These air fryer zucchini fries are officially taking centerstage in your backyard gatherings. These crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside homemade zucchini sticks are everything you want in a snack or an appetizer, and they're not fried!
Not only are these air fryer zucchini fries super tasty and easy to make, they're not deep fried or drenched in a ton of oil. Plus, they're a great anytime snack and go great with other veggies like roasted brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes or garlic snap peas.
Recipe at a Glance
- 👩🏼🍳 Cook Level - Intermediate (knowledge of using an air fryer).
- ⏱️ Cook Time - These zucchini fries cook in just 13 minutes.
- 😋 Taste - Crispy exterior, soft and tender interior, salty, and when paired with the horseradish dipping sauce, it gives tangy on a whole other level.
- 🍽️ Best Served With - You can whip up a batch of these as an appetizer along with homemade pigs in a blanket, a warm spinach and artichoke dip, or a braided pepperoni stuffed pizza.
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Tips and Key Reminders
- You don't need to drown the zucchini in the egg dredge before breading it. It will become too soggy and the breadcrumb won't stick well. I suggest a quick dip and then pat directly into the breadcrumb.
- Use your fingers to pick up the zucchini instead of tongs or a fork. I found that using my fingers was a little bit better at keeping the breading on the zucchini, and if I used something else (like tongs) the breading fell off.
- Remember to SALT the zucchini and let sit for a few minutes to help wick the moisture out from the squash. The moisture will make the zucchini soggy.
The Ingredient List
- Zucchini - Obviously, zucchini is the most important ingredient in this recipe. You could always use a yellow zucchini squash if you'd prefer not to use the green ones. I would also look to get large zucchini as it will yield more, instead of buying multiple small ones.
- Breadcrumbs - I like a standard seasoned breadcrumb, but you can also use panko.
- Egg - The egg is whisked to make an egg dredge. Simply dipping the zucchini into whisked egg is all it takes to make the breadcrumb stick.
- Parmesan Cheese - Adding just a little parmesan cheese to the breadcrumbs give more depth of flavor and breading to cover the zucchini.
- Garlic Powder - I liked using the garlic powder to give the zucchini more flavor. It's not super important, but it's always fun to play with seasonings!
- Salt - The salt is primarily used to draw out the moisture from the zucchini after it's cut.
Be sure to check out the recipe card at the end of this post for more information about quantities, measurements, and specific cooking instructions.
Simple Swaps and Substitutions
- You can easily swap the breadcrumbs for panko or for gluten free breadcrumbs.
- You do not need to use the parmesan cheese in the breading mixture if you'd prefer to keep it dairy free.
- Other vegetables that this recipe works for are eggplant or yellow squash. You COULD also experiment with thick slices of bell peppers or thick asparagus.
How to make air fryer zucchini fries
Step 1: Slice the ends of the zucchini off, then slice the zucchini in half, and then into smaller sticks (approximately ½" thick). Once the zucchini is cut, sprinkle salt to wick out any moisture, then let sit for 10 minutes.
Step 2: Whisk the eggs in a large bowl, and combine the breadcrumbs with the parmesan cheese and garlic powder. Pour the breadcrumb mixture onto a large plate.
Step 3: Dip the zucchini into the egg.
Step 4: Let the egg drip a little from the zucchini, then pat directly into the breadcrumb. Repeat until all the zucchini has been breaded.
Add to the air fryer, then spray with some nonstick oil spray. Fry at 375º for 12-13 minutes.
Zucchini Fries FAQ
If you don't have an air fryer, or if you'd like to bake them instead, you can do so by increasing the temp to 400º and baking for 10-12 minutes. Spray them with nonstick spray before baking.
These zucchini fries will likely soften if they are put in the fridge, but you can always warm them back up in the oven (just like traditional french fries would). Store them in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
I would suggest using either eggplant or yellow squash if you'd rather not use zucchini.
Check out these other yummy appetizers!
Did you love this recipe? ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ If you're just as in love with this recipe as I am, please share a comment below and rate it! Better yet, share this recipe with family and friends!! Thank you!
Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 2 large Zucchini sliced in half, then into sticks
- 2 whole Eggs whisked
- 1 ½ cups Breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup Parmesan Cheese grated
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
Instructions
- Slice the ends of the zucchini off, then slice the zucchini in half, and then into smaller sticks (approximately ½" thick). Once the zucchini is cut, sprinkle salt to wick out any moisture, then let sit for 10 minutes.
- Whisk the eggs in a large bowl, and combine the breadcrumbs with the parmesan cheese and garlic powder. Pour the breadcrumb mixture onto a large plate.
- Dip the zucchini into the egg.
- Let the egg drip a little from the zucchini, then pat directly into the breadcrumb. Repeat until all the zucchini has been breaded.
- Add to the air fryer, then spray with some nonstick oil spray. Fry at 375º for 12-13 minutes.
Sha Peace says
I love zucchini so this recipe is a no brainier since I can have the flavor of fried zucchini but less mess and calories
Amanda says
So yummy!
Morgan Peaceman says
Ahh yay glad you enjoyed them!!