When you know how to make Air Fryer Zucchini Fries, you will have a quick, easy, and delicious side dish any night of the week. Breaded zucchini sticks are perfectly seasoned with Parmesan and herbs and air fried to save you time. You will come back to this simple, kid-friendly recipe again and again!

Overhead picture of baked parmesan zucchini with sauce on the side.

What started out with these Baked Zucchini Fries has now transformed into this CRISPIER and FASTER to make Air Fryer version! Because who doesn’t want to air fry ALL the vegetables?

Strips of zucchini are coated in a crunchy breadcrumb and Parmesan cheese coating to make the best HEALTHIER fries full of flavor!

They make an excellent addition to just about any weeknight main dish and can even double as a great finger food or snack for parties.

Serve them up with a side of ketchup, marinara, or even a homemade ranch dressing and watch them disappear before your eyes!

And yes – these are so good that even those picky eaters of yours will keep going back for seconds.

Zucchini, flour, breadcrumbs, egg, flour, and seasonings to make zucchini fries.

Ingredients

To make this recipe you need:

  • Zucchini. You want 4 medium-sized ones. Don’t get too thick since you’ll be cutting them into quarters and making strips. Look for zucchinis that are all about the same size so they cook up evenly. Choose squash that is about 4-5 inches in length but no more than 6 inches for the best results.
  • Flour. All-purpose or a gluten-free 1-to-1 blend will both work just fine. You only need just enough to lightly coat the zucchini sticks so the rest of the ingredients will stick. Nut varieties like almond flour won’t work well because the grain is too coarse to coat the zucchini.
  • Egg. This combines with the milk to make the binder for the crumbs to stick to.
  • Milk. Regular or a plant-based will work, whatever you have on hand. If you opt for a dairy-free alternative, oat milk is preferred.
  • Breadcrumbs. Reach for a plain, unseasoned, and fine variety. Avoid coarse options like Panko breadcrumbs. Smaller grains will stick better. Aleia’s has a great gluten-free kind, if needed.
  • Parmesan cheese. You want it grated so it mixes easily with the breadcrumbs and sticks better than shredded. If you need, you can sub with a vegan Parmesan.
  • 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

The basic steps for making Air Fryer Zucchini Fries are simple to follow:

Cut the Zucchini

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.

Coat the Fries

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.

Cook in 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.

It is ok to cook the veggies in more than one batch.

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.

Serve with Sauces

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:

Picture of Baked Parmesan Zucchini Fries for a healthy snack.

Meal Prep and Storage

  • To Prep-Ahead: If needed, you can slice the zucchini up to one day ahead of time.
  • To Store: 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.
  • To Freeze: It is not recommended you freeze as the zucchini will drastically change texture when thawed.
  • To Reheat: Pop fries back in the air fryer for a few minutes to heat them up and get a crispy outside.

Dietary Modifications

The recipe you’ll find below is already vegetarian, nut-free, and refined sugar free as written.  Here are some adjustments and substitutions you can make to help it fit your other dietary requirements:

  • Gluten-free: Opt for wheat-free flour and breadcrumbs.
  • Dairy-free: Use a plant-based milk and go for dairy-free cheese.
Dipping a baked zucchini fry into marinara sauce.

FAQs

How do I cook zucchini in an air fryer?

You can cook zucchini in an air fryer so many different ways! Cut the vegetable into sticks to make fries or slice them into chips. Or, dice zucchini up and throw them in the fryer.

How do I make my air fried zucchini crispy?

If you dredge the zucchini in flour, then egg, and finally breadcrumbs, you should get a crispy finish. If not, try spraying the vegetable with olive oil before cooking, or leaving them in the air fryer a minute or two longer.

How do you keep zucchini from getting soggy?

Dry off the zucchini before cooking. Be sure none of the pieces are touching each other and that air can adequately circulate.

Expert Tips and Tricks

  • Even sizes. Be sure to cut the zucchini as consistently as possible so each piece cooks the same!
  • Go in order. Dredge the zucchini in flour first, then egg, and finally breadcrumbs.
  • Brush it off. Gently tap the fries after dipping in flour to remove any extra that is still hanging on.
  • Get it hot. Preheat the air fryer for the best results.
  • Serve ’em up. Serve these fries hot and with your favorite dipping sauce.
Healthy, vegetarian zucchini fries on a plate.

Other Air Fryer Side Dish Recipes

Once you see how easy it is to cook vegetables in this method, try these other air fryer recipes next:

More Zucchini Recipes

If you loved this air fryer zucchini recipe, you’re in for a treat with any of these options next:

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5 from 1 vote

Air Fryer Zucchini Fries

When you know how to make Air Fryer Zucchini Fries, you will have a quick, easy, and delicious side dish any night of the week. Breaded zucchini sticks are perfectly seasoned with Parmesan and herbs and air fried to save you time.
Yield 5 servings
Prep 20 minutes
Cook 20 minutes
Total 40 minutes
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Ingredients 

  • 4 medium zucchini squash or about 1 to 1 ¼ lbs.
  • ¼ cup flour all purpose or a gluten-free 1-to-1
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 Tbsp. milk regular, oat, soy, or nut-based
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs plain, gluten-free if needed
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 1 tsp. salt to taste
  • ¼ tsp. black pepper to taste
  • 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
  • ¼ tsp. 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!
Last step! If you make this, please leave a review letting us know how it was!

Tap stars to rate!

5 from 1 vote

Notes

Meal Prep and Storage

  • To Prep-Ahead: If needed, you can slice the zucchini up to one day ahead of time.
  • To Store: 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.
  • To Freeze: It is not recommended you freeze as the zucchini will drastically change texture when thawed.
  • To Reheat: Pop fries back in the air fryer for a few minutes to heat them up and get a crispy outside.

Nutrition

Calories: 145kcal, Carbohydrates: 18g, Protein: 9g, Fat: 5g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Trans Fat: 0.004g, Cholesterol: 40mg, Sodium: 649mg, Potassium: 470mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 5g, Vitamin A: 457IU, Vitamin C: 28mg, Calcium: 189mg, Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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