Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Zucchini Fries

$- 2 medium zucchini, cut into fry shapes - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and ground black pepper - 1 large egg, beaten - Cooking spray Gather these ingredients before starting. Using fresh zucchini makes a big difference. I always choose medium-sized squash for the best texture. Panko breadcrumbs are key for a crunchy bite. Parmesan cheese adds a rich, savory flavor. The garlic powder and Italian seasoning give the fries a wonderful taste. Don't forget your salt and pepper for some extra zing. Feel free to adjust seasonings based on your taste. I recommend using a large egg for binding the breading. A good cooking spray helps prevent sticking. Olive oil spray works well and adds a nice flavor. Make sure everything is ready to go before you start cooking. This prep will save you time and keep things fun in the kitchen! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by washing the zucchini under cool water. This step ensures they are clean. Next, cut the zucchini into fry shapes that are about 1/4 inch thick. This size helps them cook evenly. After cutting, pat the fries dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture is key for extra crispiness when cooking. Now, let’s create a breading station. In one bowl, whisk the large egg until it is well beaten. In another bowl, mix the dry ingredients: panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir these together well to make sure they blend nicely. Take a zucchini fry and dip it into the beaten egg. Let any extra egg drip off. Then, transfer the fry to the breadcrumb mixture. Be sure to coat it evenly. Press gently on the fry to help the crumbs stick well. Repeat this for all the zucchini fries. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Preheating is very important. It helps the fries cook evenly and become perfectly crispy. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. This step prevents sticking. Place the coated zucchini fries in a single layer in the basket. Avoid overcrowding them. Depending on the air fryer size, you may need to cook in batches. Cook the fries for about 10-12 minutes. Flip them halfway through for even cooking. They should turn a nice golden brown when done. Once cooked, carefully remove the fries from the air fryer. Let them cool for a couple of minutes. This time will help them crisp up more. Serve your zucchini fries hot. You can pair them with delicious dipping sauces like marinara or ranch for extra flavor. To make your zucchini fries extra crispy, dry them well. After cutting the zucchini, use paper towels to pat them. This step removes moisture and helps them fry better. For the coating, choose panko breadcrumbs. They add a great crunch. Panko is lighter and airier than regular breadcrumbs, making your fries crispier. If you want to lower calories, consider some easy swaps. You can use whole wheat flour instead of breadcrumbs. This change keeps the texture while adding fiber. Another option is to skip breading altogether. Just season the zucchini and air fry them. You’ll still get a tasty snack! Avoid overcrowding your air fryer. If you put too many fries in at once, they won't cook evenly. Instead, cook in batches for the best results. Lay the fries in a single layer. This method lets hot air circulate and helps everything cook nicely. If your air fryer is small, take your time and enjoy the process! Pro Tips Pat the Zucchini Dry: Removing excess moisture from the zucchini helps achieve a crispier texture during cooking. Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for fresh Parmesan cheese and high-quality panko breadcrumbs. Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Ensure the zucchini fries are in a single layer to allow even cooking and maximum crispiness. Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to add other spices or herbs to the breadcrumb mixture to customize the flavor to your liking. {{image_4}} You can easily change the taste of your zucchini fries. Adding herbs like thyme or rosemary gives them a fresh twist. You could also sprinkle in some chili flakes for a kick. For cheese lovers, try mixing different cheeses. Mozzarella or cheddar can add a fun twist to your fries. Each choice brings a new flavor to enjoy. If you're looking for egg substitutes, try using flaxseed meal or applesauce. These options work well for binding the breadcrumbs. For those with gluten issues, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. They still offer that crunch and flavor you crave. You won't miss out on taste with these swaps. Zucchini fries go great with many dips! Marinara sauce adds a classic touch, while ranch brings a creamy vibe. You can also try spicy mayo for a fun twist. Serve these fries as a snack or a side dish. They pair well with grilled chicken or a fresh salad. Enjoy experimenting with different dips and meals! To keep your zucchini fries fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place a paper towel in the container to absorb moisture. This helps maintain their crunch. Refrigerate the fries right after they cool down. They last up to 3 days in the fridge. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing. Just remember, they may lose some crunch when reheated. When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating them right is key. The best method is to use your air fryer again. Set it to 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. This way, they regain their crispy texture. Avoid using a microwave, as it makes them soggy. If you don’t have an air fryer, you can use an oven. Bake them on a tray at 350°F (175°C) until warm and crisp. Yes, you can use regular breadcrumbs. However, panko gives a crunchier texture. Panko breadcrumbs are larger and flakier, which helps achieve that crispy bite. If you prefer using regular breadcrumbs, your zucchini fries may not be as crispy but will still taste great. You can tell when zucchini fries are done by their color and texture. Look for a golden-brown color on the outside. When you gently press them, they should feel crispy. If they are soft or pale, they need more time in the air fryer. Yes, you can prepare the zucchini fries ahead of time. Cut and coat them, then store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just remember to let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before air frying. This helps them cook evenly. Zucchini fries can be frozen. To freeze, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can last for up to three months. When ready to cook, air fry them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Zucchini fries pair well with many dips. Here are some great options: - Marinara sauce for a classic touch. - Ranch dressing for a creamy dip. - Garlic aioli for extra flavor. - Spicy sriracha mayo for heat. Feel free to experiment with your favorites! This article covered how to make tasty air-fried zucchini fries. You learned about the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for extra crispiness. We shared great ideas for healthy changes and different ways to enjoy these fries. Remember, choosing the right breadcrumbs and avoiding overcrowding are key. With proper storage and reheating methods, these snacks stay delicious. Enjoy trying various dips and flavors to make your zucchini fries even better!$

Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Zucchini Fries

Deliciously crispy zucchini fries made in an air fryer, coated with panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

2 medium zucchini, cut into fry shapes
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
to taste Salt and ground black pepper
1 large egg, beaten
as needed Cooking spray

Instructions

Prepare the Zucchini: Begin by thoroughly washing the zucchini under cool water. Cut the zucchini into long fry shapes, approximately 1/4 inch thick. Once cut, pat the fries dry using paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
Create a Breading Station: Set up a breading station for easy assembly: In one bowl, whisk the beaten egg. In another bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
Coat the Zucchini: Take each zucchini fry and dip it into the beaten egg, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, transfer the fry to the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring it is thoroughly coated.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
Arrange in Air Fryer: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the coated zucchini fries in a single layer within the basket.
Air Fry the Fries: Cook the zucchini fries for about 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time.
Cool and Serve: Carefully remove the fries from the air fryer and let them cool for a couple of minutes before serving hot.

Notes

For an appealing presentation, serve the zucchini fries in a small basket lined with parchment paper and garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.

Keyword air fryer, appetizer, Parmesan, vegetarian, zucchini fries