Name: Air Fryer Zucchini Fries Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 medium zucchini, cut into 3 inch x 1/2 inch sticks; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 2 tsp Italian seasoning; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp pepper; 2 large eggs; 1 tbsp water; 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs; 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated; Cooking spray

There’s something wonderfully satisfying about crunchy, golden fries—especially when made from something as fresh and tender as zucchini. This Air Fryer Zucchini Fries Recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a healthier twist on classic fries, delivering crispiness without the oil-filled mess.

A white round plate holds a stack of golden brown fried sticks with a crunchy coating, lightly sprinkled with white powder. To one side of the plate, there is a small round white dish filled with a creamy white dipping sauce with specks of black pepper. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a textured cloth in the background. The fried sticks vary slightly in size and are piled loosely, showing a rough and crispy texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer Zucchini Fries Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Air Fryer Zucchini Fries Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Air Fryer Zucchini Fries Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made Air Fryer Zucchini Fries more times than I can count, and they never fail to impress. What makes this recipe a keeper is how effortlessly it turns zucchini into a treat that’s crispy on the outside and tender inside, all without drowning it in oil.

Healthier than traditional frying: Uses an air fryer to keep things light without sacrificing that crave-worthy crunch.
Simple ingredients: You likely have everything you need in your pantry and fridge right now.
Versatile snack or side: Perfect for kids’ lunches, game day, or a quick veggie fix.
Fun and easy to make: It’s a great way to get hands-on fun in the kitchen without complicated steps.

A white plate filled with many golden-brown fried sticks, each with a rough and crispy texture, lightly sprinkled with small white crumbs. The sticks are stacked closely together, filling most of the plate. On the left side of the plate, there is a small black bowl filled with white creamy sauce with tiny dark specks. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a striped cloth partially visible in the upper right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe strikes a lovely balance between flavor and texture by combining a light flour coating, Italian seasoning, and a crispy parmesan breadcrumb crust. Each ingredient plays a role in creating that signature crunch and savory taste you’ll want to recreate again and again.

Flat lay of two medium fresh zucchini cut into 3 inch by ½ inch sticks arranged neatly, a small white ceramic bowl of all-purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl containing a mix of Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, two large whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white ceramic bowl with clear water, a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden Italian breadcrumbs mixed with finely grated parmesan cheese, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997

Zucchini: Choose firm and fresh zucchini without soft spots; their mild flavor and high water content work beautifully when air-fried properly.
All-purpose flour: Acts as the first layer to help the egg mixture stick, creating a sturdy coating base.
Italian seasoning: Adds an herby, aromatic punch that complements the zucchini perfectly.
Salt and pepper: Simple but essential to bring out all the flavors.
Eggs and water: The egg wash binds the breadcrumbs to the zucchini, ensuring the coating stays put during air frying.
Italian breadcrumbs or panko: Panko will give a lighter, crunchier crust; Italian breadcrumbs add extra herb flavor.
Parmesan cheese: Provides a salty, nutty depth that crisps up golden and irresistible.
Cooking spray: A quick drizzle keeps the fries from sticking and helps them brown evenly.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love to tweak this Air Fryer Zucchini Fries Recipe depending on the mood — sometimes spicing things up, other times keeping it simple for picky eaters. Customizing it reminds me how versatile zucchini can be!

Variation: Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the breadcrumb mix gives the fries a subtle kick. My family enjoys this version during movie nights!
Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs for gluten-free alternatives; it works beautifully without compromising texture.
Cheesy Upgrade: Stir fresh grated cheddar or asiago into the breadcrumbs for a richer cheese flavor.
Seasonal Twist: Try mixing in some fresh chopped basil or oregano during summer months to brighten the flavor.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer Zucchini Fries Recipe

Step 1: Slice and Prep Your Zucchini

First things first: trim the ends off your zucchinis and slice them lengthwise into sticks roughly 3 inches long by half an inch thick — basically, the shape of classic fries. Try to keep the size consistent so they cook evenly. I find it easiest to cut the zucchini in half lengthwise, then cut each half into thirds or fourths depending on thickness.

Step 2: Mix Your Dry and Wet Coating Stations

Grab three bowls: one for flour mixed with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper; one for whisked eggs and water; and one for your breadcrumbs blended with parmesan. Setting it all up before you start coating saves so much time.

Step 3: Coat the Zucchini Fries

Take each zucchini stick, toss it gently in the flour mixture so it’s lightly dusted, then dip into the egg wash. Finally, roll it in the breadcrumb and parmesan blend until fully coated. A tip from my kitchen: shake off excess flour before the egg bath—this avoids clumps and ensures an even crust.

Step 4: Air Fry with Care

Spritz your air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking, then arrange the zucchini fries in a single layer without crowding. Give them a light spray on top, too. Cook at 385°F (about 196°C) for 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them near the end — they should turn golden brown and crispy but still tender inside.

Top Tip

From my experiments, following these tips really elevated my Air Fryer Zucchini Fries Recipe results and may help you avoid common pitfalls.

Don’t Overcrowd: Leaving space between each fry ensures hot air circulates properly for that perfect crunch.
Dry Your Zucchini: If your zucchini sticks feel too wet after slicing, pat them dry with paper towels to keep the coating crisp and avoid sogginess.
Preheat Your Air Fryer: Gives you a head start on that crisp texture and cooks your fries evenly from the get-go.
Spray Both Sides: Spritzing the fries with cooking spray on top and bottom results in a golden, crunchy finish without deep-frying.

How to Serve Air Fryer Zucchini Fries Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle mine with a little extra parmesan just as they come out of the fryer—it melts slightly and amps up the flavor. Fresh chopped parsley or basil adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens the plate.

Side Dishes

These fries pair wonderfully with a tangy marinara sauce or garlic aioli. I also serve them alongside grilled chicken or a crisp salad for a balanced meal. They make a great party snack, especially with a variety of dips laid out.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving these zucchini fries in small brown paper cones or mason jars lined with parchment. It adds charm and makes them easy to grab at gatherings. I also love pairing them with mini slider sandwiches for a game day spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover zucchini fries in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. They do lose a bit of their crispness, but I find reheating in the air fryer brings back much of that satisfying crunch.

Freezing

Due to zucchini’s high water content, I don’t recommend freezing these fries. Frozen and thawed zucchini fries tend to become soggy and lose their texture, which is a shame when this recipe shines so brightly fresh.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the fries back into the air fryer at 375°F for about 3-5 minutes. This refreshes the crispiness without drying them out. Avoid microwaving, as that tends to make them mushy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use gluten-free ingredients for the Air Fryer Zucchini Fries Recipe?

Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour and breadcrumb components for gluten-free alternatives like almond flour and gluten-free panko or breadcrumbs. Just keep in mind the texture might vary slightly, but it will still be delicious.

What dipping sauces go best with zucchini fries?

There are lots of great options! Marinara, garlic aioli, ranch dressing, or even a spicy sriracha mayo all pair beautifully with these fries. Try a few to find your favorite.

How do I prevent zucchini fries from becoming soggy?

Patting the zucchini sticks dry before breading is key. Also, make sure you're not overcrowding the air fryer basket, which can cause the fries to steam rather than crisp. Spraying both sides with cooking spray helps too!

Can I bake these instead of air frying?

Yes! Place the coated zucchini sticks on a wire rack over a baking sheet to allow air circulation. Bake at 425°F for about 20-22 minutes or until golden and crispy, spraying with olive oil before baking for best results.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Zucchini Fries Recipe is one of those simple, satisfying dishes that turns everyday zucchini into a star. Preparing them always feels rewarding, whether serving a quick snack or a crowd-pleaser. Give this recipe a try—you just might find it your new favorite way to eat veggies!