Description
Crispy and delicious Air Fryer Zucchini Fries are a healthy and flavorful snack or side dish perfect for any occasion. Coated with a flavorful breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture, these zucchini fries are air fried to golden perfection, offering a satisfying crunch without the excess oil of traditional frying. Quick and easy to prepare, they make a great gluten-free and vegetarian-friendly alternative to classic fries.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 4 medium zucchini (about 1 to 1 ¼ lbs.)
Breading
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free 1-to-1 flour)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon milk
- ½ cup plain breadcrumbs (plain, gluten-free if needed)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper (plus more to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Garnish
- Parsley (curly, finely chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cut the zucchini: Trim the ends from the zucchini and cut each one into quarters lengthwise to create fry-shaped pieces.
- Make the breading bowls: In one shallow bowl, whisk together the egg and milk to create an egg wash. In another shallow bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Place the flour in a third shallow bowl.
- Dredge the zucchini: Toss 2-3 zucchini fries in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip them into the egg wash. Using a fork, lift each piece to let extra egg wash drip off. Finally, coat the zucchini fries thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure it sticks well. Repeat this process for all zucchini strips.
- Prep the air fryer: Preheat your 6-quart air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for at least 3 minutes to ensure it’s hot enough to crisp the fries.
- Air fry the zucchini fries: Place the breaded zucchini fries in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, making sure pieces don’t touch. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your basket. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping the fries halfway through at around 6 minutes to promote even browning and crispiness. Fries should be tender and golden when done.
- Serve: Remove the fries carefully and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve warm alongside marinara sauce or homemade ranch dressing for dipping. Enjoy your crispy, healthier zucchini fries!
Notes
- Ensure zucchini pieces are cut evenly to allow uniform cooking.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to maintain crispiness.
- For extra crispiness, you can spray the breaded fries lightly with cooking spray before air frying.
- Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to make the recipe gluten-free.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, adding more salt or herbs if desired.
- These fries are best served immediately for optimal crispness.
