Air Fryer Zucchini Fries

Featured in: Quick Snack Fixes

Enjoy crunchy zucchini fries with a golden Parmesan crust, made easy in an air fryer. Simply dredge fresh zucchini sticks through flour, egg, and a seasoned panko-Parmesan mixture, then air fry for crisp perfection. Serve hot with marinara, ranch, or garlic aioli dips. Switch up the coating for lighter or dairy-free options. This versatile, veggie-packed snack comes together quickly, offering guilt-free flavor and texture for appetizers or sides. With simple tools and pantry staples, you’ll have fast, delicious zucchini fries everyone can enjoy.

Updated on Fri, 31 Oct 2025 10:39:00 GMT
Lightly breaded air fryer zucchini fries served with creamy garlic aioli.  Pin it
Lightly breaded air fryer zucchini fries served with creamy garlic aioli. | smartyskitchen.com

Light, crispy, and perfectly seasoned, these air fryer zucchini fries are a guilt-free, veggie-packed alternative to traditional fries.

The first time I made these zucchini fries in the air fryer, I was amazed by how golden and crispy they turned out without deep frying. My family now requests them as a go-to appetizer whenever we're craving something savory but light.

Ingredients

  • Zucchini: 2 medium zucchinis, cut into 3-inch sticks (about ½-inch thick)
  • All-purpose flour: ½ cup, for coating
  • Eggs: 2 large, beaten
  • Milk: 1 tbsp, mixed with eggs
  • Panko breadcrumbs: 1 cup
  • Parmesan cheese: ¼ cup, grated
  • Garlic powder: 1 tsp
  • Paprika: ½ tsp
  • Salt: ½ tsp
  • Black pepper: ¼ tsp

Instructions

Prepare breading station:
Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs and milk, and one with a mix of panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Bread zucchini sticks:
Dredge each zucchini stick in flour, dip in egg mixture, then coat in the panko-Parmesan mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.
Preheat air fryer:
Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
Arrange and cook fries:
Arrange zucchini fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket (work in batches to avoid overcrowding). Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.
Serve:
Serve hot with marinara, ranch, or garlic aioli for dipping.
Crispy air fryer zucchini fries, golden brown, perfect for snacking or appetizers.  Pin it
Crispy air fryer zucchini fries, golden brown, perfect for snacking or appetizers. | smartyskitchen.com

We love making a big batch of these zucchini fries for game night. Everyone gathers around and grabs their favorite dip, turning snack time into a happy family moment.

Required Tools

You'll need an air fryer, knife and cutting board, shallow bowls, and tongs to make preparation easy and mess-free.

Allergen Information

Contains eggs, dairy, and wheat. For allergies, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and a dairy-free cheese substitute.

Nutritional Information

Each serving delivers about 150 calories, 6 g total fat, 18 g carbohydrates, and 6 g protein.

Deliciously seasoned air fryer zucchini fries, ideal for dipping in marinara sauce. Pin it
Deliciously seasoned air fryer zucchini fries, ideal for dipping in marinara sauce. | smartyskitchen.com

Enjoy these crispy zucchini fries hot from the air fryer. They stay tasty, even as leftovers!

Recipe Questions & Answers

How do I keep zucchini fries crispy?

Arrange fries in a single layer in the air fryer and avoid overcrowding for maximum crunch. Flip midway for even crispiness.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, substitute gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for traditional options. Still delivers a crunchy result.

What dips go well with zucchini fries?

Marinara, ranch, and garlic aioli pair perfectly with these crunchy veggie sticks. Experiment with your favorites!

How do I make a lighter version?

Skip the flour step and use only the egg wash before coating with panko mixture for fewer calories and lighter texture.

Can I prepare zucchini fries in advance?

Prep and bread the zucchini sticks ahead, then air fry just before serving for best results and crispiness.

What substitutions can I make for dairy?

Add nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese in place of Parmesan for a flavorful, vegetarian-friendly coating.

Air Fryer Zucchini Fries

Zucchini sticks coated with Parmesan breading and air fried until golden, creating a tasty veggie snack.

Prep Time
15 min
Time to Cook
10 min
Overall Time
25 min
Created by Emily Scott


Skill Level Easy

Culinary Roots American

Makes 4 Portions

Diet Details Vegetarian-Friendly

What You'll Need

Fresh Produce

01 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into 3-inch sticks, approximately ½-inch thick

Breading Station

01 ½ cup all-purpose flour
02 2 large eggs
03 1 tablespoon milk
04 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
05 ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
06 1 teaspoon garlic powder
07 ½ teaspoon paprika
08 ½ teaspoon salt
09 ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Step 01

Prepare Dredging Stations: Arrange three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with eggs whisked together with milk, and one with panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper combined.

Step 02

Bread Zucchini: Evenly coat each zucchini stick first in the flour, then dip into the egg mixture, and finally press into the panko-Parmesan mixture until fully coated.

Step 03

Preheat Air Fryer: Set air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and allow to preheat for 3 minutes.

Step 04

Arrange and Cook: Place breaded zucchini in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each piece. Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, turning once halfway through, until fries are crisp and golden.

Step 05

Serve: Transfer fries to a serving plate and offer with dips such as marinara, ranch, or garlic aioli.

Tools You'll Need

  • Air fryer
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Three shallow bowls
  • Tongs

Allergy Info

Review each item for allergens and reach out to a healthcare provider if unsure.
  • Contains egg, dairy, and wheat (gluten). Select gluten-free breadcrumbs and dairy-free Parmesan as alternatives if necessary.

Nutrition Info (per portion)

Info for reference only. Always check with your doctor for health guidance.
  • Energy (Calories): 150
  • Fats: 6 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Proteins: 6 g