian seasoning, and paprika. Mix well.
Bread and Air Fry
  1. Working in batches, dredge each zucchini stick first in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Finally, roll it in the panko mixture, pressing gently to ensure a good coating on all sides. Place the breaded fries on a clean plate.
  2. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
  3. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil or cooking spray. Arrange a single layer of breaded zucchini fries in the basket, ensuring they do not overlap. This is important for even cooking and crispiness.
  4. Lightly spray the top of the zucchini fries with olive oil or cooking spray. Air fry for 6-8 minutes, then flip the fries using tongs, and air fry for another 4-6 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
  5. Transfer the cooked fries to a serving platter and repeat with the remaining zucchini in batches. Do not overcrowd the basket.
Serve
  1. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara, ranch, or a creamy sriracha dip.

Notes

For extra crispiness, ensure the zucchini is very dry before breading. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary. This allows the air to circulate properly and achieve maximum crispiness. Leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes until crispy again.