Description
Crispy, golden, and incredibly flavorful, these Easy Air Fryer Zucchini Fries are a healthier alternative to traditional fries. Coated in a seasoned panko and parmesan crust, they’re air-fried to perfection and perfect for dipping in marinara or ranch. Quick to prepare and irresistibly delicious, they make the ultimate snack, appetizer, or side dish for any occasion!
Ingredients
-
- 1 large zucchini
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 eggs, whisked
Instructions
- Prepare the Breading Mixtures:
- In a bowl, mix flour, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon parsley, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
- In a second bowl, whisk the eggs and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- In a third bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, the remaining garlic powder, parsley, and seasonings.
- Slice the Zucchini:
- Cut off the ends of the zucchini and discard.
- Slice the zucchini in half lengthwise, then cut each half widthwise. Slice each section into ¼-½ inch strips to form “fry” shapes.
- Prep the Zucchini for Crispiness:
- Sprinkle the zucchini strips with a pinch of salt and let them rest for 5 minutes to draw out moisture.
- Dab the zucchini dry with a paper towel before breading.
- Bread the Zucchini Fries:
- Dredge each zucchini strip in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
- Dip it into the whisked eggs and allow the excess to drip off.
- Roll the strip in the panko mixture, pressing gently to coat evenly.
- Preheat and Cook in the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly mist the basket with oil.
- Arrange the breaded zucchini fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Mist the tops lightly with oil.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Shake the basket halfway through cooking.
- Serve:
- Transfer the zucchini fries to a plate and serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces, such as marinara, ranch, or garlic aioli.
Notes
- Even Cooking: Work in batches if your air fryer basket is small. Overcrowding can prevent even cooking.
- Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version of this recipe.
- Reheating Leftovers: Reheat leftover zucchini fries in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Optional Add-Ins: For extra flavor, add a pinch of paprika, cayenne, or Italian seasoning to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair these fries with marinara, ranch, tzatziki, or your favorite dipping sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Fusion