Air Fryer Zucchini Fries Recipe
Air Fryer Zucchini Fries are a quick, healthy twist on classic fries—crispy, golden, and irresistibly dippable. This easy snack or side dish is ready in under 20 minutes.
Made with simple pantry staples and fresh zucchini, this recipe delivers crunch without the oil. It’s a flavorful, fun way to sneak in extra veggies and keep things light.
What You’ll Need for Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
- Zucchini – Fresh, firm zucchini is the star, offering a tender interior with just the right bite.
- Breadcrumbs – Creates the crispy, golden exterior; use plain or seasoned depending on your flavor preference.
- Flour – Helps the egg and breadcrumb coating stick, forming a crisp base layer.
- Eggs – Bind everything together, ensuring the breadcrumbs cling perfectly to each stick.
- Paprika – Adds color and a subtle smokiness to the coating.
- Italian seasoning – Brings herbaceous depth with oregano, basil, and thyme notes.
- Garlic powder – Enhances savory flavor without overpowering the zucchini.
- Spray oil – Essential for a golden, crunchy finish without deep frying.
Quick & Crunchy: How to Make Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
Start by slicing fresh zucchini into evenly-sized sticks—about ½ inch thick. This ensures consistent cooking and maximum crispiness.
Whisk eggs in one shallow bowl, fill another with flour, and stir your breadcrumbs with seasoning into a third. Dip each zucchini stick in flour, then egg, then coat with the seasoned breadcrumb mixture.
Arrange them in a single layer in your air fryer basket. A generous spritz of oil helps the crust crisp beautifully. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for about 10–12 minutes, flipping and spraying with oil halfway through for an even crunch.
Serve hot with marinara, ranch, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Fry Like a Pro: Tips for Better Zucchini Fries
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket—zucchini fries need breathing room to crisp properly. If necessary, cook in batches. Keep the size of your zucchini sticks uniform to avoid uneven cooking.
Seasoned breadcrumbs add instant flavor, but adjusting salt and pepper to taste ensures balance. Try adding a pinch of cayenne for heat, or grated parmesan for a cheesy twist.
For gluten-free versions, use GF flour and breadcrumbs. Panko can also be subbed for extra crunch.
Storing & Reheating Zucchini Fries
To keep your leftover zucchini fries crispy, let them cool completely before refrigerating in an airtight container. Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes to restore crispiness.
Avoid microwaving—they’ll turn soggy fast. Freezing is not recommended, as zucchini has high water content and can become mushy when thawed. Enjoy them fresh for the best texture and flavor.
Air Fryer Zucchini Fries Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ cup all-purpose flour gluten-free options acceptable
- 1 to 2 large zucchini sliced into ½-inch sticks
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ½ cup breadcrumbs any variety, including gluten-free
- 2 eggs well beaten
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste (optional)
- Spray oil
Instructions
- Clean and thoroughly dry the zucchini before slicing it into uniform ½-inch thick sticks and setting them aside.
- In one bowl, whisk the eggs until well combined and set aside. In a second shallow dish, add the flour. In a third bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, and salt and pepper if desired.
- To coat, first dredge each zucchini stick in the flour, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it with the seasoned breadcrumb mixture. Ensure each piece is fully covered and gently press the coating to adhere.
- Place the coated zucchini in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring none are overlapping. Generously mist with spray oil. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through and spraying them again with oil.
- Serve immediately alongside marinara sauce or your preferred dip.
Notes
This recipe is compatible with both basket-style air fryers and air fryer ovens. If using an oven model, place the tray on the center rack and select the “Air Fry” function.
Monitor food closely during cooking, as air fryer models may vary in heat intensity.
