Name: Air Fryer Zucchini Fries Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 medium zucchini, cut into 3 inch x 1/2 inch sticks; ½ cup all-purpose flour; 2 tsp Italian seasoning; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp pepper; 2 large eggs; 1 tbsp water; ½ cup Italian breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs; ⅓ cup parmesan cheese, finely grated; Cooking spray

Crunchy, golden, and just a little indulgent — this Air Fryer Zucchini Fries Recipe is such a delight to make at home. It’s a healthier twist on a classic comfort snack with that perfect crispy coating you’d expect from fries, without the grease or guilt.

A white round plate holds a stack of golden brown fried sticks with a crunchy coating, lightly sprinkled with white powder. To one side of the plate, there is a small round white dish filled with a creamy white dipping sauce with specks of black pepper. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a textured cloth in the background. The fried sticks vary slightly in size and are piled loosely, showing a rough and crispy texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer Zucchini Fries Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Air Fryer Zucchini Fries Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Air Fryer Zucchini Fries Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I honestly fell in love with this Air Fryer Zucchini Fries Recipe because it’s quick, delicious, and a total crowd-pleaser. The crispy coating pairs perfectly with tender zucchini inside, plus it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies without feeling like you’re missing out.

Light and Crispy: Thanks to the air fryer, these fries get crispy without deep frying or tons of oil.
Simple Ingredients: You probably already have what you need in your pantry, making this an easy go-to recipe.
Kid-Friendly: My kids gobble these up, which is always a win with veggies!
Versatile Dipping: They’re perfect with everything from classic ranch to tangy marinara, letting you customize every bite.

A white plate filled with many golden-brown fried sticks, each with a rough and crispy texture, lightly sprinkled with small white crumbs. The sticks are stacked closely together, filling most of the plate. On the left side of the plate, there is a small black bowl filled with white creamy sauce with tiny dark specks. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a striped cloth partially visible in the upper right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each component in this Air Fryer Zucchini Fries Recipe plays a crucial role in getting that crispy, flavorful finish. The mix of flour and seasoning sets the foundation, the eggs bind the coating, and the breadcrumb-parmesan combo creates irresistible crunch and a hint of savory richness.

Flat lay of two medium fresh zucchini cut into 3 inch by ½ inch sticks arranged neatly, a small white ceramic bowl of all-purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl containing a mix of Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, two large whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white ceramic bowl with clear water, a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden Italian breadcrumbs mixed with finely grated parmesan cheese, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997

Zucchini: Choose medium-sized zucchinis for the perfect fry shape — not too watery and easy to slice evenly.
All-Purpose Flour: Helps the egg mixture stick better by providing a dry base layer.
Italian Seasoning: Adds subtle herb flavors that make these fries taste anything but ordinary.
Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning the coating and enhancing the zucchini’s natural taste.
Eggs: Acts as the adhesive to make sure your breadcrumbs stick and stay put while air frying.
Water: Thins the eggs slightly for easier dipping.
Italian Breadcrumbs or Panko: Panko gives extra crunch if you want it, but Italian breadcrumbs add more herbs and flavor.
Parmesan Cheese: Brings cheesy depth and helps create the golden color.
Cooking Spray: A light mist ensures those fries crisp up without sticking to the basket.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Air Fryer Zucchini Fries Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. I often swap breadcrumbs or try different cheese combos depending on what I have on hand and the vibe I’m going for — it’s pretty forgiving and always tasty.

Variation: When I want a spicy kick, I add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the breadcrumb mixture — it gives such a nice warmth without overpowering the zucchini.
Gluten-Free Option: I’ve had success using gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes instead to keep the crunch.
Cheese Swap: Try swapping parmesan for asiago or pecorino for a slightly different cheesy flavor profile.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer Zucchini Fries Recipe

Step 1: Slice Your Zucchini into Perfect Fries

Start by cutting your zucchinis into sticks around 3 inches long and half an inch thick — similar to classic french fries. This size ensures they cook evenly and crisp nicely without turning too soft or soggy. A sharp knife helps keep the edges tidy, giving you an appetizing look.

Step 2: Prep the Flour and Seasoning Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This dry mix will lightly coat your zucchini, helping the egg wash adhere well. I like tossing the zucchini gently here — no need to rush or overmix, just enough to get a thin flour layer.

Step 3: Whisk Eggs and Water for the Dip

Next, whisk together the eggs and water in a separate bowl until smooth and pale yellow. The water slightly thins the eggs, making it easier to dip the zucchini sticks fully and evenly. Make sure your eggs are well beaten to avoid clumps in the coating.

Step 4: Mix Breadcrumbs and Parmesan Cheese

In one more bowl, stir together Italian breadcrumbs with finely grated parmesan cheese. This mix gives your fries that irresistible crispy, savory crust. I usually keep canned parmesan for this recipe since it blends nicely and adds consistent flavor.

Step 5: Coat Your Zucchini Sticks

Now for the fun part — dipping! Toss your zucchini in the flour mixture first, shaking off any excess. Then dip them into the egg wash, letting the extra drip off before rolling them in the breadcrumb mixture. Turn each stick a few times so it’s completely coated. Repeat until every piece is covered in that crispy crust.

Step 6: Air Fry to Golden Perfection

Spritz the air fryer basket with cooking spray to keep the fries from sticking, then arrange the zucchini fries in a single layer — make sure they don’t touch, so each one crisps up nicely. I like to give the tops a quick spray, too. Cook at 385°F for 8–10 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye toward the end because all air fryers differ slightly!

Top Tip

After making Air Fryer Zucchini Fries Recipe multiple times, I’ve gathered some handy tips that really help get the best texture and flavor every time. These little tricks saved me from soggy fries more than once!

Dry Your Zucchini: I pat the zucchini sticks dry with paper towels before starting — this reduces moisture and helps the coating stick better.
Don’t Overcrowd: Leaving space between the fries in the air fryer basket is key for even crisping — I usually cook in batches if needed.
Use Cooking Spray Generously: Spraying both the basket and the fries prevents sticking and creates a beautiful golden crust.
Watch Closely Near the End: Air fryers vary in power; around the 8-minute mark, start checking frequently to avoid burning or drying out your fries.

How to Serve Air Fryer Zucchini Fries Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a little extra parmesan and freshly chopped parsley over the fries right when they come out — it adds freshness and a pop of color that makes them look as good as they taste.

Side Dishes

These zucchini fries are fantastic alongside a big green salad or even paired with grilled chicken or fish for a light but satisfying meal. For snacks, they’re perfect with a handful of your favorite dips like garlic aioli, ranch dressing, or marinara sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun party appetizer, I like serving the fries in little individual paper cones—like a mini fry basket—lined with parchment. It makes them easy to grab and adds a cute, casual vibe that guests appreciate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you end up with leftovers (they’re rare, but it happens!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. I’ve found they stay best overnight if you place a paper towel in the container to absorb extra moisture.

Freezing

Because zucchini has high water content, I don’t recommend freezing these fries — they’ll lose their crispness and turn soggy when thawed, which is a bummer after all that effort!

Reheating

To reheat, pop the fries back in the air fryer at 375°F for 3–5 minutes — this helps them regain their crunch without drying out. Avoid microwaving, which just makes them limp and chewy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen zucchini for this recipe?

Frozen zucchini tends to release a lot of water, which will make these fries soggy, so I recommend always starting with fresh zucchini for the crispiest results.

What’s the best dipping sauce for air fryer zucchini fries?

I love classics like ranch dressing or marinara, but a garlic aioli or spicy sriracha mayo also pairs beautifully if you want something with a bit more punch.

Can I bake these zucchini fries instead of air frying?

Absolutely! Placing them on a cooling rack over a baking sheet and spraying with olive oil gives a similar crispiness. Bake at 425°F for about 20–22 minutes, turning once halfway through for even browning.

How long do air fryer zucchini fries stay good in the fridge?

Stored in an airtight container, these fries are best enjoyed within 1–2 days for maximum crispiness and freshness.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Zucchini Fries Recipe has become my go-to snack whenever I want something crispy, flavorful, and a little healthier than your typical fried treat. It’s simple, satisfying, and just a tiny bit addictive — I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do. Trust me, once you try this version, you’ll want to keep the zucchini fries coming back again and again!