Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Zucchini Fries
If you’re looking for a snack that’s crispy, cheesy, and downright addictive—but still on the lighter side—Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Zucchini Fries are about to become your new favorite. These golden, crunchy zucchini sticks are coated in a flavorful Parmesan and breadcrumb crust, then air-fried to perfection. They’re the perfect guilt-free alternative to French fries, and trust me, once you try them, you won’t be able to stop at just one!
Why You’ll Love Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Zucchini Fries
Crispy Without the Oil: The air fryer gives these zucchini fries that perfect crunch without deep-frying.
Packed with Flavor: Parmesan, garlic, and herbs make every bite extra delicious.
A Healthier Snack: Light, crispy, and full of nutrients—these fries let you indulge without the guilt.
Quick and Easy: From prep to plate in under 20 minutes!
Kid-Friendly & Crowd-Pleasing: Even picky eaters love these crunchy, cheesy zucchini sticks.
Ingredients
Ingredients in Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Zucchini Fries
Zucchini: The star of the show! Choose firm, fresh zucchinis for the best texture.
Eggs: Help the coating stick perfectly to the zucchini fries.
Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs give an extra crispy texture, but regular breadcrumbs work too.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a rich, salty, and nutty flavor that makes these fries irresistible.
Garlic Powder: Enhances the overall flavor with a hint of garlicky goodness.
Italian Seasoning: A perfect blend of herbs to complement the Parmesan.
Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
Cooking Spray: Helps crisp up the coating without excess oil.
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Prepare the Zucchini: Wash and dry the zucchini, then cut it into fry-sized strips. Try to keep them uniform for even cooking.
Set Up the Breading Station: In one bowl, whisk the eggs. In another bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Coat the Zucchini: Dip each zucchini strip into the egg mixture, letting the excess drip off, then coat it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for a couple of minutes.
Arrange the Fries: Place the coated zucchini fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they aren’t overcrowded. Lightly spray them with cooking spray.
Air Fry to Perfection: Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the fries are golden brown and crispy.
Serve and Enjoy: Remove from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce!
Nutrition Facts
(Note: The full nutritional breakdown is available in the recipe card below.)
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: Approx. 150
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 20-22 minutes
How to Serve Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Zucchini Fries
These zucchini fries taste amazing on their own, but here are some ways to serve them:
- With Marinara Sauce: A classic pairing for a pizza-like experience.
- With Garlic Aioli: Creamy and garlicky—perfection!
- With Ranch Dressing: A cool and tangy contrast to the crispy fries.
- With Spicy Sriracha Mayo: For a little kick of heat.
- As a Side Dish: Serve alongside burgers, grilled chicken, or sandwiches.
Additional Tips
- Don’t Skip the Preheating: A preheated air fryer helps get that perfect crisp.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Cook in batches if necessary so the fries crisp up evenly.
- Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: It melts better and gives a richer flavor.
- Try a Gluten-Free Option: Swap out breadcrumbs for crushed pork rinds or gluten-free panko.
- Make It Spicier: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika for extra heat.
FAQ’s
1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can bread the zucchini fries and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to air fry.
2. Can I use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs?
Definitely! Almond flour works well for a low-carb version.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
4. How do I reheat them?
Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 3-5 minutes to restore crispiness.
5. Can I bake these instead?
Yes! Bake at 425°F on a lined baking sheet for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
6. Can I use yellow squash instead of zucchini?
Absolutely! The texture and flavor are very similar.
7. What’s the best way to cut zucchini for fries?
Cut them into uniform sticks, about ½-inch thick, so they cook evenly.
8. Can I freeze these?
It’s best to freeze them before air frying. Just coat them and freeze in a single layer before transferring to a freezer bag.
9. How do I make them dairy-free?
Skip the Parmesan and use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
10. What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can pan-fry them in a little oil or bake them in the oven instead!
Conclusion
Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Zucchini Fries are everything you want in a snack—crispy, cheesy, and totally addictive. They’re quick to make, easy to customize, and a fantastic way to enjoy zucchini in a fun new way. Whether you serve them as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, they’re guaranteed to disappear fast. So go ahead—dip, crunch, and enjoy every bite!
PrintCrispy Air Fryer Parmesan Zucchini Fries
A light and crunchy twist on traditional fries, these zucchini fries are coated in a savory Parmesan breadcrumb mix and air-fried to perfection. Enjoy a healthier, guilt-free snack or side dish with a delightful crunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer / Side Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
– 2 medium zucchinis, cut into fries
– 1 large egg, lightly beaten
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– Olive oil spray
Instructions
1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Wash and cut the zucchinis into fry-like strips.
3. In a shallow bowl, beat the egg. In another bowl, combine the grated Parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Dip each zucchini fry into the egg, allowing any excess to drip off, then coat evenly with the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture.
5. Arrange the coated zucchini fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray with olive oil.
6. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the fries are golden and crispy.
7. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
– For extra crispiness, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
– Adjust seasoning to taste, and try adding a pinch of paprika or Italian herbs for variety.
– These fries are best served fresh to maintain their crunch.
– Can be easily adapted for a vegan version by replacing the egg and Parmesan with plant-based alternatives.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approx. 100g)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
