Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
Air fryers have become my go-to for quick, healthier versions of traditionally fried foods, and these zucchini fries might just be my favorite discovery yet.
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Mixing Bowls
- Whisk or fork
- Tongs
- Baking Sheet or Plate
- Cooking spray
- Grater
Ingredients
For the Zucchini Fries:
- 2 medium zucchinis
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon water
- 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Cooking spray for air fryer basket and tops of fries
Instructions
Prepare the Zucchini
- Wash the zucchinis thoroughly and pat them dry with a kitchen towel.
- Cut off the ends, then slice each zucchini into fry-shaped sticks — about 3 inches long and roughly 1/2 inch thick.
- Place the zucchini sticks in a large bowl, sprinkle with salt, and toss gently to coat. Let them sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
- After 10 minutes, use a paper towel or clean kitchen towel to pat each stick dry. Removing moisture helps the coating stick better and makes the fries crispier.
- Pro Tip: Don’t skip the drying step! Excess water will make the breading soggy instead of crispy.
Set Up Your Breading Stations
- In one bowl, add the all-purpose flour. This will be the first coating layer.
- In a second bowl, whisk together the eggs and water until smooth. Whisk continuously to avoid lumps.
- In a third bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix well.
Coat the Zucchini Fries
- Take one zucchini stick and dredge it in the flour, making sure to coat all sides evenly. Shake off any excess flour.
- Next, dip the floured zucchini stick into the egg wash, coating it completely. Let any extra drip off.
- Finally, roll the zucchini stick in the panko-Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to help the coating stick well.
- Place the coated zucchini fries on a baking sheet or plate in a single layer.
- Repeat this process for all zucchini sticks.
- Pro Tip: Work in batches if needed to prevent the coating bowls from getting soggy.
Preheat and Prepare the Air Fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Air Fry the Zucchini Fries
- Arrange the coated zucchini fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding — cook in batches if necessary.
- Lightly spray the tops of the fries with cooking spray to help them crisp up.
- Cook at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking to ensure even browning. The fries should be golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Serve and Enjoy!
- Once cooked, carefully remove the fries from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving plate.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce — ranch, marinara, or garlic aioli are all fantastic choices.
- Pro Tip: If making larger batches, keep cooked fries warm on a baking sheet in a low oven (around 200°F) so they stay crispy while the rest finish cooking.
Notes
Nutritional Value (approximate per serving):
- Calories: 120-150 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 12-15g
- Protein: 5-6g
- Fat: 5-7g
- Fiber: 2-3g