Name: Air Fryer Zucchini Fries Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 medium zucchini, cut into 3 inch x 1/2 inch sticks; ½ cup all-purpose flour; 2 tsp Italian seasoning; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp pepper; 2 large eggs; 1 tbsp water; ½ cup Italian breadcrumbs or panko bread crumbs; ⅓ cup parmesan cheese, finely grated; Cooking spray

There's something incredibly satisfying about crispy, golden fries that aren’t made from potatoes. This Air Fryer Zucchini Fries Recipe is a game-changer—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and way lighter than your typical fried snack. Trust me, once you try this, you'll want zucchini fries on speed dial for every snack attack.

The image shows a white plate filled with many crispy fried sticks that are golden brown with a crunchy, textured coating. The sticks are stacked and scattered naturally, showing some rough edges. In the top left area of the plate, there is a small round container with a smooth, creamy white dipping sauce speckled with small black dots. The background is a white marbled surface and there is a soft, striped fabric visible in the top right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer Zucchini Fries Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Air Fryer Zucchini Fries Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Air Fryer Zucchini Fries Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I've been a fan of zucchini fries long before air fryers became a kitchen staple, but this recipe really elevates the experience—no soggy fries, just crispy, flavorful bites that make the zucchini shine. Let me tell you why this one’s a keeper.

Crunch Without the Guilt: Air frying cuts down on oil but keeps that irresistible crispiness we all want in fries.
Simple Ingredients: You probably already have everything in your pantry, making this an easy go-to snack or side dish.
Perfect for Zucchini Lovers and Skeptics: Even folks who don’t usually go for zucchini find these fries addictive.
Quick & Easy Prep: From slicing to frying, it’s a breeze, especially when you want something tasty fast.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Air Fryer Zucchini Fries Recipe thrives on simple, complementary ingredients that create the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Choosing fresh zucchini and good quality seasoning can make all the difference.

Flat lay of two medium fresh zucchinis cut into thick sticks, a small white ceramic bowl of all-purpose flour, a few sprigs of fresh Italian seasoning herbs, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse salt, a small white ceramic bowl of cracked black peppercorns, two whole uncracked large brown eggs, a small white ceramic bowl of clear water, a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden Italian breadcrumbs, a small white ceramic bowl with finely grated pale yellow parmesan cheese, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997

Zucchini: Use medium-sized zucchinis for firmer fries that hold their shape and give you that ideal bite.
All-Purpose Flour: Helps the egg mixture stick to the zucchini for a sturdy crust.
Italian Seasoning: Brings a cozy, herby flavor without overpowering the zucchini’s natural taste.
Salt and Pepper: Basic but essential for balancing and enhancing flavors.
Eggs and Water: The egg wash acts as glue for the breadcrumbs while adding richness.
Italian Breadcrumbs or Panko: Panko gives extra crunch; choose based on preferred texture.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds umami and helps the fries brown beautifully.
Cooking Spray: Keeps the fries from sticking and promotes even crisping in the air fryer.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love experimenting with seasoning and dipping sauces for these zucchini fries, and I encourage you to tweak the flavors to suit your preferences. This recipe is a great canvas for getting creative!

Variation: I sometimes add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne to the breadcrumb mix when I want a little kick—it's fantastic with a cool ranch dip.
Gluten-Free Option: Swap in gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour, and you’re good to go without losing any crunch.
Herb Boost: Freshly chopped basil or parsley tossed into the breadcrumb mix adds freshness and color.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer Zucchini Fries Recipe

Step 1: Slice with care for perfect fries

Cut your zucchini into 3-inch by ½-inch sticks—think of classic French fries. If your pieces are too thin, they might cook too quickly and become mushy; too thick, and they won’t crisp up nicely. Keeping the size uniform helps everything cook evenly.

Step 2: Prep the coating station

In a large bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This dry mix flavors the fries and helps the egg stick later. Whisk the eggs and water in a second bowl until combined. Finally, stir together the breadcrumbs and Parmesan in a third bowl. Setting it up this way makes the dipping process smooth and mess-free.

Step 3: Coat the zucchini sticks

Toss the zucchini sticks in the flour mixture, shaking off excess so the coating isn’t too thick. Then dip each fry into the egg mixture, making sure it’s coated but not dripping. Lastly, roll it in the breadcrumb-Parmesan combo until well covered. Repeat with all sticks—this triple dip is what gives these fries that satisfying crust.

Step 4: Air fry to golden perfection

Lightly spritz the bottom of your air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the coated zucchini fries in a single layer—don’t overcrowd them, or they’ll steam instead of crisp. A quick spritz of the top keeps them beautifully golden. Air fry at 385°F for 8 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye on them towards the end; when they’re golden brown and crispy, they’re ready to come out!

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a handful of tricks that really take this Air Fryer Zucchini Fries Recipe from good to spectacular. I want you to skip the trial and error and dive right into success.

Uniform Sizing: Take the time to slice your zucchini evenly. This is the key to fries that cook consistently every time.
Don’t Skip the Spritz: Lightly spraying both the basket and fries with oil helps develop that golden, crunchy surface without frying in a ton of oil.
Single Layer Only: Avoid stacking or crowding zucchini fries in the basket. Air needs to circulate to crisp them up—trust this, it works wonders.
Watch Cooking Time: Depending on your air fryer model, cooking times can vary. Check early and often the first time so you can find that sweet spot between perfectly cooked and overdone.

How to Serve Air Fryer Zucchini Fries Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or a bit more Parmesan right after they come out of the air fryer—it adds a lovely freshness and a little extra flavor punch. Sometimes, I’ll also dust them with a light sprinkle of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky kick.

Side Dishes

These fries are great alongside grilled chicken or fish for a light meal, but they also stand tall as a snack with your favorite dipping sauces. I’m partial to roasted garlic aioli, marinara, or even a simple lemony yogurt dip.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist at parties, I’ve served these zucchini fries in colorful mini cones lined with parchment paper—makes grabbing and dipping super easy and looks adorable. Pair this with a trio of dips for variety and it’s always a hit!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover zucchini fries in an airtight container lined with paper towels in the fridge. The towels help absorb extra moisture, keeping them from getting soggy. They’re best eaten within 2 days for maximum crispness.

Freezing

Honestly, zucchini fries don’t freeze well because of their high water content. When defrosted, they tend to get mushy and lose that crisp, so I recommend making just enough to enjoy fresh whenever you crave them.

Reheating

To bring leftover zucchini fries back to life, I pop them in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 4 minutes. This warms them through and crisps up the exterior without drying them out like a microwave would.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other vegetables instead of zucchini?

While this recipe is designed for zucchini, you can experiment with other firm vegetables like yellow squash or eggplant—just adjust cooking times accordingly.

Do I really need to spray oil in the air fryer basket?

Yes, spraying the basket helps prevent sticking and promotes even crisping, especially with the delicate zucchini fries.

Can I make these zucchini fries gluten-free?

Definitely! Use gluten-free all-purpose flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to keep the fries crispy and safe for gluten-sensitive diets.

What dipping sauces pair best with Air Fryer Zucchini Fries Recipe?

I love serving these with marinara, garlic aioli, ranch dressing, or even a simple squeeze of fresh lemon for a light and flavorful touch. The choice is yours!

Final Thoughts

I honestly didn’t expect to fall so hard for this Air Fryer Zucchini Fries Recipe the first time I made it, but it’s quickly become a favorite snack I turn to over and over. The crispiness, the flavor, and the ease all come together beautifully. If you’re looking for a fresh, healthier way to enjoy fries, I promise these zucchini fries will delight you just like they did me. Give them a try—you’ll be so glad you did.