Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
This recipe transforms fresh zucchini into delightful, crispy "fries" using an air fryer. Zucchini matchsticks are breaded with a flavorful mix of flour, egg, Panko, Parmesan, and garlic salt, then air-fried until golden and crunchy. It's a healthy, quick, and satisfying appetizer or side dish perfect for any occasion.
Equipment
- 1 Air Fryer Essential for crispiness
- 3 Mixing Bowls For the breading station
- 1 Whisk For beating eggs
- 1 Cutting Board
- 1 Chef's knife
Ingredients
Main
- 2 zucchinis cut into 1/2 inch x 3 inch matchsticks
- 1/2 cup all purpose flour
- 2 eggs beaten
- 1 cup Panko
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
- 3/4 teaspoon garlic salt
- pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cut zucchinis into 1/2 inch x 3 inch matchsticks and pat them very dry with a paper towel.
- Prepare a three-station breading setup: one bowl with all-purpose flour, one bowl with beaten eggs, and a third bowl combining Panko, Parmesan cheese, garlic salt, and pepper.
- Working in batches, dredge each zucchini matchstick first in the flour, ensuring it's fully coated, then shake off any excess.
- Dip the floured zucchini into the beaten egg, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Transfer the egg-coated zucchini to the Panko-Parmesan mixture, pressing firmly to ensure a thick and even coating on all sides.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
- Arrange the breaded zucchini fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd it. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Air fry for 8-12 minutes, shaking the basket or flipping the fries halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Repeat with any remaining zucchini until all fries are cooked.
- Serve the air fryer zucchini fries immediately with your preferred dipping sauce.
Notes
To achieve truly crispy zucchini fries, ensure the zucchini matchsticks are thoroughly patted dry before breading; excess moisture will lead to a soggy result. When breading, firmly press the Panko mixture onto the zucchini to create a robust crust that stands up to air frying. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket; cook in small batches, if necessary, to allow hot air to circulate evenly around each fry for optimal crispness. For enhanced flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or dried oregano to the Panko mixture. Serve immediately with a zesty lemon-garlic aioli or your favorite marinara sauce for dipping. Monitor cooking closely, as air fryer temperatures can vary, and zucchini can go from perfectly crisp to overly browned quickly.