Zucchini fries come out of the air fryer crisp and cheesy rather than limp, which is where most baked versions fall apart. A handful of ingredients and under twenty minutes.
Wash and dry the zucchini, then trim off the ends. Slice each one in half lengthwise, then cut into fry-shaped sticks.
In a shallow dish, stir together the flour, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Use a dish wide enough to coat the zucchini easily, like a plate or baking dish.
Crack the eggs into a medium bowl and whisk until smooth.
In a second bowl, mix the Panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. Now you should have your coating station ready: flour mixture, whisked eggs, and breadcrumb mixture.
Dip each zucchini stick in the flour mixture first, then into the egg, and finally into the Parmesan breadcrumb mix. Press gently to help the coating stick.
Lightly grease the air fryer basket to prevent sticking. Arrange the zucchini fries in a single layer with space between each one.
Spray the coated zucchini fries with a little oil and cook at 400 °F for 8 to 10 minutes. Serve warm while they’re crispy and fresh.
Notes
Slice the zucchini into uniform sticks so everything cooks at the same speed. Uneven pieces can turn out too soft or not fully cooked.
Since Parmesan adds a lot of flavor, it’s worth grating it fresh. Pre-grated works, but fresh really takes it up a notch.
Zucchini holds a lot of moisture. Pat the sticks dry with a paper towel before breading to help them crisp up better in the air fryer.
Air fry in a single layer with space between each piece. If needed, cook in batches so the fries turn out crispy instead of steamed.
Zucchini fries are best right out of the air fryer. If they sit too long, they lose their crisp. Serve them fresh or reheat briefly if needed.
Serve: Zucchini fries pair well with all your favorite sauces like ketchup, mayo, and marinara. Serve as a side with burgers, wings, tenders, or battered fish, or enjoy them as an appetizer with pork chops or chicken.Store: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Freezing isn’t ideal since the texture turns soggy after thawing. To reheat, place the fries in a single layer in the air fryer and cook at 350 F for 5 to 8 minutes until they crisp back up.