Can I make air fryer zucchini fries without Parmesan?

Yes. You can leave out the Parmesan and just use seasoned panko. They will still be crispy and flavorful. Nutritional yeast is also a great dairy-free substitute that adds a savory, slightly cheesy taste.

Why are my zucchini fries not crispy?

The most common reasons are overcrowding the basket, skipping the flour step, or not spraying with enough oil. Make sure you cook them in a single layer and give them enough space for hot air to circulate.

Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?

You can, but panko will give you a noticeably better crunch. Regular breadcrumbs are finer and tend to produce a denser, less crispy coating. Panko is worth having on hand for this recipe.

How do I stop zucchini fries from getting soggy?

Eat them as soon as they come out of the air fryer. If your zucchini is very moist, pat it dry before flouring. Avoid stacking the fries, and do not store them in a sealed container while warm — the steam will make them soft.

Easy Air Fryer Zucchini Fries Recipe

Description

Golden and crunchy on the outside, tender in the middle, these easy air fryer zucchini fries are coated in seasoned panko and Parmesan for a quick, lighter snack or side dish.

Ingredients

Scale

3 small zucchini or 2 large zucchini
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs
1 tablespoon water
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
Olive oil spray, for cooking

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Cut the zucchini into sticks about 1/4 inch thick, keeping them roughly the same size for even cooking.
Pat the zucchini sticks dry with paper towels if they are very moist.
Place the zucchini sticks in a zip-lock bag, add the flour, and shake until lightly coated.
Combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt in a bowl.
Whisk the eggs with the water in a separate small bowl.
Dip each floured zucchini stick into the egg wash, let the excess drip off, then roll it in the panko mixture, pressing gently so the coating sticks.
Spray the air fryer basket lightly with olive oil and arrange the zucchini fries in a single layer without crowding.
Spray the tops lightly with olive oil.
Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 7 to 12 minutes, checking at the 7-minute mark, until deeply golden and crispy.
Serve right away with marinara, ranch, garlic aioli, spicy sriracha mayo, or tzatziki.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket or the zucchini fries will steam instead of crisp. For the best crunch, serve them immediately after cooking.

Prep Time: 8 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Air Fryer
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 245
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 510mg
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 13g
Cholesterol: 105mg