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- 2 medium zucchinis, cut into fry-sized strips - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1/2 teaspoon paprika - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1 large egg, beaten - Olive oil spray - Additional spices (cayenne, onion powder) - Fresh herbs (oregano, basil) When making Air Fryer Zucchini Fries, you want the best ingredients. Fresh zucchinis are key. Choose firm ones with a smooth skin. Panko breadcrumbs give a nice crunch. They are lighter than regular breadcrumbs. Parmesan cheese adds a rich, salty flavor. Garlic powder and Italian seasoning enhance the taste. Paprika adds a bit of color and warmth. Salt and black pepper round out the flavor. For more fun, add optional spices. A pinch of cayenne gives heat. Onion powder adds depth. Fresh herbs like oregano and basil offer brightness. Mix and match to find your favorite taste! Gather these items, and you are set to make crispy, flavorful zucchini fries. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). - Cut the zucchinis into fry-sized strips. First, I always recommend preheating the air fryer. This step helps to cook the fries evenly. While the air fryer heats, grab your zucchinis. Cut each zucchini into long, thin strips. Aim for a size that resembles traditional fries. - Mix breadcrumbs and seasonings. - Dip and coat zucchini with egg and breadcrumb mixture. In a shallow bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This mix adds flavor and crunch. In another bowl, beat the egg. Dip each zucchini strip into the egg. Let any extra egg drip off. Then, coat the zucchini with the breadcrumb mixture. Press lightly so it sticks well. - Arrange zucchini fries in the basket. - Cooking time and flipping instructions. Place the coated zucchini fries in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are in a single layer. This helps them cook evenly. Spray them lightly with olive oil. Cook for 8-10 minutes. Flip the fries halfway through for even browning. When they are golden brown and crispy, they are ready! To make your zucchini fries nice and crispy, use olive oil spray. A light mist helps the breading brown well. It also enhances the flavor without making them greasy. I find that skipping this step leaves the fries soft and less tasty. Another key tip is to avoid overcrowding in the air fryer. If you place too many fries in the basket, they will steam instead of crisp. Cook them in batches if needed. This ensures every fry gets the heat it needs. For dipping sauces, marinara and garlic aioli are my top picks. They add great flavor and make each bite more fun. You can also try ranch dressing for a twist. When serving, add garnishes like fresh parsley or grated cheese. They not only look nice but also boost flavor. A sprinkle of parsley makes the dish pop, while cheese adds a savory kick. Enjoy your crispy zucchini fries with these tasty extras! Pro Tips Choose Firm Zucchini: Select firm, fresh zucchinis for the best texture. Avoid soft or overripe zucchinis as they may become mushy when cooked. Customize Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your taste. Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper can give it a spicy kick! Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Ensure the zucchini fries are in a single layer in the air fryer. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and less crispiness. Let Them Rest: Allow the fries to rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps them firm up and enhances their crispiness. {{image_2}} You can change the coating for your zucchini fries to suit your taste. For a gluten-free option, use almond flour instead of panko breadcrumbs. Almond flour gives a nice crunch and adds a nutty flavor. You can also swap seasonings to create new flavors. Try adding cayenne for heat or onion powder for extra depth. Mix and match until you find your favorite blend. Zucchini isn't the only veggie that works here. You can use eggplant or sweet potatoes for a twist. Eggplant gives a creamy texture, while sweet potatoes add a sweet taste. Just cut them into fry-sized strips like the zucchini. The cooking time may vary slightly, so keep an eye on them. Enjoy experimenting with different vegetables! To store leftover zucchini fries, let them cool first. Place the fries in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. Reheating is key to keeping them crispy. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Cook them for about 3 to 5 minutes. This method keeps them crunchy and warm. You can freeze zucchini fries, but how you freeze them matters. For uncooked fries, lay them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. This method prevents sticking. For cooked fries, let them cool first. Place them in a freezer bag, removing excess air. They can last up to three months. When you're ready to eat, cook frozen uncooked fries directly in the air fryer. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10 to 12 minutes. For frozen cooked fries, reheat at 375°F (190°C) for about 5 to 7 minutes. This keeps them tasty and enjoyable. For crispy zucchini fries, set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Cook them for 8-10 minutes. Flip them halfway for even cooking. This helps make each fry golden and crunchy. Yes, you can use regular breadcrumbs. However, panko gives a lighter, crispier texture. Regular breadcrumbs can be denser and less crunchy. If you want that perfect crunch, stick with panko. You can bake or pan-fry zucchini fries. For baking, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the fries on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes. Flip them halfway for even cooking. For pan-frying, heat oil in a skillet and fry until golden brown. Each method gives a tasty result. You learned how to make tasty zucchini fries in the air fryer. We covered the key ingredients and step-by-step instructions to get crispy results. Remember, olive oil and not overcrowding are crucial for the best texture. Feel free to explore flavor variations and alternative veggies. Finally, store leftovers properly or freeze them for later. Enjoy your healthy snack!

Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Fries

Deliciously crispy zucchini fries made in an air fryer, perfect for a healthy snack or appetizer.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 medium zucchinis, cut into fry-sized strips
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • to taste Olive oil spray

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  • In a shallow bowl, mix together panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  • In another bowl, place the beaten egg.
  • Dip each zucchini strip into the egg, allowing any excess to drip off.
  • Coat the wet zucchini in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the coating sticks well.
  • Place the coated zucchini fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray lightly with olive oil to help them crisp up.
  • Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the fries are golden brown and crispy.
  • Once done, remove from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Serve with marinara sauce or garlic aioli for dipping. Add fresh parsley for garnish.
Keyword air fryer, healthy snack, zucchini fries