Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
These air fryer zucchini fries are a delicious alternative to traditional potato fries. Lightly breaded, and perfectly seasoned, they offer a healthier twist on a classic fried snack.
Zuchini fries are a fun way to get more vegetables into your diet, and an easy way to get your little ones to eat more veg.
For some other tasty air fryer veggies, try air fryer sweet potato wedges, air fryer parsnips, or these air fryer pumpkin.
Scroll down for the printable recipe card, or read on for all the details.
Ingredients Notes
Zucchini / courgette
Choose two medium zucchinis, and try to find straight ones that are of a similar thickness the whole length, as these will cut into even sticks more easily.
Egg
This recipe uses egg to stick the breading to the zucchini fries. To make a vegan version of this recipe, you can substitute aquafaba or oil (and skip the parmesan cheese or use nutritional yeast).
Breadcrumbs
I use panko bread crumbs for this recipe as I like how crispy they get in the air fryer. However, you can use any breadcrumbs. Alternatively, to make this gluten-free you can substitute almond meal.
Parmesan cheese
Parmesan cheese is optional, but really does add to the flavor. You can substitute nutritional yeast (and use aquafaba or oil in place of egg) for a vegan version.
Seasoning
This recipe uses simple kosher salt and pepper for seasoning. However, you can use or substitute any other seasoning you like.
Try swapping the kosher salt for garlic salt, or adding ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika, garlic powder, Cajun seasoning, or Italian seasoning.
Oil (optional)
You can lightly spray or drizzle the zucchini fries with olive oil before air frying to get them extra golden and crispy. Skip this if you want to make a calorie-light version.
Pro Tip
Use a cooking spray that has no propellants and says that it’s safe for use in air fryers. The type that spritzes is best as the propellant in aerosol oil sprays can damage the coating of the air fryer basket or tray.
How to make zucchini fries in the air fryer
1. Prepare the zucchini sticks.
Trim the tops and bottoms off the zucchini, cut in half, then cut each half lengthways into four sticks.
If your zucchini are extra large, then cut them into more pieces so that the sticks are approximately 1 x ½ inch wide and around 3 inches long.
2. Bread the zucchini sticks.
Mix the panko crumbs, parmesan cheese, sea salt, and black pepper in a shallow bowl, beat the egg in another shallow dish.
Working one at a time, evenly dip each zucchini piece in the egg mixture and then into the panko mixture to coat them evenly. When complete, place the breaded zucchini sticks on a plate while you crumb the remaining zucchini.
3. Air fry zucchini sticks.
Place the zucchini fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not touching. Cook them in batches if necessary.
For extra crispy zucchini fries, lightly brush or spritz them with olive oil before cooking.
Air fry zucchini sticks for 7-10 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy. Add a few minutes if needed. Some air fryers require food to be flipped over during cooking, so do this if needed for your air fryer.
If you don’t have an air fryer, you can still make this recipe using your oven and a baking sheet. Make sure that you flip them over halfway through the cooking time.
Serving ideas
Zucchini sticks make a great snack or appetizer on their own and go really well with a simple dipping sauce. Try ranch dressing, chipotle mayo, BBQ sauce or marinara sauce
You can also use these as your side dish for dinner recipes as they are a great alternative to french fries.
Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchinis
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese finely grated or powdered
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Trim the tops and bottoms off the zucchini, cut in half, then cut each half length-ways into four sticks [Note1].
- Mix the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, sea salt, and black pepper in a shallow bowl, beat the egg in another bowl.
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F/ 200°C degrees.
- Working 1 piece at a time, evenly dip the zucchini in the egg mixture and then into the breadcrumb mixture to coat them evenly.
- When complete, place the breaded zucchini sticks on a plate until you are ready to cook.
- Place the zucchini fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Ensure they are not touching [Note 2]
- Air fry zucchini sticks for 7-10 minutes until they are golden and crispy. Flip the zucchini fries over halfway through the cooking time if required for your air fryer [Note 3].
Notes
- If you have a very large zucchini cut each quarter in half again.
- You may need to air fry the zucchini sticks in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Check your manual if you are unsure.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an estimate and provided for informational purposes only.
Yum! Light crispy and delicious!
Great recipe. I added extra parmesan and they were sooo good!
I haven’t tried courgette cooked this way before, but it was very nice. I will definitely make these again.
Very nice crispy dish.