Air Fryer zucchini fries are a great way to use up summer zucchini. Super easy to make, and taste delicious. our Copycat Big Mac Sauce goes great with these air fried zucchini sticks also!
Transform zucchini into crispy, golden perfection with this easy-to-follow air-fried zucchini sticks recipe. Create crispy and guilt-free air-fried zucchini sticks that are perfect for any snack or appetizer - made in minutes!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
These air fryer zucchini fries are the perfect example of how an air fryer can help you create a healthier version of your favorite dish. They're crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside, making them a delicious snack or side dish.
- Lower Fat alternative to traditional fried zucchini sticks: Air frying uses significantly less oil than deep frying, resulting in a lighter snack option.
- Crispy and flavorful: Air frying allows the zucchini sticks to achieve a crispy golden exterior while maintaining their tender, flavorful interior.
- Versatile and customizable: Air-fried zucchini sticks can be enjoyed plain or with a variety of dipping sauces, such as marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or even a sweet and tangy honey-mustard sauce.
They are easy to make, and you can flavor them with your favorite spices and seasonings. Plus, they are a great way to use up zucchini from your garden or farmer’s market! This recipe is simple and quick, perfect for a snack or appetizer.
Ingredients You'll Need
Summer is when the zucchini are the most prolific and freshest. When buying in the grocery store, try to find the freshest squashes you can. You can use regular bread crumbs instead of Panko crumbs when air frying also.
- Zucchini squash, fresh
- Egg
- Panko Bread crumbs, plain or seasoned
- Parmesan cheese, grated or powdered
- Italian seasoning
- Garlic powder
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How to Make Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
When making zucchini fries in the air fryer cook them in batches, each a thin layer. Each layer will need about 10 minutes cook time. When cooked, the outer Panko crumbs will be golden brown and crispy. The zucchini fries will still be tender yet still firm. Just perfect air fried zucchini!
Coat The Cut Zucchini Fries
- Cut your fresh zucchini in half, then again lengthwise.
- Cut each quarter into zucchini sticks.
- Beat the egg in a bowl.
- Dip each zucchini stick first in the egg, then dredge in a shallow bowl with the Panko crumbs, Parmesan cheese, and seasonings.
Layer The Breaded Zucchini Sticks In The Air Fryer
- Make a layer of Panko breaded zucchini fries in the bottom of the air fryer basket. If you have oil in a spray bottle, you can spritz the breaded zucchini, but it is not required. The seasoned Panko crumbs and Parmesan cheese mixture cooks up crispy without the oil.
PRO TIP: If you use a small rack with aluminum foil underneath it makes clean up a breeze while still letting the convection air move around the zucchini fries.
Air Fry the Zucchini Sticks
- Set the temperature to 400 F, and cook for approximately 10 minutes, checking at 8 minutes.
- Remove when golden brown. Transfer to a serving platter and repeat with the next batch.
PRO TIP: Keep the the zucchini to a single layer. Two medium zucchini will need about 3 to 4 separate basket batches.
Serving Suggestions
You will enjoy these air fryer zucchini fries just as they are, but you can take them to the next level if you drizzle our Copycat Chick Fil A Sauce on them. Serve them as a side dish with burgers, steaks, or just as a delicious appetizer.
Related Recipes
- Panko Crusted Chicken
- Potato Latkes
- Frozen Sweet Potato Fries In Air Fryer
- Air Fryer Pork Chops (No Breading)
- Air Fryer Frozen Crinkle Fries
Substitutions and Variations
- You can substitute Yellow Straight neck squash for zucchini with the same taste and the same results!
- If you are a gardener and are growing the round Patty Pan squash, slice them into circles and dip in the seasoned Panko crumbs and Parmesan cheese mixture.
- Green tomatoes air fry up really well this way also.
Equipment
Equipment can have a big impact on how a recipe turns out. Below are some of my favorite pieces of equipment that I use when making air fried zucchini fries.
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- Nuwave Brio Air Fryer - Rotisserie - Grill - This 15 quart countertop Smart Oven has three slide in trays, that all can be used at the same time. You can air fry rotisserie chickens, an SO mush more!
- Gourmia Digital Air Fryer 6 quart - This basket style air fryer will handle four frozen waffles in the air fryer.
- Ninja Foodie Pro Air Fryer - Folds up out of the way on your counter.
- Oil Sprayer - This is a perfect sprayer for spritzing a light coating of oil on vegetables, meats, and other prepared frozen foods before air frying. The tiny amount of oil ensures you get as amazing results as deep frying and roasting, with a fraction of the calories and splatter!
Storage Options
- Air fryer zucchini fries do not freeze well, they get mushy. They don't refrigerate well either, as the Panko crumbs get soft.
- Enjoy these and keep any leftovers covered on the counter for up to 12 hours.
Tips for Success
- You can also spray oil lightly on the breaded zucchini fries right before putting into the air fryer. I haven't needed to with my air fryer though.
- You can use Yellow Squash as well as zucchini for these fries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, as there is no to just a light mist of oil on them, they are mostly a low calorie vegetable and a light bread crumb.
They have overcooked, or you have refrigerated them. Additionally, since zucchini hold a lot of water, they will soften the longer they sit.
Like I mentioned above, fried foods are best when served fresh. I don't recommend freezing already cooked fried zucchini.
More Delish Ideas
Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchini
- 1 egg beaten
- 1 cup Panko bread crumbs
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian herbs dry
- salt to taste
- pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cut the zucchini in half. Cut each half down the middle. Make sticks or fries with each quarter.2 medium zucchini
- Add the beaten egg to a small container, large enough to dip the zucchini pieces in. Set aside.1 egg
- In a shallow tray mix the Panko crumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian herbs, salt and pepper and mix well.1 cup Panko bread crumbs, ½ cup Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon Italian herbs, salt to taste, pepper to taste
- Dip the zucchini sticks in egg, then dredge in the Panko crumb mixture. Lay each breaded zucchini stick on the bottom tray of your air fryer. Repeat until the tray is filled, with the coated zucchini sticks covering the bottom but not on top of each other.
- Set the Air Fryer temperature to 375° F and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Work in batches with the zucchini in single layers. Serve with our Copycat Chick Fil A sauce as a snack or appetizer.
Notes
- You can also spray oil lightly on the breaded zucchini fries right before putting into the air fryer. I haven't needed to with my air fryer though.
- You can use Yellow Squash as well as zucchini for these fries.
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