If you love zucchini as much as I do, you’re going to flip for these Air Fryer Zucchini Fries! They’re faster to make and come out so much crispier than baked zucchini fries. And with a unique 3-step breading technique you’re sure to get a crunchy coating that doesn’t slide right off!
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It’s a good thing I LOVE all things zucchini because my mom has a huge farm and is always sending me home with tons of fresh zucchini and squash in the summers! (That might explain why there are so many zucchini recipes on the site! lol)
In my quest to use a bunch of them up recently, I came up with an air fryer version of these Baked Zucchini Fries — they’re ready in almost HALF the time!
One thing that sets this recipe apart is using a 3-bowl breading technique, much like when breading chicken. This ensures the Parmesan and breadcrumb coating sticks to the zucchini slices and doesn’t slide right off. Plus, we use a homemade Italian seasoning blend for the most flavor — it’s a MUST!
Why You’ll LOVE This Recipe!
- It’s ready so quickly! The air fryer saves so much time.
- They’re super crispy with a satisfying crunch without deep frying.
- It’s a perfect way to use up fresh zucchini from your own garden or the grocery store.
Ingredients
Notes about the ingredients needed for this Air Fryer Zucchini Fries recipe are below. Jump to recipe for the exact measurements.
- Zucchini. You want 4 medium-sized ones. Look for zucchinis that are all about the same size so they cook up evenly. Choose squash that is about 4 to 5 inches in length but no more than 6 inches for the best results.
- Flour. Both an all-purpose or a gluten-free 1-to-1 blend will work just fine. You only need just enough to lightly coat the zucchini sticks so the rest of the ingredients will stick.
- Egg. This combines with the milk to make the binder for the crumbs to cling to.
- Milk. Regular or plant-based will work, whatever you have on hand.
- Breadcrumbs. Reach for a plain, unseasoned, and fine variety. Avoid coarse options like Panko breadcrumbs. Smaller grains will stick better.
- Parmesan cheese. You want it grated, which will mix more easily with the breadcrumbs and stick to the zucchini better than shredded.
- Seasoning. Store-bought or homemade Italian seasoning blends both work, and it’s so easy to make your own! Or, save time by using Italian-seasoned breadcrumb. But, make sure to reduce the salt by at least half and leave out the Italian seasoning, if you do.
How to Make Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
Please see the recipe card below for more detailed ingredient amounts. Jump to recipe for the printable instructions
1. Cut the zucchini into strips.
The key to making super delicious zucchini fries is to cut them evenly and consistently. If not, some sections will cook faster than others and you’ll end up with undercooked or burned sections.
First, trim the ends from the zucchini. Then, cut the middle section into quarters lengthwise.
2. Coat zucchini with flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs.
The secret to these fries is using THREE bowls. Yes, you read that right. I realize it’s additional dishes but all three steps are super important for that crisp and perfect texture.
In one shallow bowl, whisk together the egg and milk.
In a second, stir together the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, seasoning blend, and garlic powder.
Finally, place flour in the third shallow bowl.
Place 2-3 zucchini fries in the flour bowl. Be sure to shake off any excess. You don’t want extra flour, but you do want to thoroughly coat each zucchini slice.
Next, dip the vegetables in the egg wash. Using a fork, pick up the zucchini to let the extra egg wash drip off.
Lastly, coat the zucchini with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing it in to make sure it sticks. Repeat with the remaining strips.
3. Cook the zucchini fries in the air fryer.
It is very important to preheat the air fryer so everything cooks up evenly! Preheat it to 380℉ for at least 3 minutes prior to cooking.
Carefully line up the zucchini fries in a single layer. You do not want any of them touching, as those areas won’t get crispy.
While it is not necessary, you can spritz the zucchini fries with olive or avocado oil cooking spray. This will add a nice golden color.
Cook each batch for 10 to 12 minutes. Be sure to flip the slices halfway through cooking so all the sides are evenly crispy.
Sauces to Serve with Zucchini Fries
As soon as these come of the of the air fryer, you are going to want to devour them. Bonus, they are delicious on their own!
However, they are on another level with a tasty dipping sauce. Try any one of these options:
- Marinara
- Ketchup
- Avocado Ranch Dressing
- Secret Sauce
- Remoulade
- Chick-fil-a Sauce
- Sriracha Mayo
- Ranch Dressing
FAQs
If needed, you can slice the zucchini up to one day ahead of time. But wait to cook until you’re ready to serve.
This air fryer recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but you can save the leftover zucchini. Place extras in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days. It is not recommended you freeze as the zucchini will drastically change texture when thawed.
To reheat, pop the fries back in the air fryer for a few minutes to heat them up and get a crispy outside.
More Zucchini Recipes
If you loved this air fryer zucchini recipe, you’re in for a treat with any of these options next:
- Zucchini Fritters
- Baked Zucchini Fries
- Zucchini Lasagna
- Sautéed Zucchini & Squash
- Zucchini Soup
- Zucchini Lasagna Roll-Ups
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Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
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Ingredients
- 4 medium zucchini or about 1 to 1 ¼ lbs.
- ¼ cup all purpose flour or a gluten-free 1-to-1
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon milk
- ½ cup breadcrumbs plain, gluten-free if needed
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt plus more to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper plus more to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Parsley curly, finely chopped
Instructions
- Trim the ends from the zucchini and cut into quarters lengthwise.
- Whisk together egg and milk in one shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, italian seasoning, and garlic powder in another shallow bowl, and place flour in the third shallow bowl.
- Toss 2-3 zucchini fries in the flour (making sure to shake off any excess) and then dip in the egg wash. Using a fork, pick up the zucchini to let the extra egg wash drip off. Finally, coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing it in to make sure it sticks. Repeat with the remaining zucchini strips.
- Preheat a 6-quart air fryer to 380 degrees for at least 3 minutes. Place the zucchini fries in a single layer, paying careful attention that they do not touch. (Depending on the size of your air fryer basket, you may need to do this in 2 batches.)
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the fries are tender and cooked through. Flip over after 6 minutes to ensure they cook up evenly.
- Serve with marinara sauce or a homemade ranch dressing and enjoy!
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Notes
- Italian Seasoning: This homemade seasoning mix was used when testing the recipe. It does not contain any salt, so if you substitute with a store-bought mix that has salt, you will need to adjust the amount of salt you use accordingly.
- Breadcrumbs: Use regular and avoid using Panko- they will be too thick and won’t coat the fries completely.
- Squash: You can substitute yellow squash for the zucchini but you will end up with a slightly different taste and fries that are not perfectly symmetrical.
- Storage:This air fryer recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but you can save the leftover zucchini. Place extras in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days.
- Reheating: Pop fries back in the air fryer for a few minutes to heat them up and get a crispy outside
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
