Air Fryer Parmesan Zucchini Fries
Crispy zucchini fries with parmesan and garlic, made fast in the air fryer.
Prep: 12 · Cook: 14 · Total: 26 · Serves: 4 · Difficulty: Easy · Rating: 4.8/5 (66 reviews)
INSPIRED BY
diner-style zucchini fries
Inspired by classic diner zucchini fries, but streamlined for the air fryer.
Story
This is my kind of weeknight win, fast, cozy, and made from things I already keep around. I started making it on busy Mondays when I wanted dinner to feel like a treat without turning the kitchen upside down. The trick is building flavor in one pan, then finishing with a bright pop so it tastes fresh, not flat. If you have a handful of greens or herbs hanging around, toss them in, it always makes it feel extra.
By Casey
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchini, cut into fry sticks
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 eggs
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- Olive oil spray
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Marinara or ranch, for dipping
Instructions
- Toss zucchini with salt, let sit 5 minutes, then blot very dry with paper towels.
- Set up three bowls: flour, beaten eggs, and a mix of panko, parmesan, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Dip zucchini in flour, then egg, then panko mix, pressing so it sticks.
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F. Arrange fries in a single layer, spray lightly with oil.
- Air fry 10 to 12 minutes, shaking halfway, until deeply golden and crisp.
- Serve right away with lemon wedges and your favorite dip.
Chef Tips
- Dry zucchini well, it is the difference between crisp and soggy.
- Do not overcrowd the basket, cook in batches if needed.
- Use grated parmesan, not shredded, it melts into the coating better.
- Leftovers re-crisp in the air fryer in 2 to 3 minutes.
Cook's Notes
- Blotting the zucchini matters, take the extra minute.
- If your air fryer runs hot, check at 9 minutes so the coating does not over-brown.
- For a spicy version, add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne to the breadcrumb mix.