My New Favorite Snack
Let me tell you about my new favorite snack. It’s these easy air fryer zucchini fries. They are so crispy and good. My grandson calls them “green french fries.” I still laugh at that.
They have a garlic parmesan crust that smells amazing. It makes the whole kitchen feel cozy. This recipe is a fun way to eat your veggies. Who knew a zucchini could be so exciting?
A Little Kitchen Secret
Here is a secret for crispy zucchini fries. You must salt the slices first. Let them sit for five minutes. This pulls out the extra water.
Then, pat them dry with a paper towel. This simple step is so important. It stops soggy fries. It makes sure your breading sticks right on. This is the trick for perfect zucchini fries in air fryer every time.
The Coating Station
Setting up your bowls is like a little game. Flour in one, egg in another. The last bowl has panko and cheese. I love using zucchini fries with panko. It gets so golden and crunchy.
Dip each piece in order. Flour, egg, then the panko mix. I let mine rest before cooking. This helps the coating stay put. *Fun fact:* Panko breadcrumbs are Japanese. They are lighter and crispier than regular crumbs!
Why This All Matters
This matters because cooking should be joyful. It’s not just about eating. It’s about making something with your hands. You get to see a simple vegetable turn into magic.
It also matters because it’s a healthier zucchini fries recipe. You use just a little oil in the air fryer. You control what goes in. That feels good. What is your favorite dipping sauce for fries like these? I’d love to know.
Getting Them Perfectly Golden
Now, for the air fryer magic. Heat it to 375 degrees. Give your basket a quick spray with oil. Lay your fries in one layer. Give the tops a light spray too.
Cook for about 10 minutes. You will see them turn golden brown. This method for how to make zucchini fries gives you that perfect crunch. No flipping needed for mine! Have you tried making vegetable fries in your air fryer before?
A Story and a Question
I made these for my book club last week. Everyone asked for the air fryer zucchini fries recipe. They couldn’t believe they were eating zucchini! One friend said, “No soggy fries here!” That made me smile.
That’s the goal: air fryer zucchini fries no soggy, all crunch. It’s a small win in the kitchen. Do you have a garden? What do you like to make when your zucchini grows big and fast? Share your ideas with me.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Large Zucchini | 1 | Sliced into fry shapes |
| All Purpose Flour | 1/2 Cup | For the first dredging station |
| Panko Breadcrumbs | 1 Cup | For the final coating |
| Grated Parmesan Cheese | 1/4 Cup | Mixed with the panko |
| Dried Parsley | 1/2 teaspoon | Divided between flour and panko mixtures |
| Garlic Powder | 2 teaspoons | Divided between flour and panko mixtures |
| Sea Salt | 1/2 teaspoon | Divided, plus extra for salting zucchini |
| Ground Black Pepper | 1/2 teaspoon | Divided between flour, egg, and panko mixtures |
| Eggs | 2 | Whisked for the second coating station |
Instructions
Step 1: First, set up your three bowls. Mix flour with half the spices in one. Whisk eggs in another. In the third, mix panko, parmesan, and the rest of the spices. I still laugh at that time I mixed them all in one bowl. What a mess that was!
Step 2: Now, slice your zucchini into fry shapes. Sprinkle them with a little salt and wait five minutes. This pulls out water for extra crispy zucchini fries. Dab them dry with a paper towel. (This is my secret for no soggy fries!)
Step 3: Time for the fun part! Coat each piece in flour, then egg, then the panko mix. Place them on a plate. Letting them sit for a bit helps the coating stick. Which step do you think is most important for crispy zucchini fries? Share below!
Step 4: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Lightly spray the basket with oil. Add your breaded zucchini fries in one layer. Give them a light mist of oil on top. Doesn’t that smell amazing already?
Step 5: Cook your garlic parmesan zucchini fries for 8-10 minutes. They’re done when golden and crispy. No need to flip! This healthy zucchini fries recipe is so simple. Enjoy them warm right away. I love mine with a little extra parmesan sprinkled on top.
Creative Twists
Swap parmesan for grated cheddar for a cheesier bite. Add a pinch of smoked paprika to the panko for a warm, cozy flavor. Try this with yellow summer squash instead of zucchini for a sunny color. Which one would you try first? Comment below!Serving & Pairing Ideas
These easy air fryer zucchini fries are perfect with a creamy ranch or marinara dip. For a full meal, I serve them next to a simple burger or grilled chicken. You can also pile them high on a plate with a fresh garden salad. Which would you choose tonight?
Keeping Your Zucchini Fries Happy and Crispy
Let’s talk about storing these crispy zucchini fries. They are best eaten right away. But life happens! If you have leftovers, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer in the fridge. Use them within two days.
You can freeze them before cooking for a future treat. Lay the breaded fries on a baking sheet. Freeze them solid, then pop them into a bag. You can cook them straight from the freezer later. Just add a few extra minutes in the air fryer.
I remember my first batch of frozen fries. I was so proud to have a quick snack ready! Reheat leftovers in your air fryer or a hot oven. This brings back the crunch. A microwave will make them soft.
Batch cooking like this matters. It turns a busy night into a simple, healthy dinner. It feels good to be prepared. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!
Three Little Fixes for Bigger Smiles
Home cooking has tiny troubles. But each one has an easy fix. First, soggy zucchini fries. The salt step pulls out water. Never skip it! Dry them very well with a towel.
Second, breading that falls off. Let your coated fries sit before cooking. I once rushed this and my breading ended up in the basket! Letting them rest helps everything stick.
Third, fries that burn or cook unevenly. Do not crowd your air fryer basket. They need space for hot air to move. Work in batches if you need to.
Fixing these issues matters. It builds your confidence in the kitchen. You learn why each step is important. It also makes your food taste so much better. Which of these problems have you run into before?
Your Quick Questions, Answered
How to make zucchini fries crispy?
The secret is removing water. Salt your raw zucchini slices and wait five minutes. Pat them completely dry with a paper towel. This is the most important step for crispy zucchini fries. Also, cook them in a single layer in your air fryer. Do not overcrowd the basket. The hot air needs to circulate around each fry.
What is the best way to coat zucchini fries?
Use a three-step method for the perfect crust. First, dredge in seasoned flour. Second, dip in beaten egg. Third, press into the panko and parmesan mix. For zucchini fries with panko, press the crumbs on firmly. Let the coated fries sit for a few minutes before cooking. This helps the breading stick during the air frying process.
Can you bake zucchini fries instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake them. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the fries on a greased, wire rack set on a baking sheet. This allows air to flow all around. Bake for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway. They will be good, but an air fryer makes them extra crispy. The air fryer’s powerful fan is great for this recipe.
How do you keep zucchini fries from getting soggy?
Always salt and dry the zucchini first. This is the key to air fryer zucchini fries no soggy results. After cooking, eat them right away. If you store them, reheat in the air fryer or oven. Never use a microwave to reheat. A fun fact: zucchini is mostly water! Salting draws that moisture out before it can steam your crust.
What can I use instead of breadcrumbs for zucchini fries?
You have many tasty options. Crushed pork rinds make a very crispy, low-carb coating. Almond flour or crushed nuts work well too. For a simpler version, just use extra grated parmesan cheese mixed with spices. Crushed cornflakes or crackers are also great substitutes. Each one gives a different flavor and crunch to your healthy zucchini fries recipe.
Are zucchini fries healthier than French fries?
Yes, generally they are. This air fryer zucchini fries recipe uses less oil than deep frying. Zucchini itself has fewer calories and carbs than potatoes. It also gives you vitamins and fiber. Choosing to bake or air fry instead of deep fry is always a healthier choice. You still get a delicious, crispy treat but feel better afterward.
Which tip will you try first?
From My Kitchen to Yours
I hope you love this recipe for easy air fryer zucchini fries. It brings a happy, crispy bite to your table. Cooking should be fun, not fussy. These garlic parmesan zucchini fries are just that.
I would love to hear about your cooking adventure. Your stories make my day. Tell me all about it in the comments. Have you tried this recipe? Let me know how it went for you!
Happy cooking!
—Grace Hollander.
Crispy Parmesan Zucchini Fries
Description
Crispy, golden, and flavorful zucchini fries coated in seasoned panko and parmesan, perfectly cooked in the air fryer.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Add flour to a medium sized bowl along with half of the salt, pepper, garlic powder, parsley and stir until combined. Set aside.
- Add eggs in separate medium sized bowl and whisk to combine. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Set aside.
- Into a third medium bowl, add panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese and the other half of all of the spices and stir to combine. Set aside.
- Slice the ends off of the zucchini and discard. Next, cut the zucchini in half lengthwise. Then cut each half widthwise. You should have four similarly sized pieces. Slice each section into stripes making fry shapes. Try your best to make them all as even as possible and about 1/4-1/2 inch thick.
- Sprinkle the sliced zucchini with a fine grain salt and let rest for at least 5 minutes. This will help release moisture and make the fries crispy. Dab the excess moisture off with a paper towel after 5 minutes.
- Working one at a time, dredge one piece of zucchini into the flour mixture and tap off the excess. Next, dip the same piece into the egg an let the excess drip off. Finally dip into the panko mixture and thoroughly coat. Place the breaded zucchini on a plate and repeat until all the zucchini fries are breaded. I like to let mine sit for a couple while the air fryer preheats to really help the breading stick.
- Preheat your air fryer for 375 degrees F. Once preheated, mist the basket with oil then carefully add in the zucchini fries and lightly mist the top with oil. I was able to fit all mine into my air fryer, but if yours in smaller you may need to work in batches. Cook for 8-10 minutes until the outside of the fries is golden and crispy. I did not flip mine halfway through and they turned out fine. Remove from air fryer basket and enjoy warm with your favorite sauce.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, ensure the zucchini is well-dried after salting. Serve immediately with marinara sauce, ranch, or a garlic aioli.