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For this recipe, you'll need 2 medium zucchinis. Trim the ends and cut them into fry-shaped sticks. Zucchini gives a nice crunch and absorbs the flavors well. The coating is key to crispy fries. Gather these items: - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs for that extra crunch - ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a savory punch - 2 large eggs, beaten, to help the coating stick To make these fries tasty, use these seasonings: - 1 teaspoon garlic powder for aromatic depth - 1 teaspoon onion powder for warmth - ½ teaspoon dried oregano to add herbal notes - ½ teaspoon paprika for a hint of smokiness - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - Olive oil spray to help them crisp up nicely These ingredients come together to create a delightful and crispy treat. The zucchini fries are perfect as a snack or a side dish. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This step is key. A hot air fryer will help your zucchini fries turn out crispy and golden. Just give it a few minutes to heat up while you prepare the other ingredients. In a medium bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix these ingredients well. This mix adds a nice crunch and flavor to the fries. The Parmesan gives a savory kick, while the spices add warmth and depth. Take your zucchinis and cut them into fry-shaped sticks. Next, whisk the eggs in another bowl until smooth. Dip each zucchini stick into the beaten eggs first. Allow any extra egg to drip off. Then, roll it in the breadcrumb mix, pressing gently. This ensures the coating sticks well. Arrange the coated zucchini fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they don’t overlap. This spacing is important for even cooking. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil spray. It helps create a nice crunch. Cook the fries for 10-12 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through. This will help them fry evenly. They should be golden brown and crispy when done. Once cooked, carefully take the fries out and let them cool on a wire rack. This keeps them crispy. For serving, arrange them on a bright platter. Pair them with marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil adds color and flair. Enjoy your crispy zucchini fries! To get the best crispiness, follow these steps: - Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) before cooking. This helps the fries get crunchy. - Arrange zucchini fries in a single layer. Avoid overlapping, as this prevents even cooking. - Spray with olive oil lightly on top before cooking. This adds extra crunch. - Shake the basket halfway through cooking. This ensures all sides cook evenly and stay crispy. If you want to mix things up, try these ideas: - Use different cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella for a unique taste. - Swap panko for crushed cornflakes for a fun twist and extra crunch. - Add spices like cayenne pepper or Italian herbs to the breading for added flavor. - Try a gluten-free option by using almond flour or ground oats instead of breadcrumbs. If your zucchini fries aren’t turning out as planned, consider these tips: - If they’re soggy, they may be too close together. Always space them out. - If they lack flavor, check the seasoning amounts. Salt and spices are key! - If they’re burned, lower the cooking time next time or adjust the temperature. - If they stick to the basket, try spraying with more olive oil or using parchment paper. These tricks will help you create perfect Air Fryer Parmesan Zucchini Fries every time! Pro Tips Choose Firm Zucchini: Look for zucchinis that are firm and free of blemishes for the best texture and flavor. Customize Your Coating: Feel free to experiment with different spices or cheese varieties to create your own unique flavor profile. Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Air circulation is key for crispiness; ensure the fries are in a single layer without touching. Serve Immediately: For the best crunch, enjoy your zucchini fries right after cooking while they are still hot and crispy. {{image_4}} Add some heat to your zucchini fries. Mix cayenne pepper into the coating. Use about 1/2 teaspoon. This gives a nice kick. You can also serve them with spicy dipping sauce. Hot sauce or sriracha works great. Enjoy the bold flavors! Want to take it up a notch? Try cheese-stuffed zucchini fries. Cut a slit in each fry. Fill it with mozzarella or cheddar cheese. Coat it like normal and air fry. The cheese will melt and ooze out. This makes every bite a cheesy delight! Want a fresh taste? Use fresh herbs in your mix. Chop parsley, basil, or thyme. Add about 1 tablespoon of your choice. This adds brightness to the fries. The herbs will smell amazing as they cook. It’s a simple way to elevate your dish! To keep your Air Fryer Parmesan Zucchini Fries fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place them in the fridge within two hours of cooking. They will stay good for up to three days. Make sure to let them cool before sealing the container. This prevents moisture from making them soggy. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. First, allow the fries to cool completely. Then, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about one hour until solid. After that, transfer the fries to a freezer-safe bag. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. Reheating is simple and can bring back their crispy texture. For the best results, use the air fryer. Preheat it to 400°F (200°C). Place the fries in the basket and heat them for about 5-7 minutes. You can also use an oven. Bake them at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes. Either method will help regain that delightful crunch! Yes, you can use regular breadcrumbs. However, panko gives a crispier texture. Panko is lighter and airier than regular breadcrumbs. This helps create that crunchy bite you want in zucchini fries. If you use regular breadcrumbs, your fries may not be as crunchy. Many sauces pair well with zucchini fries. My favorites include marinara sauce and ranch dressing. Both offer a nice contrast to the savory fries. You can also try garlic aioli or spicy ketchup for a fun twist. Each sauce adds a different flavor, making your fries even more enjoyable. You can tell when the fries are done by their color. Look for a golden-brown hue. The fries should be crispy to the touch. If you hear a nice crunch when you bite into one, they are ready. Shake the basket halfway through cooking. This helps them cook evenly. Yes, you can cook zucchini fries in a conventional oven. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange the fries on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method will also yield deliciously crispy fries! You now have an easy guide to making crispy zucchini fries. We covered ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for the perfect crunch. Variations let you create your favorite flavors. Remember, whether you prefer spicy or cheesy, these fries are fun for all. Be sure to store extras correctly to enjoy later. Now, gather your ingredients and try this recipe today!

Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Zucchini Fries

Deliciously crunchy zucchini fries made in the air fryer, coated with a savory Parmesan and breadcrumb mixture.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 medium zucchinis, trimmed and cut into fry-shaped sticks
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • to taste olive oil spray

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C), ensuring it's hot enough for a perfect crisp.
  • In a medium mixing bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix the ingredients thoroughly until well integrated.
  • In another bowl, whisk the eggs until they are smooth and well beaten.
  • One by one, take each zucchini fry and dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess egg to drip back into the bowl. Then immerse it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating.
  • Arrange the coated zucchini fries in a single layer within the air fryer basket, ensuring that they don't overlap.
  • Lightly spray the tops of the fries with olive oil spray.
  • Cook the zucchini fries in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time.
  • Once they are perfectly cooked, carefully remove the fries from the air fryer and let them cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.

Notes

Serve with marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.
Keyword air fryer, appetizer, vegetarian, zucchini fries