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- 2 medium zucchini - 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch) - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 large egg - Cooking spray (olive oil or your choice) - Types of breadcrumbs: Panko gives the best crunch, but regular works too. - Olive oil or alternative spray options: Use any cooking spray that you prefer. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by washing your zucchini under cool water. This removes dirt and germs. Cut the zucchini into fry shapes, about 1/4 inch thick. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts. Next, it’s very important to dry the zucchini well. Use paper towels to pat them dry. This step helps the coating stick better. In one bowl, crack and beat one large egg. You want it smooth and mixed well. In another bowl, combine breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Use a fork to mix these ingredients well. This creates a tasty coating for your fries. Take each zucchini fry and dip it into the beaten egg. Let the extra egg drip off. Now, coat it in the breadcrumb mix. Press the coating onto the zucchini gently. This helps the coating stick firmly. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This usually takes about 5 minutes. Preheating ensures your fries cook evenly and get crispy. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the coated zucchini fries in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding to allow proper air flow. Cook the fries for about 10-12 minutes. Flip them halfway through cooking. This step helps them become golden brown on all sides. Check for crispiness; they should be firm and light brown when done. After cooking, remove the fries and let them cool for a few minutes. This cooling time helps them crisp up more. Serve the fries hot with your favorite dipping sauces. Marinara and ranch are great choices to enhance the flavor. - Use panko breadcrumbs for a great crunch. Panko has a light texture that crisps up nicely. - Dry the zucchini well. After washing, use paper towels to soak up excess moisture. This helps the coating stick better and stay crispy. - Space the fries well in the air fryer. If they overlap, they will steam, not fry. - Keep the egg to breadcrumb ratio balanced. Too much egg can make the fries soggy, while too little won’t help the coating stick. - Try adding spices like paprika or cayenne for a kick. You can also use onion powder for depth. - Fresh herbs like parsley or basil make a nice garnish. They add color and brighten the dish. Pro Tips Choose the Right Zucchini: Select firm, medium-sized zucchinis without blemishes for the best texture and flavor. Keep Them Dry: Patting the zucchini fries dry helps achieve maximum crispiness by reducing moisture during cooking. Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add other spices like paprika or cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture for a kick. Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Cooking in batches ensures that each fry gets enough hot air to become perfectly crispy. {{image_2}} You can switch up the cheese for fun flavors. Try mozzarella for a gooey texture. Cheddar adds a sharp bite, while feta gives a tangy twist. If you prefer dairy-free, use nutritional yeast. It gives a cheesy taste without the dairy. Vegan cheese options are also great. Look for brands that melt well. Zucchini is a star, but you can use other veggies too. Try eggplant for a meaty bite. Sweet potatoes add a sweet flavor, and carrots bring a nice crunch. Seasonal veggies like asparagus or bell peppers work well too. This keeps your meals fresh and exciting all year round. Want to spice things up? Add red pepper flakes for heat. Cajun seasoning gives a bold kick. For a sweet twist, dip your fries in honey or a sweet chili sauce. You can also mix honey with mustard for a tasty combo. These flavor twists make every bite a new adventure. To keep your fries crispy in the fridge, first, let them cool completely. Place them in an airtight container. This container helps keep moisture out, which can make the fries soggy. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. I recommend using a container that fits the fries snugly. This will help them stay fresh longer. The best way to reheat your zucchini fries is in the air fryer. Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 5-7 minutes. This method keeps the fries crispy. If you don't have an air fryer, you can also use the oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for about 10 minutes. Just make sure to place them on a baking sheet in a single layer. To freeze zucchini fries, first, let them cool completely. Next, arrange the fries in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour. This will prevent them from sticking together. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can last for about two months in the freezer. When you want to use them, thaw the fries in the fridge overnight. Reheat them in the air fryer or oven as mentioned before. This way, they will stay crispy and tasty. Air fryer zucchini fries last about 2 to 3 days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container. To keep them crispy, place a paper towel in the container. This helps absorb moisture. Using frozen zucchini is not the best choice. Frozen zucchini has more water inside. This can make the fries soggy. Fresh zucchini works better for a crisp texture. You can bake zucchini fries in the oven. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread the coated fries on a baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness. Yes, zucchini fries are a healthy snack. They are low in calories and high in nutrients. Zucchini is rich in vitamins and minerals. The air fryer uses less oil, making them a lighter option. Yes, baking is a great alternative. It may take longer to cook. Just ensure you keep an eye on them to avoid burning. The flavor will still be delicious! In this article, we explored how to make crispy air fryer zucchini fries. We covered essential ingredients, easy steps, and helpful tips for perfecting your fries. You learned how to prepare zucchini, create a breading station, and ensure even cooking. Remember, using the right techniques can enhance flavor and crispiness. With these methods, you can enjoy tasty, healthier snacks! Try out different variations and dipping sauces to find your favorite. Happy cooking!

Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Zucchini Fries

Deliciously crispy zucchini fries made in the air fryer, coated with Parmesan and breadcrumbs.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 medium zucchini, cut into fries
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 large egg
  • to taste cooking spray (olive oil or your choice)

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Zucchini: Start by washing the zucchini and cutting it into long fry shapes, about 1/4 inch thick. Pat them dry with paper towels to reduce moisture.
  • Create Breading Station: In one bowl, beat the egg. In a separate bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  • Coat the Zucchini: Dip each zucchini fry into the beaten egg, allowing any excess to drip off, then coat it thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to make sure the coating adheres well to the zucchini.
  • Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This ensures that the fries will cook evenly and become crispy.
  • Arrange in Air Fryer: Spray the air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray. Place the coated zucchini fries in a single layer in the basket. Be careful not to overcrowd; you may need to do this in batches.
  • Air Fry the Fries: Cook the zucchini fries for about 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure they crisp evenly. They should be golden brown and crisp when done.
  • Cool and Serve: Once cooked, remove the fries from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. They will crisp up a bit more as they cool. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces like marinara or ranch.

Notes

Serve in a small basket lined with parchment paper and garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley.
Keyword air fryer, appetizer, vegetarian, zucchini fries