Air fryer zucchini fries are quick to make and are a healthier option when it comes to snacking. These crispy crunchy zucchini sticks are great as an appetizer, side dish, or snack and take just 5 minutes to air fry!
Why this recipe works
Making zucchini fries in the air fryer is really simple. This recipe comes from our crispy zucchini fries where we show you how you can bake them in the oven as well. With a light coating of egg, flour, and panko these fries come out crispy golden brown boasting a tender inside and crunchy outside. Oh, and we can’t forget the amazing gorgonzola dipping sauce on the side!
These air fryer zucchini fries have quickly become one of our favorite ways to use up a summer zucchini harvest along with lemon blueberry zucchini bread!
RELATED: you might also like this recipe – Zucchini Pizza Bites or Alabama White Sauce
Ingredients you will need
Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.
PANKO – Panko is used in this recipe which eliminates the need to deep fry. However, if you want low carb option you can use pork panko (finely ground pork rinds) in place of the panko. Mixed into the panko is the parmesan cheese seasoned with paprika, salt, and pepper.
FLOUR – Regular all-purpose flour is what we’re using here. For a low-carb option replace the all-purpose flour with almond flour or coconut flour.
ZUCCHINI – When choosing your zucchini, opt for the medium to smaller ones. These contain less moisture on the inside which will help avoid soggy zucchini fries. If you have large, plump zucchini in hand already, cut your zucchini into fries, lay on a paper towel, and sprinkle with salt. Let the zucchini slices sit with the salt for 15-20 minutes to help absorb some of the excess moisture before beginning. You can also soak your sliced zucchini in a saltwater bath for 30 minutes then drain and pat dry with paper towels.
How to Make Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.
- Leaving the skin on, cut the ends off of the zucchini. Cut into 4-inch strips, ½ inch in width.
- In a large bowl add the flour. In a second large bowl, add the whisked eggs. In a third large bowl, add the breadcrumbs, seasonings, and cheese, then mix well.
- Toss the zucchini strips a few at a time into the flour and shake off the excess. Dredge in the egg wash. Toss and lightly press the breadcrumb mixture onto the egg-washed zucchini strips.
- Place in the basket of the air fryer, lined with a grate. Spray with olive oil spray to cover any dry parts showing.
- Air fry for 4-5 minutes at 390F. No need to flip.
- Combine ingredients for the dip in a medium bowl. Use as a dipping sauce for your zucchini fries.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s best to use medium to small sized zucchini for zucchini fries as these contain less water. The larger your zucchini, the higher the water content which can cause the fries to be soggy. To avoid this, soak your sliced zucchini in a saltbath for 30 minutes then drain and pat dry with a paper towel. You can also slice your zucchini and place them on a paper towel, sprinkle with salt, and let sit for 15-20 minutes. This will help absorb some of the moisture in the zucchini which will aid in making the zucchini fries crispier.
Once you try these air fryer zucchini fries there’s no going back. They’re a healthier option than french fries but don’t lack on flavor or crunch.
More Air Fryer Recipes
- Air Fryer Apple Chips
- Air Fryer Asparagus
- Air Fryer Apple Fries
- Air Fryer French Fries
- Air Fryer Chicken Breasts
- Air Fryer Fried Pickles
- Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin
- Air Fryer Jalapeno Fries
- Air Fryer Crab Cakes
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Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
Print It Rate ItIngredients
- 2 zucchini medium sized, sliced
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs whisked
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup shredded parmesan or grated
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Optional Dipping Sauce
- ½ cup plain greek yogurt
- ¼ cup gorgonzola cheese
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 Tablespoons chives chopped
Things You’ll Need
Before You Begin
- When choosing your zucchini, opt for the medium to smaller ones. These contain less moisture on the inside which will help avoid soggy zucchini fries. If you have large, plump zucchini in hand already, cut your zucchini into fries, lay on a paper towel, and sprinkle with salt. Let the zucchini slices sit with the salt for 15-20 minutes to help absorb some of the excess moisture before beginning. You can also soak your sliced zucchini in a saltwater bath for 30 minutes then drain and pat dry with paper towels.
- Nutritional information in this recipe card does not include the dipping sauce.
- As with every air fryer, your time to cook may vary depending on the model. If your zucchini isn’t crispy at the 4-minute mark, continue to air fry for an additional 1-2 minutes until done.
Instructions
- Leaving the skin on, cut the ends off of the zucchini. Cut into 4-inch strips, ½ inch in width.
- In a large bowl, add the flour. In a second large bowl, add the whisked eggs. In a third large bowl, add the breadcrumbs, seasonings, and cheese then mix well.
- Toss the zucchini strips a few at a time into the flour and shake off the excess. Dredge in the egg wash. Toss and lightly press the breadcrumb mixture onto the egg washed zucchini strips.
- Place in the basket of the air fryer, lined with a grate. Spray with olive oil spray to cover any dry parts showing.
- Air fry for 4-5 minutes at 390F. No need to flip.
- Combine ingredients for the dip in a medium bowl. Use as a dipping sauce for your warm, crunchy zucchini fries.
Nutrition
Amanda Davis
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Beverly Moore says
I loved these! So good and not greasy!
Stacy says
Very easy and delicious! 💜♥️
Michael Rogowski says
Love how fast and easy the recipe was. It really turned out well.love
Dorothy Monroe says
I love this recipe! But as I don’t have an air fryer I put in oven to bake. Really like the Leto recipes you offer!
LOVE
Kathy says
What is temperature and time in an oven?