Air Fryer Zucchini Fries - Easy Recipe! - Kristine's Kitchen (2024)

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These Air Fryer Zucchini Fries are crispy, perfectly seasoned, and so easy to make. The air fryer is the best way to make zucchini fries!

Air Fryer Zucchini Fries - Easy Recipe! - Kristine's Kitchen (1)

I love using my air fryer because it makes food deliciously crispy with very little oil. Our favorite air fryer recipes include Air Fryer Chicken Thighs, Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries, Air Fryer Cauliflower, and these Air Fryer Zucchini Fries.

When you have an abundance of fresh zucchini and you’ve had your fill of Roasted Zucchini and Zucchini Bread, these zucchini fries are the perfect zucchini recipe to satisfy your cravings!

The air fryer makes the best zucchini fries. Since air circulates around the fries as they cook, they turn out so crispy! In this recipe I’ve combined a few simple seasonings and Parmesan cheese with a crispy breadcrumb coating to give these zucchini fries the best texture and flavor. You are going to love them!

Air Fryer Zucchini Fries - Easy Recipe! - Kristine's Kitchen (2)

Enjoy this air fryer zucchini as an appetizer, side dish or snack. Zucchini fries are delicious on their own, or serve them with a dipping sauce. Try them with marinara sauce, ranch dressing or aioli.

Ingredients

Air Fryer Zucchini Fries - Easy Recipe! - Kristine's Kitchen (3)

  • Zucchini: Choose fresh zucchini that are deep green in color with skin that is free of blemishes.
  • All-Purpose Flour: The flour helps the egg to stick to the zucchini.
  • Eggs: The eggs are the “glue” that helps the seasoned breadcrumb coating to stick to the zucchini.
  • Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko makes the crispiest coating!
  • Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan adds delicious flavor to this air fryer zucchini recipe.
  • Seasonings: A combination of Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt and pepper adds lots of flavor.
  • Olive Oil Spray: Lightly spraying the zucchini fries before cooking helps to make them extra crispy. I prefer olive oil spray, but you can another oil spray such as canola oil or coconut oil.

How to Make Zucchini Fries in an Air Fryer

Here is an overview of how to make air fryer zucchini fries, with some tips for success. Find the full recipe with ingredient amounts and instructions in the recipe card below.

If you know how to make Air Fryer Chicken Tenders or Baked Chicken Tenders, the steps for breading zucchini fries are very similar.

  1. Trim the ends off of the zucchini. Cut each zucchini crosswise into two pieces. Then cut into 1/2-inch sticks. I’ve found that it’s best to not pat the zucchini dry. A little moisture will help the flour to stick.
  2. Working with a few zucchini fries at a time, first coat the zucchini in flour. Gently tap off any excess flour. Air Fryer Zucchini Fries - Easy Recipe! - Kristine's Kitchen (4)
  3. Dip in the beaten eggs, making sure to fully coat all sides of the zucchini with the egg. Air Fryer Zucchini Fries - Easy Recipe! - Kristine's Kitchen (5)
  4. Coat the fries in the breadcrumb, Parmesan and seasoning mixture. Air Fryer Zucchini Fries - Easy Recipe! - Kristine's Kitchen (6)
  5. Place the fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Leave a little space between each zucchini piece so that the air can circulate around as they cook. Air Fryer Zucchini Fries - Easy Recipe! - Kristine's Kitchen (7)
  6. Spray the tops of the fries with oil spray.
  7. Air fry for 10-12 minutes until the outsides are browned and crispy and the fries are tender when pierced with a fork.

Air Fryer Zucchini Fries - Easy Recipe! - Kristine's Kitchen (8)

Air Fryer Zucchini Fries Recipe Tips:

  • Don’t crowd the air fryer basket. Arrange the zucchini fries in a single layer with a little space between them. This allows the air to circulate around them, crisping the edges. You will probably need to cook the fries in batches.
  • You do not need to flip the fries. Both sides will crisp without flipping and the less you handle the zucchini fries, the less likely you’ll lose some of the crispy coating.
  • To make this recipe dairy-free, omit the Parmesan cheese.
  • Different air fryer models may cook differently, so adjust the cook time as needed.

Can I use regular breadcrumbs?

I have tested this recipe with both Panko breadcrumbs and regular breadcrumbs. You can use regular breadcrumbs, but the fries won’t be quite as crispy as they are with Panko. The larger pieces of Panko breadcrumbs make for a crispier breading. Either way, the fries are delicious!

Can I bake these in the oven?

If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the zucchini fries in the oven. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Preheat the oven to 425° F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Place the breaded zucchini fries on the parchment-lined baking sheet and spray lightly with oil spray.
  3. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping once halfway through the cook time, until fries are browned and tender when pierced with a fork.

Air Fryer Zucchini Fries - Easy Recipe! - Kristine's Kitchen (9)

Air Fryer Zucchini Fries - Easy Recipe! - Kristine's Kitchen (10)

4.64 from 11 ratings

Air Fryer Zucchini Fries

Servings: 4 servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes mins

Cook Time: 11 minutes mins

Total Time: 26 minutes mins

These Air Fryer Zucchini Fries are crispy, perfectly seasoned, and easy to make. Enjoy them as an appetizer, snack or side dish. Serve these healthy fries with marinara sauce, ranch dressing or aioli for dipping.

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Ingredients

  • 2 medium zucchini
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs*
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • olive oil spray, or other oil spray such as canola or coconut oil

Instructions

  • Trim off the ends of the zucchini. Cut each zucchini in half crosswise. Then slice zucchini into ½-inch thick fries. (You do not need to peel the zucchini.)

  • To prepare the zucchini fries you will need 3 wide, shallow bowls, dishes or pie plates. In one dish, place the flour. In the second dish, lightly beat the eggs. In the third dish, stir together the Panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt and pepper.

  • Working with a few zucchini fries at a time, coat each one first in the flour, and gently tap off any excess flour. Then coat in the egg, making sure to fully coat all sides. Finally, coat each piece with the breadcrumb mixture.

  • Arrange fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space in between each fry for the air to circulate. (Cook in batches as needed.) Spray the tops of the fries with oil spray.

  • Air fry at 400° F for 10-12 minutes, until the outsides are browned and crispy and the insides are tender when pierced with a fork. You do not need to flip the fries. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Regular breadcrumbs may also be used, but the zucchini fries will be slightly less crispy.

Calories: 227kcal, Carbohydrates: 28g, Protein: 13g, Fat: 7g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 93mg, Sodium: 632mg, Potassium: 383mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 4g, Vitamin A: 445IU, Vitamin C: 18mg, Calcium: 218mg, Iron: 3mg

Nutrition information is an estimate.

Cuisine: American

Course: Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack

Tried this recipe?Mention @kristines_kitchen on Instagram or tag #kristineskitchenblog.

This site contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting Kristine's Kitchen!

Air Fryer Side Dishes Snacks

posted by Kristine Rosenblatt on Jun 28, 2021

13 comments Leave a comment »

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13 comments on “Air Fryer Zucchini Fries”

  1. Cin Reply

    A little time consuming since I doubled the recipe, but worth it. I used 4 zucchini and my 3 boys and I each had a zucchini a piece! These fries were so healthy instead of French fries and a perfect compliment with cheeseburgers 🍔. Crunchy on the outside, so tender on the inside and very tasty! Served them with salsa. Yum!

  2. DLM Reply

    I’ve made this recipe three or four times only with different variations of the way I cut the zucchini. Used the same recipe though and love it.

  3. Kelly Reply

    These are a bit of work but are totally worth it! My family and I loved them. They are so crispy and tasty. The only thing I did differently was to salt the zucchini and let it sit to get some of the water out. That way it doesn’t get soggy. Definitely a keeper!

  4. Lucy Reply

    Oh my this is SO good!

  5. Sue Reply

    DELICIOUS!!

  6. Lois Reply

    Very good I prepped them ahead of time excellent

  7. Pamela Reply

    I made these and my family raved about them. This will be my new zucchini recipe. It is a little time consuming so I switched the flor and the breadcrumbs to gallon baggies for a faster result

  8. Evan smith Reply

    At 400 degrees for 10 minutes it burns the fries. And not doing it in oil and using flour results in raw flour being on the fries. There is little to no flavor in the actual breading.

    • Air Fryer Zucchini Fries - Easy Recipe! - Kristine's Kitchen (14)

      Kristine Rosenblatt Reply

      Hi Evan,
      I’m sorry you didn’t enjoy this recipe, especially since many others have make it and loved it. Different air fryers can cook differently, so you may need to adjust the cooking time for your model. The flour shouldn’t be raw anymore after cooking in the air fryer.

  9. KT Reply

    These zucchini fries were fantastic!! I followed the recipe as written and the final product was delicious! Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside! This is a definite keeper of a recipe!!!!

    Thanks for sharing a GREAT air fryer recipe, Kristine!!

  10. KT Reply

    These fries are perfection!! Just made a half batch and ate every single one of the fries by myself lol!

    Could these fries be prepped through the breading step and then frozen to be air fried at a later time??? I would love to have a stash of these fries in my freezer ready to air fry whenever the craving hits me!!

    • Air Fryer Zucchini Fries - Easy Recipe! - Kristine's Kitchen (15)

      Kristine Rosenblatt Reply

      I’m so glad you enjoyed them! I have not tried freezing them before cooking. If you decide to try it, let me know how it works.

  11. Charlotte Reply

    This was the first thing I cooked in my new air fryer, and they were great. I used whole wheat flour and the pork rind crumbs with a little panko thrown in to change it up. Work fine and then dipped in yum yum sauce. 1 zucchini would had been just right for my husband and I, but I did 2, and we ate everyone of them. It was yummy! 😀

Leave a comment »

Air Fryer Zucchini Fries - Easy Recipe! - Kristine's Kitchen (2024)

FAQs

How do you use an air fryer for beginners? ›

Air Frying Tips for Optimal Results
  1. Balance Your Basket. Don't overcrowd your air fryer basket. ...
  2. Use the Right Basket. Use the perforated basket or pan that came with your appliance. ...
  3. Don't Overdo the Oil. Don't use too much oil. ...
  4. Convert Cooking Time. Adjust cooking time. ...
  5. Avoid Non-Stick Sprays.

What's the first thing I should cook in my air fryer? ›

Brussels sprouts are the best place to start your air-fried vegetable journey. They crisp up beautifully and take no time at all. If you're making these for a crowd, we suggest frying them up in batches as overcrowding the basket can lead to soggy results.

How to crispy air fry? ›

However, a small amount of oil is usually necessary to achieve a crispy texture. A drizzle or a quick oil spray is all you need for restaurant-quality fries and golden brown fried chicken, while other foods don't need any oil, like pizza or leftovers you might reheat.

Why are people getting rid of air fryers? ›

People getting rid of air fryers in favour of kitchen appliance that's cheaper to run. Households are shelving their air fryers in favour of another kitchen appliance that is cheaper to run, and just as healthy.

What is the trick for using an air fryer? ›

You can get the most out of your air fryer or oven with air frying capabilities when you use the following air frying tips and tricks.
  1. Preheat. ...
  2. Avoid using too much cooking spray. ...
  3. Consider rack placement. ...
  4. Adjust cooking time. ...
  5. Don't use too much oil. ...
  6. Use a perforated tray or basket. ...
  7. Place a baking tray on the rack below.

How do you keep zucchini from getting soggy when frying? ›

Yes, you should always salt your zucchini before frying — especially if you're aiming to achieve a crispy texture. Salting your zucchini helps remove the excess moisture stuck in the zucchini that would otherwise make frying a challenge.

Why didn t my fries get crispy in air fryer? ›

Cook the fries at a low heat to start and then turn the air fryer temperature up to give them that crispy texture. Dry your potatoes completely before adding oil. This allows the oil to stick to the potato whereas if it's still wet, it will repel it and they could turn soggy.

What 5 foods should you not put in an air fryer? ›

Take a gander of this list of top foods that should never make their way into your air fryer.
  • Wet Batters. ...
  • Cheesy Items. ...
  • Large, Bone-In Meat Cuts. ...
  • Baked Goods. ...
  • Greens. ...
  • Raw Rice and Other Grains. ...
  • Too Much of Anything.
Apr 14, 2023

Should I run my air fryer empty the first time? ›

It is important to clean the basket and perforated tray prior to the usage for the first time. Additionally, before you begin cooking in a new air fryer just start it off for about 10 minutes before any food item is placed into the basket, to put off any chemical smell emitted by a new appliance.

Can you put aluminum foil in an air fryer? ›

Foil is safe to use in an air fryer so long as you follow three basic rules: never let foil touch the heating element; make sure the foil is weighted so it doesn't blow around the basket; and avoid contact with acidic ingredients, which can cause the foil to leach onto your food.

What is the common problem of an air fryer? ›

Issue: One of the most common problems with air fryers is the unit not heating up as it should, which results in undercooked or unevenly cooked food. Solution: Ensure that the air fryer is placed on a flat, stable surface. Also, make sure the basket is securely inserted and that the food is not overcrowded.

What is the trick to getting things extra crispy with an air fryer? ›

While we wish it were possible to fry without any oil, air fryers do need a little oil to make your food crispy (but you'll use a lot less than a traditional fryer). Toss your food with a small amount of oil (around a tablespoon or less) to coat it evenly, then add it to the air fryer basket.

Why are my vegetables not crispy from the air fryer? ›

Overcrowding the basket will cause the vegetables to steam, not brown. Only add as many as will fit in a single layer. Then, air fry the vegetables at 375°F for 10 to 15 minutes, or until tender and browned. Toss halfway through the cooking time so that they brown evenly.

What cannot be cooked in an air fryer? ›

7 Foods You Should Never Cook In Your Air Fryer
  1. Wet Batters. Those beer-battered onion rings, fries, fish cutlets, plus tempura veggies and more are not well suited for a crisp in the air fryer. ...
  2. Cheesy Items. ...
  3. Large, Bone-In Meat Cuts. ...
  4. Baked Goods. ...
  5. Greens. ...
  6. Raw Rice and Other Grains. ...
  7. Too Much of Anything.
Apr 14, 2023

What are the top 10 foods to cook in an air fryer? ›

Start air frying these 13 foods and watch your cooking time drop and your satisfaction in healthy meals skyrocket!
  • Chicken Breasts. ...
  • Tofu. ...
  • Zoodles. ...
  • Cauliflower Gnocchi. ...
  • Salmon (chopped) ...
  • Chickpeas. ...
  • Personal Pizzas. ...
  • Frozen Cauliflower.
Feb 18, 2020

What is the best thing to put on the bottom of an air fryer? ›

Parchment paper is good for food that might stick to the basket, like chicken wings, making clean up a bit easier. If you're tempted to use parchment every day or are simply waste-conscious, consider instead a silicone liner for air fryers. They're reusable and dishwasher safe, cutting down on both waste and worry.

What are the disadvantages of the air fryer? ›

Potential Weight Gain: Overconsumption of air-fried foods, despite their lower fat content, can still contribute to weight gain due to calorie-dense preparations. Carcinogen Production: Certain cooking oils and high-temperature cooking in air fryers can produce carcinogenic compounds, posing long-term health risks.

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