• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • About Me & Contact
  • Cookbooks

2 Cookin Mamas logo

menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipes
  • About Me
  • Subscribe
  • Cookbooks
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Home » Air Fryer Recipes » Air Fryer Zucchini Fries

    Published: Sep 5, 2021 · Modified: Aug 15, 2022 by Linda Warren

    Air Fryer Zucchini Fries

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Easy Air Fryer Zucchini Fries are crispy on the outside and deliciously soft and tender on the inside with a hint of parmesan cheese and garlic. These zucchini fries take less than 20 minutes and make a fantastic side dish with all the taste and fewer calories than the classic french fries. Gluten-free and keto options are given.

    Closeup on serving fo zucchini fries in red bowl.

    I love fresh zucchini and this time of year there seems to be an abundance coming out of everyone's gardens. Plus, there are so many ways you can fix it.

    You can make it into a casserole like this Cheesy Zucchini Tomato Casserole, use it for an appetizer like these easy Zucchini Boats or add it to baked goods like this decadent Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread. But when it comes time for a side that tastes like fries but gives you all your veggies, you can't beat these zucchini fries in the air fryer.

    Table of contents

    • Dips for Air Fried Zucchini
    • Recipe Variations
    • How to Cut Zucchini Fries
    • How to Make Zucchini Fries in Air Fryer
    • Tips for Making the Best Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
    • More Air Fryer Recipes
    Closeup holding fry with bite taken out.

    This air-fried zucchini is lighter than the traditional french fries and there is no vat of hot oil in sight! Yep, we're "frying them" with just a light dusting of nonstick spray. It's a great way to get your pile of fries with no guilt!

    Perfect to serve with burgers, grilled fish, or chicken or all by themselves with a bowl of your favorite dip. Oh, and they make a fantastic appetizer too.

    Dips for Air Fried Zucchini

    Serve with or without a dip, it's all good! But if you want to indulge try one of these.

    • Marinara - my favorite and goes especially well with the parmesan or Italian herb panko coating
    • Ranch Dressing - is a classic with its mayonnaise and sour cream base and plenty of spices
    • Garlic Aioli - adds more garlic to a mix of olive oil and mayonnaise and no one can have too much garlic, right? Check out this homemade aioli recipe from House of Nash Eats.
    • Ketchup - a standard for any fry, potato or squash!
    Serving fries with garlic aioli and marinara on wooden board.

    Recipe Variations

    • Keto Air Fryer Zucchini Fries - replace panko with ground pork rinds and eliminate flour
    • Low Carb Zucchini Fries - coat with spices and parmesan cheese only
    • Gluten-free Zucchini Fries in the air fryer - use gluten-free panko crumbs and a gluten-free 1:1 flour.
    • Air Fryer Zucchini Fries with no breading - eliminate flour step, dip fries in whisked eggs then combine parmesan cheese with salt, pepper and garlic powder (no panko needed) and coat, patting into place. Air fry as directed.
    • Not into zucchini, try air fryer yellow squash fries or just about any summer squash. Or go wild and fry up a combination of both.

    How to Cut Zucchini Fries

    Zucchini fries can be cut in a variety of ways. I cut mine into spears, slightly larger than a normal fry because I like to have the outer skin on each one of my fries.

    Other options include cutting them into thin zucchini sticks or even strips which take slightly less cooking time. And don't forget about those little round zucchini chips that taste like potato chips. I have a recipe for baking them but I find they also come out delicious in the air fryer.

    How to Make Zucchini Fries in Air Fryer

    Steps 1-4, preparing coatings for fries.
    1. Gather the simple ingredients needed to make this air fryer zucchini recipe. You'll need 2 medium or 1 large zucchini, panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, flour, eggs, milk and seasonings.
    2. In a small bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
    3. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs and milk. Water can also be sued to help keep this dairy-free.
    4. In a third bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with parmesan cheese. Use Parmigiano Reggiano cheese in place of Parmesan as it is lactose-free.
    Cutting zucchini into fries.
    1. To prepare zucchini, wash outside and dry. DO NOT PEEL! Cut into thirds then slice each of the thirds in half lengthwise. Place the cut side down on the cutting board and cut into 4-5 pieces. Repeat with remaining zucchini.

    Pro Tip: Pat dry the zucchini fries with paper towels so that the coatings will adhere better.

    Steps to coat fries.
    1. Set the three bowls up in an assembly line. Tip: Use one hand for the dry ingredients (flour and panko) and one hand for the egg wash.
    2. Dredge each zucchini fry into flour mixture.
    3. Next dip the fry into the egg wash. You can also just use egg whites and water in place of the whole eggs and milk.
    4. Finally dip the fry into the panko-cheese mixture and pat the mixture to help it stick.
    Air frying zucchini fries before and after.
    1. Preheat the air fryer. Once heated, spray the air fryer basket with nonstick spray and place the coated fries into the basket. Make sure not to crowd them! Spray the tops with nonstick spray again. Air fry for 4 minutes, turn, and air fry 4 additional minutes.
    2. When done, serve immedialtey as they will be at their crispy best!

    Tips for Making the Best Air Fryer Zucchini Fries

    • Use smaller zucchini which are less moist than larger ones and will result in crisper fries.
    • For a crunchy outside, use panko breadcrumbs and make sure to cover the entire fry.
    • Get zucchini as dry as possible. To ensure the coating sticks to the fry be sure to pat the zucchini dry with paper towels.
    • Dip in whisked eggs to help the panko and flour stick to the zucchini which also helps the crispiness.
    • Don't overcrowd the air fryer! Leave space in between the fries so they fry instead of steam. This may involve doing these homemade zucchini fries in several batches.
    Dipping air fried zucchini into ketchup.

    Wait until you taste these crispy, hard to believe they're vegetables, homemade zucchini fries. They'll satisfy that fry craving and leave you wishing you'd made more!

    Have some left over? No problem! Either store in the refrigerator for up to two days or freeze them in a single layer on a cookie sheet and, once frozen, store in a large ziplock bag. To reheat, simply air fry them from frozen for about 4-5 minutes. Enjoy!

    More Air Fryer Recipes

    Air Fryer Hot Dogs come out sizzling hot in just 7 minutes complete with a crispy roll.

    Easy Air Fryer Pork Chops need just a little seasoning and 10 minutes cook time for an incredible dinner that is both healthy and delicious.

    Air Fryer Garlic Bread the quick & easy way. Just 8 minutes in the air fryer and you've got an incredible side that goes with any meal.

    Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters are loaded with cheese, perfectly seasoned, and have a crispy crust.

    LOVE QUICK & EASY RECIPES? FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM, FACEBOOK, & PINTEREST FOR ALL THE LATEST RECIPE INSPIRATION! PLUS JOIN MY EMAIL LIST AND RECEIVE A FREE E-BOOK.

    A bowl of fried zucchini on wooden board.

    Air Fryer Zucchini Fries

    Air Fryer Zucchini Fries are easy to make, take less than 20 minutes and are crispy outside and tender inside. A guilt-free way to get your pile of fries!
    No ratings yet
    Print Rate
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 8 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 18 minutes minutes
    Servings: 4 servings
    Calories: 273kcal
    Author: Linda Warren

    Ingredients

    • 2 medium zucchini
    • ½ cup flour
    • 1 teaspoons garlic powder
    • 2 teaspoons salt
    • ½ teaspoon black pepper
    • 2 eggs
    • 1 Tablespoon milk
    • 1 ½ cups panko crumbs I like to use either the Italian or Parmesan Herb blend
    • ¾ cup Parmesan cheese grated
    • Cooking Spray

    Instructions

    • Wash zucchini but do not peel. Cut zucchini in thirds (horizontal) then slice each of the thirds in half lengthwise. Place the cut side down on the cutting board and cut into 4-5 pieces. Repeat with remaining zucchini.
    • Dry zucchini off by patting with paper towels. This will help the crumb mixture adhere better.
    • In a medium bowl, combine flour with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
    • In another medium bowl, whisk together eggs and milk.
    • In a third bowl, combine panko crumbs and grated cheese.
    • Set it up like an assembly line.
    • Dip each fry into flour mixture, then coat with egg mixture and finally coat with panko. Set on plate.
    • Hint: It’s easier if you keep one hand for the egg mixture and use the other for the dry ingredients.
    • Once all fries are coated, preheat air fryer to 350 degrees for 4 minutes.
    • Place fries into air fryer basket, leaving room around them so they crisp up. Spray the tops with cooking spray. This makes quite a few fries so you probably will need to do several batches.
    • Cook for 4 minutes then turn over, spray again with cooking spray, and "fry" for an additional 4 minutes.
    • Serve warm with a side of marinara, ranch or garlic aioli.

    Notes

    Tips for Making the Best Zucchini Fries
    • Use smaller zucchini which are less moist than larger ones and will result in crisper fries.
    • For a crunchy outside, use panko breadcrumbs and make sure to cover the entire fry.
    • Get zucchini as dry as possible. To ensure the coating sticks to the fry be sure to pat the zucchini dry with paper towels.
    • Dip in whisked eggs to help the panko and flour stick to the zucchini which also helps the crispiness.
    • Don't overcrowd the air fryer! Leave space in between the fries so they fry instead of steam. This may involve doing these homemade zucchini fries in several batches.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 273kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 95mg | Sodium: 1669mg | Potassium: 382mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 469IU | Vitamin C: 18mg | Calcium: 300mg | Iron: 3mg

    This post has been updated and was first published on September 5, 2021.

    More Air Fryer Recipes

    • Air Fryer Squash in squash bowl.
      Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash
    • Finished air fryer roasted potatoes in bowl.
      Air Fryer Fingerling Potatoes
    • Sliced pizza with red checkered towel.
      Air Fryer Pizza
    • Air Fryer Monte Cristo

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Hey, I’m Linda, the recipe creator, photographer and cocktail lover at 2 Cookin Mamas. Here you’ll find easy recipes that are not only delicious but can get you out of the kitchen ASAP. Come and join me and let me take you on a tasty trip through your kitchen. Thanks for stopping by! Learn more about me

    Trending Recipes

    • Rodeo Burger topped with onion rings on wooden board.
      Rodeo Burger
    • Red Potato Salad in white bowl with spoon on red striped table.
      Red Dill Potato Salad with Sour Cream and Bacon
    • Spoonful of crockpot bourbon baked beans over bowl.
      Crockpot Bourbon Baked Beans
    • Berry Upside Down Cake Recipe

    Seasonal Favorites

    • Frosted Lemonade Cocktail
    • Mixed Berry Cobbler with ice cream on wooden table.
      Mixed Berry Cobbler
    • Overhead of Korean BBQ skewers on platter.
      Korean BBQ Pork Kabobs
    • Stack of three lemonade bars among lemons and strawberries.
      Strawberry Lemonade Bars
    As featured in list.

    Stay Updated!

    Subscribe and receive your free "AWESOME APPETIZERS FOR EVERY OCCASION" e-book.

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclosure
    • Accessibility Policy

    Newsletter & Media

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates
    • Cookbooks

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Services
    • Sitemap

    Copyright © 2017 2CookinMamas