This quick and easy Air Fryer Zucchini is crispy on the outside, tender on the inside and packed with flavor! Seasoned with Parmesan and garlic, this easy zucchini recipe takes just minutes to make and is best paired with your favorite dipping sauce. These air fryer zucchini fries make a seriously delicious snack or side dish!
Looking for more zucchini recipes? Make sure to try my Lemon Zucchini Cake, Baked Parmesan Zucchini Fries and this Carrot Apple Zucchini Bread!
![Top down view of air fryer zucchini on a metal plate with a small bowl of marinara to dip the fries in.](https://www.momontimeout.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/air-fryer-zucchini.jpg)
Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
Our delicious Air Fryer Zucchini are tender on the inside with a perfectly crisp coating on the outside that makes them absolutely irresistible. A coating of panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan ensures a perfectly crunchy exterior when these zucchini fries are cooked in the air fryer. The trio of dried basil, dried oregano, and garlic powder perfectly complement the zucchini, yielding an incredibly delicious flavor.
Quick and easy to prepare, they make an excellent snack, appetizer, or side dish and are a delicious summer staple in our home! You are going to love how easy this recipe is and how quickly it comes together.
Perfectly crispy and packed with flavor, these zucchini fries are a fantastic alternative to traditional French fries. Light, crispy, and bursting with flavor!
Air frying ensures that the zucchini fries are golden and crispy without the need for excessive oil, making them a lighter and healthier alternative to traditional fries. My Crispy Baked French Fries are also a delicious option!
![Top down view of zucchini fries cooked in an air fryer.](https://www.momontimeout.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/zucchini-in-air-fryer.jpg)
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Not only are these zucchini fries delicious, but they’re also incredibly versatile. Serve them as a side dish, appetizer, or even a light meal. Pair them with fry sauce or marinara for dipping, and you’ve got a crowd-pleasing snack that’s ready in no time!
- Healthy and Delicious: These zucchini fries are air-fried, not deep-fried, making them a healthier option without sacrificing flavor. In fact, we prefer these air fried zucchini to deep fried!
- Easy to Make: With pantry ingredients and simple steps, this recipe is perfect for nights when you need a quick side dish or an easy afternoon snack.
- Family Friendly: These zucchini fries are sure to delight kids and adults alike. A tasty dipping sauce is always appreciated by the kids!
![Wide shot of zucchini fries on a metal plate with black air fryer in the background.](https://www.momontimeout.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/zucchini-air-fryer.jpg)
Air Fryer Zucchini Ingredients
I love that this easy zucchini recipe calls for mostly pantry ingredients! In addition to some seasoning, you’ll need an egg, flour and panko for breading. The Parmesan cheese adds a ton of flavor and helps the zucchini fries to get nice and crispy.
I recommend serving the fries with dipping sauces. Here are some great options:
- fry sauce
- garlic aioli
- marinara sauce
- spicy ranch dip
![Ingredients for air fryer zucchini all laid out and ready to be used in the recipe.](https://www.momontimeout.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/air-fryer-zucchini-ingredients.jpg)
How To Cook Zucchini In Air Fryer
Savor the taste of summer with our Air Fryer Zucchini Fries! These crunchy, cheesy delights are air-fried to perfection, making them a healthy and delicious option for any gathering or quick snack. Let’s take a quick look at how to make them and, as always, you can find the full printable recipe card at the end of this post.
- Cut the zucchini halves into fries.
- Put the flour in one small shallow bowl.
- Beat the eggs and milk together in a separate shallow bowl.
- Combine breadcrumbs, parmesan, salt, garlic powder, dried basil, and dried oregano in a third bowl.
- Coat each zucchini fry in the flour, then dip it into the egg wash.
- Roll in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Place the zucchini fries in a single layer in the basket.
- Spray the zucchini fries with a light coating of the olive oil.
- Air fry at 400°F for 7 to 9 minutes until golden and crisp.
Turn these zucchini fries into air fryer zucchini chips by cutting into rounds instead of wedges!
![nine image collage showing how to cook zucchini in air fryer step by step.](https://www.momontimeout.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/how-to-cook-zucchini-in-air-fryer.jpg)
Storage Information
These air fryer zucchini fries are best enjoyed right after they are made. If you have leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Warm them up in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes before serving.
To freeze, place uncooked, breaded zucchini on a baking sheet and flash freeze for 30 minutes in the freezer. Transfer to a freezer safe ziploc bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Air fry from frozen, adding a couple minutes to the cooking time.
Variations To Try
- You can use yellow squash in place of zucchini in this recipe
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, chipotle powder or chili powder to the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy kick.
- Mix in some shredded mozzarella or cheddar with the Parmesan for extra cheesy goodness.
- Try adding different herbs like thyme or rosemary for a unique flavor twist.
- The zucchini can be cut into any shapes you like. Cut into rounds for air fryer zucchini chips!
![Air Fryer Zucchini Fries cooling on a black wire rack.](https://www.momontimeout.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/air-fryer-zucchini-fries.jpg)
Can I bake these in the oven instead of using an air fryer?
Yes, you can bake these in the oven. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and place the coated fries on it, making sure they aren’t overlapping. Spray with a light coating of olive oil then bake at 425°F for 13-15 minutes until golden and crisp.
How long will leftovers keep?
While your zucchini fries will taste the best the day they are made, you can keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Warm them up in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes before serving.
Which sauces pair well with zucchini fries?
Marinara sauce tastes great with these zucchini fries but they also pair well with Garlic Aioli, Fry Sauce and this Spicy Ranch Dip.
![Top down view of small round white plate with three zucchini fries on it and a dollop of marinara.](https://www.momontimeout.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/fried-zucchini-in-air-fryer.jpg)
Trish’s Tips
- Don’t crowd your air fryer! When placing zucchini in air fryer, make sure there are no overlapping zucchini. Aim for space between each piece. This will help the hot air surround each piece of zucchini in the air fryer, crisping up all sides evenly.
- In order to allow enough space for each fry, you’ll most likely need to air fry them in 2 or 3 batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Make sure each fry is completely coated in the egg wash mixture. This will help the breadcrumb mixture stick and yield a nice, crisp coating.
- Zucchini has a high water content. If you notice that your zucchini is releasing a lot of moisture when you are slicing it, pat it dry with a paper towel. This will keep your fries from being soggy.
- These fries are best enjoyed right after they are made. If you have leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Warm them up in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes before serving.
If you prefer, you can use yellow squash in place of zucchini.
![Air fryer zucchini fries cut in half on small plate.](https://www.momontimeout.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/zucchini-fries-air-fryer.jpg)
More Zucchini Recipes To Try
- Lemon Zucchini Muffins
- Zucchini Quiche
- Chocolate Zucchini Cake
- Zucchini Spice Cake
- Zucchini Carrot Oatmeal Cookies
Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchini
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon milk or heavy cream
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- â…“ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- olive oil spray
Instructions
- Trim off the ends of each zucchini, then cut them in half. Slice each of those halves in half. Then, cut the zucchini halves into fries (see photo).2 medium zucchini
- Put the flour in one small shallow bowl. Beat the eggs and milk together in a separate shallow bowl.½ cup all-purpose flour, 2 large eggs, 1 tablespoon milk
- Add the breadcrumbs, parmesan, salt, garlic powder, dried basil, and dried oregano to a third shallow bowl and mix well.1 cup panko breadcrumbs, ⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese, ¾ teaspoon salt, ¾ teaspoon garlic powder, 1 ½ teaspoons dried basil, 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Set up an assembly line of bowls with the flour, then the egg wash, then the breadcrumb mixture. Coat each zucchini fry in the flour, then dip it into the egg wash. Make sure the egg wash completely coats the zucchini. Allow any excess egg wash to drip off the fry before coating it in the breadcrumb mixture.
- If your air fryer model requires it, preheat it to 400°F.
- Working in batches, place the zucchini fries in a single layer in the basket, making sure they aren’t overlapping or touching.
- Spray the zucchini fries with a light coating of the olive oil. Air-fry at 400°F for 7-9 minutes until golden and crisp. You might have to do this in 2-3 batches.olive oil spray
- Serve the zucchini fries warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
Mich says
These were perfect!! Thank you for the recipe – and the cross-section photo – many bloggers don’t realize some of us want to know what the food looks like from the inside as well!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
I’m so glad you gave them a try! My zucchini plants don’t know when to stop so I’m inundated with zucchini right now lol! This recipe has become a go-to for us for sure!