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; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 2 tsp Italian seasoning; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp pepper; 2 large eggs; 1 tbsp water; 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs; 1/3 cup parmesan cheese, finely grated; Cooking spray

There's something irresistibly crispy yet tender about zucchini fries made in the air fryer. This Air Fryer Zucchini Fries Recipe offers the perfect balance — crunchy on the outside, juicy inside, and ready in under 30 minutes. Trust me, once you try these, they'll be your new go-to snack or side!

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 adore this Air Fryer Zucchini Fries Recipe because it transforms an everyday veggie into a crispy, flavorful treat with minimal fuss. It’s such a crowd-pleaser, perfect for lunch, snacks, or game-day munching — all without the mess of deep frying.

Quick and Easy: This recipe puts dinner or an appetizer on your table in under 30 minutes.
Healthy Snack Upgrade: Zucchini fries deliver all the comfort with less oil and calories compared to traditional fries.
Perfect Crunch: The combo of Italian-seasoned flour, parmesan, and breadcrumbs crisps up beautifully in the air fryer.
Customizable Flavor: You can easily tweak the seasoning or dip choices, making these fries uniquely yours each time.

A white plate filled with golden brown, crispy fried sticks, all piled closely together in layers. Each stick has a crunchy texture with some light seasoning sprinkled on top. On the left side of the plate, a small black bowl holds a smooth, creamy white dipping sauce with little specks of herbs. The plate is set on a white marbled surface with a striped cloth in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays a key role in making these Air Fryer Zucchini Fries irresistibly crispy yet tender. I always recommend fresh zucchini and good-quality parmesan for the best flavor and texture.

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: Choose firm, medium-sized zucchinis for the best fry shape and fresh flavor.
All-purpose Flour: Helps the egg and breadcrumb coatings stick perfectly to the zucchini strips.
Italian Seasoning: Brings savory herbs into each bite, elevating the fries beyond plain.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning both the flour coating and the zucchini itself.
Eggs: Bind the coatings to the zucchini, ensuring even crisping.
Water: Thins the eggs slightly, making a smooth dip for the zucchini.
Italian Breadcrumbs or Panko: The crunch factor — panko especially gives a great light crispiness.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds cheesy richness and helps with browning for that golden crust.
Cooking Spray: Sprinkled on before air frying to encourage crispiness without excess oil.

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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 this Air Fryer Zucchini Fries Recipe — sometimes adding a pinch of smoked paprika or swapping Italian seasoning for Cajun spices. You should totally make it your own with whatever herbs or cheese you fancy.

Variation: One time, I tried using gluten-free panko and swapped Parmesan for nutritional yeast to make it vegan-friendly — still so tasty and crispy!
Spicy Kick: Adding a bit of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture gives a subtle heat that's fantastic for snack time.
Cheesy Twist: For extra cheesiness, sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top after air frying and pop it back in for a minute to melt.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Zucchini Like a Pro

Start by slicing your zucchini into 3-inch sticks about the thickness of a classic fry. I like to keep mine fairly uniform so they cook evenly — trust me, inconsistent sizes can lead to some fries overdone while others stay soggy.

Step 2: Create Your Coating Stations

In one bowl, mix the flour, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs with water until pale yellow. Then, in another bowl, combine breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese. Setting these bowls up side-by-side makes the dipping process quick and mess-free.

Step 3: Coat Each Zucchini Stick Thoroughly

Toss the zucchini sticks gently in the flour mixture so each gets a light, even dusting. Shake off excess flour — too much can lead to clumps. Next, dip them into the egg wash, ensuring the entire surface is covered, then roll them in the breadcrumb-parmesan mixture. Take your time here, because a good coating means a crispier fry!

Step 4: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection

Spray the bottom of your air fryer basket with cooking spray—this prevents sticking. Place the coated zucchini sticks in a single, uncrowded layer (don’t let them touch!). Lightly spritz the tops with cooking spray to encourage browning. Air fry at 385°F for about 8 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye on them toward the end — they’ll be golden and crisp when ready.

Top Tip

From my trials, I learned the difference between soggy fries and perfectly crisp ones is all about moisture control and layering. Here’s what works best for me:

Pat Dry Your Zucchini: After slicing, I always blot the zucchini sticks with paper towels to soak up extra moisture — this helps keep the coating crisp.
Don’t Skip the Flour Stage: It might seem like an extra step, but the flour helps the egg mixture adhere, which in turn helps the breadcrumbs stick better.
Single Layer is Key: Crowding the air fryer basket leads to uneven cooking and soggier fries — air needs to circulate, so give them some space.
Cook at High Enough Heat: 385°F hits a sweet spot for getting a crunchy crust without drying out the zucchini inside.

How to Serve Air Fryer Zucchini Fries Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a little extra parmesan and chopped fresh parsley right after they come out of the air fryer — it adds a fresh, vibrant touch. A squeeze of lemon on the side works wonders too, cutting through the richness and adding brightness.

Side Dishes

These zucchini fries pair wonderfully with my homemade garlic aioli or marinara dipping sauce for that Italian flair. I often serve them alongside grilled chicken or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or special occasions, I like to serve these fries in a rustic cone made from parchment paper, with a small ramekin of dipping sauce tucked inside. It’s fun, casual, and perfect for sharing!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’ve got any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Spread them on a paper towel-lined plate to avoid sogginess. I find reheating in the air fryer helps recapture that crispness better than the microwave.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing these zucchini fries due to their high water content. When thawed, they tend to get soggy rather than crispy, which takes away from their charm.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the fries back into the air fryer at 375°F for 3-4 minutes. This refreshes the crunch without drying them out. If you're in a hurry, a quick toast under the broiler works too—just watch closely so they don’t burn.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other vegetables for this air fryer coating?

Absolutely! You can swap zucchini for eggplant, asparagus, or even green beans, using the same coating and cooking process for equally delicious results.

Do I need to peel the zucchini before making these fries?

No need to peel the zucchini. The skin adds texture, nutrients, and beautiful color to the fries.

What’s the best dipping sauce for zucchini fries?

I love a garlic aioli, spicy marinara, or even a cool ranch dip. Pick something creamy or tangy to complement the crispy, savory fries.

Can I bake these zucchini fries instead of air frying?

Definitely! Bake on a rack inside a baking sheet at 425°F for 20-22 minutes. Spritz them with oil to help crisp up, but air frying tends to get them crunchier faster.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Zucchini Fries Recipe has become a favorite in my kitchen because it’s simple to make, feels a bit indulgent, yet still guilt-free. Whether you need a quick snack or a side dish for dinner, these fries deliver that satisfying crunch we all love. Give them a try — I promise you’ll be reaching for zucchini more often!