Last Tuesday, my neighbor Carol knocked on my door at 7:30 p.m. holding three massive zucchini from her garden. “Please take these before I turn into a zucchini myself!” she laughed. That’s when inspiration struck—why not turn them into air fryer zucchini fries?

 

Boom! These golden beauties became our new obsession.

 

Ingredients

 

You’ll need these simple ingredients for perfect air fryer zucchini fries:

• 2 large zucchini (about 1 lb / 450g)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (125g)
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1½ cups panko breadcrumbs (150g)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (50g)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Cooking spray

Step-by-Step Instructions for Air Fryer Zucchini Fries

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
2. Slice zucchini into ½-inch thick fries, about 4 inches long.
3. Pat zucchini completely dry with paper towels—moisture is the enemy here.
4. Set up three shallow dishes: flour in first, beaten eggs in second.
5. Mix panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper in third dish.
6. Dredge each zucchini fry through flour, then egg, then breadcrumb mixture.
7. Arrange coated fries in single layer in air fryer basket.
8. Spray lightly with cooking oil for extra crispiness.
9. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden brown.
10. Serve immediately while they’re still making that satisfying crunch sound.

Pro Tips & Variations

Salt them first. Sprinkle zucchini slices with salt and let sit 15 minutes before coating. This draws out excess moisture—trust me on this one.

Try different coatings. Mix crushed cornflakes with the panko for extra crunch, or add ranch seasoning powder for a tangy twist.

Make them spicy. Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to your breadcrumb mixture. Y’all’re gonna love the heat!

Storage & Food Safety

Store leftover air fryer zucchini fries in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container. Reheat to 165°F (74°C) in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes to restore crispiness. The FDA recommends consuming cooked vegetables within this timeframe for optimal safety.

Never leave cooked zucchini fries at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Nutrition & Serving Ideas

 

Per serving (6 fries):

• Calories: 145
• Protein: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fat: 4g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 320mg

These crispy beauties pair wonderfully with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or garlic aioli. I love serving them alongside grilled chicken or as an appetizer during hockey playoffs—nothing beats munching on these while cheering for your team with a Tim Hortons coffee in hand.

They’re also fantastic with burgers or as a lighter alternative to regular fries.

FAQs

 

Can I make air fryer zucchini fries ahead of time? You can prep and coat them up to 2 hours ahead, but cook them right before serving. Pre-cooked ones get soggy—nobody wants that disappointment.

 

Why are my zucchini fries soggy? Moisture is usually the culprit. Make sure you pat the zucchini completely dry and don’t overcrowd your air fryer basket.

 

Can I freeze these zucchini fries? Absolutely! Freeze coated, uncooked fries on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags. Cook straight from frozen, adding 2-3 extra minutes.

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I’m Sarah, a home cook from Halifax who’s been perfecting comfort food recipes for over 15 years, sharing what works in real kitchens with real families.