Air Fryer Zucchini Fries

$- Zucchini: Use 2 medium zucchinis, trimmed and cut into thick sticks. Choose firm zucchinis for the best texture. - Panko Breadcrumbs: I love using panko because it gives a great crunch. It’s lighter and crispier than regular breadcrumbs, making your fries perfect. - Seasonings and Cheese: Garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika add flavor. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese gives a rich taste and helps with browning. Using a mix of these is key for a tasty snack. - Eggs and Cooking Spray: Two large eggs help the crumbs stick well to the zucchini. A light spray of cooking oil enhances crispiness as they cook in the air fryer. This step is crucial for getting that golden finish. Preheating the air fryer is key for great texture. This step makes sure the fries cook evenly and get crispy. Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it heat for about 5 minutes. This short wait is worth it for that perfect crunch. In a shallow bowl, mix the dry ingredients. Combine 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Add sea salt and black pepper to taste. Stir well to spread the spices evenly. This mix gives the fries flavor and crunch. Coating the zucchini fries is easy. First, take a zucchini stick and dip it into the beaten eggs. Let any extra egg drip off. Next, roll it in the breadcrumb mix. Press gently to make sure the crumbs stick well. This step is important for a tasty, even coating. Place the coated zucchini fries in the air fryer basket. Make sure they’re in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding to help them cook evenly. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray for extra crispiness. Cook them for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. They should look golden brown and crunchy when done. Remove them carefully and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. Enjoy your healthy snack! To get that perfect crisp, use a light spray of cooking spray. This helps the fries turn golden brown and crunchy. Make sure to spray the tops after you arrange them in the air fryer. Avoid overcrowding the basket. If you place too many fries at once, they won’t cook evenly. Each fry needs space to breathe, so work in batches if needed. For dips, marinara sauce is a classic choice. It adds a nice tangy flavor. You might also try creamy ranch for a cool contrast. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley. This adds vibrant color and a fresh taste. A sprinkle of sea salt right before serving can enhance the flavor too. Don’t over-bread your zucchini. If you add too much coating, it can taste heavy. Under-baking is another common mistake. Keep an eye on the time to ensure they cook fully. When selecting zucchini, choose medium-sized ones. They hold their shape well and are easier to handle. Avoid oversized zucchini, as they can be watery and less tasty. {{image_4}} To switch up your zucchini fries, try different spices. You can add cayenne for heat or Italian herbs for a fresh taste. A mix of cumin and chili powder can give a Mexican twist. Feel free to play and find what you love! If you have dietary needs, you can swap ingredients. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. If you want a vegan version, skip the eggs and use a flaxseed mixture instead. Just mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken, then use it to coat your zucchini. If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake or pan-fry your zucchini fries. Baking is easy and healthier, but it may take longer. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and place the fries on a baking sheet. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Stovetop frying is another option. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry the zucchini fries in batches for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. This method gives a nice crunch but requires more oil. Just be careful not to overcrowd the pan, or they won’t cook evenly. To keep your crispy air fryer zucchini fries fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place a paper towel at the bottom to absorb moisture. This helps keep them crispy. If you want to freeze them, wrap each fry in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. When reheating, I suggest using the air fryer again. Set it to 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This method revives their crunch. If you use a microwave, the fries may turn soggy. In the fridge, these zucchini fries last for about 3-4 days. In the freezer, they can stay good for up to 2 months. Always check for signs of spoilage. If you see any mold or an off smell, it’s best to throw them away. Keeping an eye on your food ensures you enjoy the best flavors and textures. Air fryer zucchini fries last about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. To freeze, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. This keeps them from sticking together. Yes, you can easily make these zucchini fries gluten-free. Instead of panko breadcrumbs, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour. Both options work well and still give you that crispy texture. Just check the labels to ensure they are certified gluten-free. Air fryer zucchini fries pair perfectly with several dips. Try marinara sauce for a classic taste. Ranch dressing adds a creamy touch. You can also serve them with a yogurt-based dip for a fresh flavor. These fries complement salads or grilled meats, adding crunch to your meal. Yes, you can prepare zucchini fries ahead of time. Cut and bread the zucchini sticks, then store them in the fridge for up to 2 hours. For longer storage, freeze the un-cooked fries. When you’re ready to cook, just pop them in the air fryer from the freezer. Adjust the cooking time, adding a few extra minutes to ensure they are fully cooked. In this post, we explored how to make crispy air fryer zucchini fries. We discussed key ingredients, cooking techniques, and serving ideas. I shared tips to avoid common mistakes and how to achieve that perfect crisp. Remember, the right preparation makes all the difference. Try new flavors or cooking methods to find what you love. Enjoy your crispy fries, and don’t forget to share your favorite dips and ideas!$

Satisfy your cravings with these Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Fries! Perfectly seasoned and coated in crunchy panko and Parmesan, these fries are a healthier snack option you won’t want to miss. Discover how easy it is to make them in just 22 minutes with simple ingredients. Get the full recipe and elevate your snacking game today! Click through to explore this delicious twist on a classic favorite!

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Ingredients

2 medium zucchinis, trimmed and cut into thick sticks

1 cup panko breadcrumbs (preferably for an extra crunch)

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

2 large eggs, beaten until smooth

Cooking spray for easy crisping

Instructions

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for approximately 5 minutes, ensuring it reaches the right temperature for optimal frying.

In a shallow bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper, until all ingredients are well combined.

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until they are completely blended, creating a smooth mixture for coating.

Take each zucchini stick and first dip it into the beaten eggs, ensuring any excess drips off. This will help the breadcrumbs adhere more effectively.

Next, roll the zucchini stick in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently but firmly to ensure an even coating sticks to the surface.

Arrange the coated zucchini fries in a single layer within the air fryer basket. Be careful not to overcrowd them to allow for even cooking. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray to enhance crispiness.

Cook the zucchini fries for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking process. They should emerge golden brown and crisp.

Once cooked, carefully remove the zucchini fries from the air fryer and let them cool slightly on a wire rack to maintain their crunch before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 22 minutes | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: Serve the zucchini fries hot, accompanied by a side of marinara sauce or a creamy ranch dip for a flavorful contrast. Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley over the fries for an attractive pop of color and freshness!