Golden and crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside — these Parmesan-coated zucchini fries are the perfect guilt-free snack or side dish made effortlessly in the air fryer.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: ~25 minutes
Servings: 4
Dietary: Vegetarian, Low-oil, Air fryer
Ingredients
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Zucchini – 2 medium, sliced into fries or sticks
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Breadcrumbs – 1 cup (panko or regular)
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Parmesan cheese – ½ cup, grated
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Garlic powder – 1 tsp
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Onion powder – 1 tsp
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Paprika – ½ tsp
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Salt – ½ tsp
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Black pepper – ¼ tsp
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Eggs – 2 large, beaten
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Cooking spray or olive oil spray
Instructions
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Preheat air fryer: Set to 400°F (200°C).
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Make coating mix: In a shallow bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
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Dip & coat: Dip each zucchini stick into beaten eggs (let excess drip off), then roll in the breadcrumb mixture to coat completely.
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Arrange in fryer: Place coated fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray with cooking spray or olive oil for maximum crisp.
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Cook: Air fry for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
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Cool & serve: Let sit for 2–3 minutes, then serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Quick Notes & Pro Tips
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Cut evenly: Uniform size ensures even cooking.
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Crispier texture: Use panko breadcrumbs and spray well with oil.
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Don’t overcrowd: Cook in batches if needed to keep fries crisp, not soggy.
Why You’ll Love It
These fries are the ultimate combo of crispy, cheesy, and savory — without deep frying! They’re a fun and healthy way to use up garden zucchini and totally kid-approved.
Ingredient Details & Substitutions
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Breadcrumbs: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.
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Cheese: Swap Parmesan for pecorino or a dairy-free alternative.
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Spices: Add cayenne or Italian seasoning for a flavor twist.
Variations & Serving Suggestions
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Dip ideas: Marinara, ranch, garlic aioli, or tzatziki.
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Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes to the breading mix.
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Serve as: A side dish with burgers or a healthy appetizer for game day.
Storage & Make-Ahead
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Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
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Reheat: Re-crisp in the air fryer at 375°F for 3–4 minutes.
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Make-ahead tip: Bread zucchini sticks and refrigerate up to 4 hours before air frying.
FAQs
Q: Can I bake these instead of using an air fryer?
A: Yes — bake at 425°F on a wire rack for 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Q: Can I make these vegan?
A: Use plant-based Parmesan and replace eggs with aquafaba or a flax egg substitute.
Q: Why are my fries soggy?
A: They may be overcrowded or not sprayed with enough oil. Cook in a single layer and ensure a light, even spray for the best crunch.
Personal Note
These zucchini fries have saved me more times than I can count when I needed a quick snack that felt indulgent but wasn’t. They’re one of those “you won’t believe it’s healthy” recipes!
Your turn!
Tried these Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Fries? Leave a comment or tag me on social media — I’d love to see your version!
Would you like a baked version with a spicy chipotle dip or a low-carb version using almond flour and no cheese?