Description
Crispy, golden zucchini fries coated in panko and Parmesan, cooked in an air fryer for a healthy, crunchy snack or appetizer that is ready in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 medium zucchini (about 600g)
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (60g)
- 2 large eggs, whisked with a splash of water
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (80g)
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (50g)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked preferred)
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil (for spraying)
Instructions
- Wash zucchini, trim ends, and cut into ½-inch thick sticks. Place in a bowl, sprinkle with kosher salt, and let sit for 10 minutes to draw out moisture.
- Pat the zucchini sticks completely dry with paper towels.
- Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with whisked eggs, and one with panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, and black pepper mixed together.
- Dredge each zucchini stick in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into the egg wash, then press firmly into the breadcrumb mixture to coat evenly.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil. Arrange zucchini fries in a single layer without overcrowding.
- Spray the tops of the fries lightly with olive oil.
- Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through (at the 7-minute mark) and spraying any pale spots with oil.
- Remove when golden brown and crisp. Let cool for 1-2 minutes before serving immediately.
Notes
Patting the zucchini dry after salting is crucial for crispiness. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary. For a gluten-free version, swap flour for almond flour and panko for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes. For a vegan version, use plant-based milk and maple syrup instead of eggs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 12 fri
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 280
- Fat: 6
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 5
Keywords: air fryer zucchini fries, healthy snack, vegetarian appetizer, crispy zucchini, parmesan fries, gluten-free option, quick dinner side