These air fryer zucchini fries are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and coated in cheesy Parmesan and crunchy panko breadcrumbs. They’re the easiest and most delicious way to use up fresh zucchini.
I never paid much attention to zucchini fries before. I would always skip right past them on menus, but one burger spot I tried was apparently known for theirs, so I ordered them on a whim. My mind was blown. I could not stop eating them.
So of course, I had to try making a lighter version at home, and thankfully, the air fryer delivered.
Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, these air fryer zucchini fries have the most satisfying contrast of textures. And paired with cold ranch? The hot crispy coating with the cool creamy ranch is ridiculously addictive.
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
- Perfect contrast of textures. The outside gets crispy, crunchy, and golden while the zucchini inside stays soft and tender.
- Easy to make. These zucchini fries come together with simple ingredients and minimal prep.
- Lighter than deep frying. The air fryer gives you crispy fried zucchini without all the extra oil.
- Family-friendly. Even people who are not big zucchini fans will love these.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Zucchini: Cut them into thick sticks so they hold their shape.
- Eggs and water: This creates the egg wash for the crispy coating.
- Flour: This helps the egg mixture stick to the zucchini.
- Panko breadcrumbs: Panko gives these air fryer zucchini fries their light, crunchy texture.
- Parmesan cheese: This adds salty, cheesy flavor and helps the coating get golden.
- Paprika: Use regular paprika or smoked paprika for a little extra depth.
- Garlic: Garlic powder works best here.
- Salt and black pepper: Season generously so the coating does not taste bland.
- Oil spray: This helps the zucchini fries crisp up in the air fryer.
How to Make Zucchini Fries in Air Fryer
Making zucchini fries in the air fryer is really simple: flour, egg wash, seasoned panko, then air fry until crispy and golden.
1. Cut the zucchini.
Peel and slice the zucchini lengthwise into thick sticks.
2. Coat with flour.
Add the flour and zucchini sticks to a large zip-top bag. Seal and shake until lightly coated.
3. Make the egg wash.
Beat the eggs with water in a shallow bowl.
4. Mix the panko coating.
In another bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
5. Bread the zucchini.
Dip each floured zucchini stick into the egg mixture, then coat well in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture.
6. Air fry until crispy.
Spray the basket with oil, arrange the zucchini fries in a single layer, and spray the tops with oil. Air fry at 350°F for 10 minutes, then increase to 400°F and air fry for 2 more minutes.
How to Cut Zucchini for Fries
Trim off both ends of the zucchini, then slice it lengthwise into thick planks. Cut each plank into thick sticks.
Try to keep the zucchini fries similar in size so they cook evenly in the air fryer. I like them thick enough to hold their shape, but not so thick that the inside stays too firm.
The Secret to Crispy Zucchini Fries
The key to crispy zucchini fries in the air fryer is not overcrowding the basket. A light spray of oil and cooking the zucchini fries in batches also makes a huge difference.
I also like cutting the zucchini into thick fries instead of thin strips. Thin zucchini cooks too quickly and can turn soft before the coating gets crispy.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Fried Zucchini
- Slice the zucchini thick. Thick zucchini fries hold their shape better in the air fryer and stay tender inside while the coating gets crispy.
- Keep the zucchini pieces similar in size. Try to cut the zucchini fries evenly so they cook at the same rate.
- Arrange them in a single layer. Giving the zucchini fries space helps the hot air circulate properly.
- Spray with oil. A light spray of oil helps the panko coating turn golden and crunchy.
- Cook in batches. Overcrowding the basket traps steam and prevents the zucchini fries from getting crispy.
- Serve them right away. Air fryer zucchini fries are at their crispiest fresh out of the air fryer.
What to Serve With Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
These crispy air fryer zucchini fries go with pretty much everything. I love serving them as a snack, appetizer, or side dish for dinner.
- Burgers and sandwiches. The crispy coating pairs perfectly with juicy burgers, chicken or cod sandwiches, or wraps.
- Air fryer chicken wings. Ranch + zucchini fries + crispy wings is such a good combo.
- Pasta dishes. These zucchini fries are really good with creamy pasta or baked spaghetti.
- Seafood dishes. They go really well with crispy fish, shrimp, or salmon.
- Dipping sauces. Ranch is my favorite, especially cold ranch straight from the fridge, but marinara, garlic aioli, spicy mayo, and chipotle sauce are all amazing too.
How to Store and Reheat
To store
Store leftover air fryer zucchini fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They will soften a bit as they sit, but the flavor is still really good.
To reheat
For the crispiest texture, reheat the zucchini fries in the air fryer at 375°F for 3 to 5 minutes. They crisp back up surprisingly well.
I don’t recommend microwaving them unless you are okay with softer zucchini fries.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you keep zucchini fries crispy?
The secret to crispy air fryer zucchini fries is keeping the coating light and crunchy. I like coating the zucchini in flour first so the egg sticks better, then using panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan for extra crispiness. A quick spray of oil also helps the zucchini fries turn golden in the air fryer without getting soggy.
Cooking them in a single layer is also huge. If the basket is overcrowded, the zucchini steams instead of getting crispy.
Do you need to salt zucchini before air frying?
You don’t have to salt zucchini before making zucchini fries in the air fryer, especially if you’re cooking them right away. Zucchini naturally has a lot of moisture, but the flour coating helps absorb some of it.
How long do zucchini fries take in the air fryer?
These zucchini fries take about 12 minutes total in the air fryer. I cook them at 350°F for 10 minutes first so the zucchini softens slightly, then finish at 400°F for 2 minutes to crisp up the outside.
However, the exact time varies depending on how thick your zucchini fries are, which air fryer you use, and how many zucchini fries are in the basket. If the basket is crowded, they may need a few extra minutes to get crispy.
What dipping sauce goes with zucchini fries?
Ranch is my favorite dipping sauce for air fryer fried zucchini, especially when it’s cold straight from the fridge. I love the contrast between the hot, crispy zucchini fries and the cold, creamy ranch.
Marinara, garlic aioli, spicy mayo, and chipotle sauce are all really good too. The crispy coating pairs especially well with creamy sauces.
More Air Fryer Recipes You’ll Love
Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchini or 4 small zucchini cut into thick sticks
- ½ cup flour
- 2 eggs beaten
- ⅓ cup water
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- 2 teaspoons paprika or smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 ½ to 2 teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Oil spray
Instructions
- Peel and slice the zucchini lengthwise into thick sticks.
- Add the flour to a large zip-top bag, then add the zucchini sticks. Seal the bag and shake until the zucchini is lightly coated.
- In a shallow bowl, beat the eggs with the water until combined.
- In another bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Dip each floured zucchini stick into the egg mixture, then coat it well in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture.
- Peel and slice the zucchini lengthwise into thick sticks.
- Add the flour to a large zip-top bag, then add the zucchini sticks. Seal the bag and shake until the zucchini is lightly coated.
- In a shallow bowl, beat the eggs with the water until combined.
- In another bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Dip each floured zucchini stick into the egg mixture, then coat it well in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture.
- Spray the air fryer basket with oil, then arrange the zucchini fries in a single layer. Spray the tops with oil and air fry at 350°F for 10 minutes. Increase the temperature to 400°F and air fry for another 2 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
- Serve right away with ranch, marinara, or your favorite dipping sauce.
