If you’ve ever looked at a zucchini and thought, “I want you to be something crispy,” then these Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Fries are about to become your new favorite snack. They’re golden on the outside, tender on the inside, and dunkable in just about anything. Best of all? They’re made with a fraction of the oil you’d use for deep frying, thanks to the magic of the air fryer.
Perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or a healthier game-day snack, these zucchini fries are a delicious way to enjoy your veggies without sacrificing crunch. Gluten-free, low-carb adaptable, and endlessly customizable, this recipe delivers classic fried-food satisfaction—without the heaviness.
Why You’ll Love Zucchini Fries in the Air Fryer
Traditional zucchini fries are often deep-fried, which means oil, mess, and soggy outcomes if not done just right. The Air Fryer eliminates all of that:
- Crispy texture without deep frying
- Healthier and lighter
- Quick cook time (about 10 minutes per batch)
- Minimal oil needed
- Perfectly golden every time
Air frying gives you a beautiful crust that rivals deep frying, especially when paired with the right coating—more on that below.
Choosing and Prepping the Zucchini
Zucchini is naturally high in water, which can be tricky when trying to get a crispy texture. Here’s how to prep it for the best results:
- Use small to medium zucchinis (less water, more flavor)
- Cut into uniform fry shapes: Aim for ½-inch thick sticks or batons
- Salt and rest: Sprinkle cut zucchini with salt and let sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture
- Blot dry thoroughly before breading
This one extra step makes a huge difference in how crispy your fries will be.
Breading That Actually Sticks
The biggest challenge with zucchini fries? Getting the breading to stick—and stay crispy. This 3-step dredging system is foolproof:
- Flour: Lightly coat the zucchini to give the egg something to grip
- Egg wash: Helps the outer coating bind
- Crispy coating: A mix of breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and seasoning for crunch and flavor
For gluten-free or low-carb options:
- Use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour
- Use crushed pork rinds or keto breadcrumbs instead of traditional panko
- For dairy-free: skip Parmesan or use nutritional yeast
Seasoning and Flavor Ideas
While Parmesan and Italian seasoning are the classic route, you can mix it up with:
- Cajun spice + paprika
- Garlic powder + onion powder + dried oregano
- Chili lime + cumin
- Everything bagel seasoning (a crowd favorite!)
Toss your coating ingredients together with your chosen spices before breading.
Ingredients
For the Zucchini Fries
- 2 medium zucchinis, cut into fries or sticks (about ½-inch thick)
- ½ teaspoon salt (for drawing out moisture)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour for low-carb)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs (or pork rind crumbs for keto)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Olive oil spray
For Dipping (optional)
- Marinara sauce
- Garlic aioli
- Ranch dressing
- Spicy yogurt dip
Instructions
- Prep the Zucchini
Cut zucchini into uniform sticks. Sprinkle with salt and let sit in a colander for 10 minutes. Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. - Set Up Breading Stations
- Bowl 1: Flour
- Bowl 2: Beaten eggs
- Bowl 3: Mix of panko, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and pepper
- Bread the Zucchini
Dredge each zucchini stick in flour, then dip into the egg wash, and finally coat with the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture. Press gently to help coating stick. - Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and preheat for 2–3 minutes. - Cook in Batches
Place zucchini fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd. Spray lightly with olive oil. - Air Fry
Cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy. Adjust time depending on your air fryer model and desired crunch level. - Serve Immediately
Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Tips for Ultimate Crispiness
- Don’t skip the pre-salting step—it helps keep the fries from going soggy
- Use a fine mist of oil spray on the breaded zucchini to boost browning
- Work in batches to ensure even air circulation
- Serve right away—they’re crispiest fresh from the fryer
Storage and Reheating
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Note: They’ll lose crispiness.
- Reheat: Air fry again at 375°F for 3–5 minutes to re-crisp. Avoid microwaving—they’ll go soft.
- Freezing: Not recommended unless you freeze them unbreaded and raw.
What to Serve With Zucchini Fries
Zucchini fries make a great appetizer, side dish, or snack. Pair them with:
- Grilled chicken or burgers
- Pasta dishes for a veggie sidekick
- Eggplant parm or lasagna
- Charcuterie boards for a crunchy veggie element
They’re also kid-friendly and a great way to get more vegetables on the plate!
Variations and Customizations
- Make them spicy: Add cayenne or chipotle powder to the breadcrumb mix
- Go dairy-free: Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan
- Keto version: Swap flour for almond flour, panko for pork rind crumbs
- Make them “sticks”: Slice thicker and serve as zucchini “mozzarella” sticks with marinara
Nutrition Snapshot (Per 6–8 fry serving, approximate)
- Calories: 150–180
- Net Carbs: ~5g (lower if using low-carb substitutions)
- Fat: 10–12g
- Protein: 6–8g
- Fiber: 2–3g
Comparisons and Why They Work
- Versus French Fries: These are lower in carbs and fat but just as satisfying with dip
- Versus Baked Zucchini: Air Fryer version is crispier and faster
- Versus Deep-Fried Zucchini: Same crunch, less oil, and no splatter cleanup
Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Fries are proof that indulgent doesn’t have to mean unhealthy. With a satisfying crunch, customizable flavors, and a lighter prep, they’re a guilt-free way to snack smarter—and tastier. Keep your dipping sauce ready, because once these come out of the fryer, they won’t last long!