Air Fryer Parmesan Zucchini Fries Crispy and Tasty

by
You need 2 medium zucchinis for this recipe. Cut each zucchini into fries, about the size of your pinky finger. If you cannot find zucchinis, you can use eggplant or carrots instead. Both options work well and add unique flavors. For the coating, use 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs. Panko gives a light, crispy texture. Grate ½ cup of Parmesan cheese for a savory taste. You can use fresh or pre-grated cheese, but fresh beats the rest. Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and ½ teaspoon of paprika. These spices add flavor and depth. You will need 2 large eggs. Beating the eggs helps the coating stick. Finally, use cooking spray to ensure the fries turn out crispy. It helps them brown nicely in the air fryer. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This temperature helps create crispy fries. Preheat it for about 5 minutes. This step ensures even cooking and a great texture. In a shallow bowl, mix the dry ingredients. Combine 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and ½ teaspoon of paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well until everything blends together. Take two large beaten eggs in another bowl. First, dip each zucchini fry into the eggs. Let any extra egg drip off. Next, coat the fry in the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to make sure the coating sticks well. This step adds crunch and flavor. Arrange the coated zucchini fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray the top with cooking spray. This helps them crisp up nicely. Cook for about 10-12 minutes. Halfway through, shake the basket gently. This ensures even cooking and crispiness on all sides. Once golden brown, they are ready to enjoy! To get that perfect crunch on your zucchini fries, use cooking spray. This helps the coating crisp up nicely in the air fryer. Each model may cook a bit differently. Experiment with time and temperature if your fries aren’t crispy enough. Want to spice things up? Try adding some cayenne pepper or chili powder for heat. You can also mix in Italian seasoning for an extra flavor kick. The beauty of these fries is in their versatility. For a fun presentation, serve your fries in a cone or on a wooden platter. This makes a great snack or appetizer. Pair them with marinara sauce or ranch dip for extra flavor. These dips complement the Parmesan nicely and enhance the overall taste. Pro Tips Choose Fresh Zucchini: Select firm, unblemished zucchinis for the best texture and flavor. Fresh zucchini will yield crispier fries. Double Dip for Extra Crunch: For an even crunchier texture, dip the zucchini fries back into the egg after the first breadcrumb coating and then re-coat them with breadcrumbs. Experiment with Spices: Feel free to customize the seasoning blend in the breadcrumb mixture. Adding spices like cayenne pepper or Italian seasoning can enhance the flavor profile. Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Make sure to arrange the zucchini fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness. {{image_2}} You can switch up the cheese for fun new flavors. Try using cheddar for a sharp taste. Mozzarella gives a nice stretch and creaminess. If you love blue cheese, it adds a bold kick. Each cheese brings its own twist to the dish. Zucchini fries are just the start. You can mix in other veggies, too. Carrots work great for color and sweetness. Eggplant gives a meaty bite, while bell peppers add crunch. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite blend. Herbs can elevate your fries to a whole new level. Basil adds a fresh taste, while rosemary brings earthiness. You can also try thyme for a subtle flavor boost. Mix and match herbs to create your perfect blend. To store leftover zucchini fries, first, let them cool down. Place them in a single layer on a plate or a baking sheet. Cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. If you need to store them longer, use an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze the fries in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can stay fresh for about three months. Reheating zucchini fries can be tricky. You want to keep them crispy. The best way to reheat them is in the air fryer. Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the fries in a single layer and heat for about 5-7 minutes. This method revives their crunch. You can also use an oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the fries on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes. Avoid using the microwave, as it makes them soggy. Yes, you can use regular breadcrumbs. They are smaller and denser than panko. This can change the texture of your fries. Panko gives a light and airy crunch. Regular breadcrumbs may make them more chewy. If you prefer a softer fry, go for regular breadcrumbs. For a crispier bite, stick with panko. To make gluten-free zucchini fries, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. You can find these in most grocery stores. Almond flour or crushed cornflakes are also great options. They can give a nice crunch without gluten. Check the labels to ensure they are gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy crispy fries without worry. Yes, you can prepare these zucchini fries in advance. Cut the zucchini and coat them a few hours ahead. Store them in the fridge until you are ready to cook. This helps save time for busy days. Just remember to air fry them when you are ready. Cooking them fresh gives the best taste and texture. This post shared how to make tasty zucchini fries in an air fryer. We covered the right ingredients, like panko and Parmesan, and the steps to prepare and cook them. I also offered tips for flavor and storage. Overall, these fries are a fun and healthy snack. You can customize them to match your taste. Whether you serve them with dips or enjoy them on their own, they’re sure to please everyone.

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Craving a healthy snack that’s both crispy and tasty? You’ll love these Air Fryer Parmesan Zucchini Fries! In this guide, I’ll walk you through easy steps to create a delightful treat that even picky eaters will enjoy. With simple ingredients and quick prep, your new favorite snack is just a few minutes away. Let’s dive into this crunchy goodness and make your next meal a hit!

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Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Healthier Alternative: These zucchini fries are a guilt-free snack option that satisfies your cravings without the added calories of traditional fries.
  2. Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 22 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a quick appetizer.
  3. Versatile Flavor: The combination of Parmesan and spices adds a deliciously savory flavor that pairs well with various dips and sauces.
  4. Kid-Friendly: These crispy fries are a fun way to introduce more veggies to your kids’ diet, making them a hit with the whole family!

Ingredients

Zucchini Preparation

You need 2 medium zucchinis for this recipe. Cut each zucchini into fries, about the size of your pinky finger. If you cannot find zucchinis, you can use eggplant or carrots instead. Both options work well and add unique flavors.

Coating Mixture

For the coating, use 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs. Panko gives a light, crispy texture. Grate ½ cup of Parmesan cheese for a savory taste. You can use fresh or pre-grated cheese, but fresh beats the rest. Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and ½ teaspoon of paprika. These spices add flavor and depth.

Additional Ingredients

You will need 2 large eggs. Beating the eggs helps the coating stick. Finally, use cooking spray to ensure the fries turn out crispy. It helps them brown nicely in the air fryer.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Air Fryer

First, set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This temperature helps create crispy fries. Preheat it for about 5 minutes. This step ensures even cooking and a great texture.

Mixing the Coating

In a shallow bowl, mix the dry ingredients. Combine 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and ½ teaspoon of paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well until everything blends together.

Coating the Zucchini Fries

Take two large beaten eggs in another bowl. First, dip each zucchini fry into the eggs. Let any extra egg drip off. Next, coat the fry in the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to make sure the coating sticks well. This step adds crunch and flavor.

Air Frying Process

Arrange the coated zucchini fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray the top with cooking spray. This helps them crisp up nicely. Cook for about 10-12 minutes. Halfway through, shake the basket gently. This ensures even cooking and crispiness on all sides. Once golden brown, they are ready to enjoy!

Tips & Tricks

Achieving Crispiness

To get that perfect crunch on your zucchini fries, use cooking spray. This helps the coating crisp up nicely in the air fryer. Each model may cook a bit differently. Experiment with time and temperature if your fries aren’t crispy enough.

Perfecting Flavor

Want to spice things up? Try adding some cayenne pepper or chili powder for heat. You can also mix in Italian seasoning for an extra flavor kick. The beauty of these fries is in their versatility.

Serving Tips

For a fun presentation, serve your fries in a cone or on a wooden platter. This makes a great snack or appetizer. Pair them with marinara sauce or ranch dip for extra flavor. These dips complement the Parmesan nicely and enhance the overall taste.

Pro Tips

  1. Choose Fresh Zucchini: Select firm, unblemished zucchinis for the best texture and flavor. Fresh zucchini will yield crispier fries.
  2. Double Dip for Extra Crunch: For an even crunchier texture, dip the zucchini fries back into the egg after the first breadcrumb coating and then re-coat them with breadcrumbs.
  3. Experiment with Spices: Feel free to customize the seasoning blend in the breadcrumb mixture. Adding spices like cayenne pepper or Italian seasoning can enhance the flavor profile.
  4. Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Make sure to arrange the zucchini fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.

Variations

Different Cheese Options

You can switch up the cheese for fun new flavors. Try using cheddar for a sharp taste. Mozzarella gives a nice stretch and creaminess. If you love blue cheese, it adds a bold kick. Each cheese brings its own twist to the dish.

Adding Vegetables

Zucchini fries are just the start. You can mix in other veggies, too. Carrots work great for color and sweetness. Eggplant gives a meaty bite, while bell peppers add crunch. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite blend.

Herb Variations

Herbs can elevate your fries to a whole new level. Basil adds a fresh taste, while rosemary brings earthiness. You can also try thyme for a subtle flavor boost. Mix and match herbs to create your perfect blend.

Storage Info

How to Store Leftover Zucchini Fries

To store leftover zucchini fries, first, let them cool down. Place them in a single layer on a plate or a baking sheet. Cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. If you need to store them longer, use an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze the fries in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can stay fresh for about three months.

Reheating Methods

Reheating zucchini fries can be tricky. You want to keep them crispy. The best way to reheat them is in the air fryer. Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the fries in a single layer and heat for about 5-7 minutes. This method revives their crunch. You can also use an oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the fries on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes. Avoid using the microwave, as it makes them soggy.

FAQs

Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?

Yes, you can use regular breadcrumbs. They are smaller and denser than panko. This can change the texture of your fries. Panko gives a light and airy crunch. Regular breadcrumbs may make them more chewy. If you prefer a softer fry, go for regular breadcrumbs. For a crispier bite, stick with panko.

How to make gluten-free zucchini fries?

To make gluten-free zucchini fries, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. You can find these in most grocery stores. Almond flour or crushed cornflakes are also great options. They can give a nice crunch without gluten. Check the labels to ensure they are gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy crispy fries without worry.

Can I prepare these in advance?

Yes, you can prepare these zucchini fries in advance. Cut the zucchini and coat them a few hours ahead. Store them in the fridge until you are ready to cook. This helps save time for busy days. Just remember to air fry them when you are ready. Cooking them fresh gives the best taste and texture.

This post shared how to make tasty zucchini fries in an air fryer. We covered the right ingredients, like panko and Parmesan, and the steps to prepare and cook them. I also offered tips for flavor and storage.

Overall, these fries are a fun and healthy snack. You can customize them to match your taste. Whether you serve them with dips or enjoy them on their own, they’re sure to please everyon

You need 2 medium zucchinis for this recipe. Cut each zucchini into fries, about the size of your pinky finger. If you cannot find zucchinis, you can use eggplant or carrots instead. Both options work well and add unique flavors. For the coating, use 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs. Panko gives a light, crispy texture. Grate ½ cup of Parmesan cheese for a savory taste. You can use fresh or pre-grated cheese, but fresh beats the rest. Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and ½ teaspoon of paprika. These spices add flavor and depth. You will need 2 large eggs. Beating the eggs helps the coating stick. Finally, use cooking spray to ensure the fries turn out crispy. It helps them brown nicely in the air fryer. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This temperature helps create crispy fries. Preheat it for about 5 minutes. This step ensures even cooking and a great texture. In a shallow bowl, mix the dry ingredients. Combine 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and ½ teaspoon of paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well until everything blends together. Take two large beaten eggs in another bowl. First, dip each zucchini fry into the eggs. Let any extra egg drip off. Next, coat the fry in the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to make sure the coating sticks well. This step adds crunch and flavor. Arrange the coated zucchini fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray the top with cooking spray. This helps them crisp up nicely. Cook for about 10-12 minutes. Halfway through, shake the basket gently. This ensures even cooking and crispiness on all sides. Once golden brown, they are ready to enjoy! To get that perfect crunch on your zucchini fries, use cooking spray. This helps the coating crisp up nicely in the air fryer. Each model may cook a bit differently. Experiment with time and temperature if your fries aren’t crispy enough. Want to spice things up? Try adding some cayenne pepper or chili powder for heat. You can also mix in Italian seasoning for an extra flavor kick. The beauty of these fries is in their versatility. For a fun presentation, serve your fries in a cone or on a wooden platter. This makes a great snack or appetizer. Pair them with marinara sauce or ranch dip for extra flavor. These dips complement the Parmesan nicely and enhance the overall taste. Pro Tips Choose Fresh Zucchini: Select firm, unblemished zucchinis for the best texture and flavor. Fresh zucchini will yield crispier fries. Double Dip for Extra Crunch: For an even crunchier texture, dip the zucchini fries back into the egg after the first breadcrumb coating and then re-coat them with breadcrumbs. Experiment with Spices: Feel free to customize the seasoning blend in the breadcrumb mixture. Adding spices like cayenne pepper or Italian seasoning can enhance the flavor profile. Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Make sure to arrange the zucchini fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness. {{image_2}} You can switch up the cheese for fun new flavors. Try using cheddar for a sharp taste. Mozzarella gives a nice stretch and creaminess. If you love blue cheese, it adds a bold kick. Each cheese brings its own twist to the dish. Zucchini fries are just the start. You can mix in other veggies, too. Carrots work great for color and sweetness. Eggplant gives a meaty bite, while bell peppers add crunch. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite blend. Herbs can elevate your fries to a whole new level. Basil adds a fresh taste, while rosemary brings earthiness. You can also try thyme for a subtle flavor boost. Mix and match herbs to create your perfect blend. To store leftover zucchini fries, first, let them cool down. Place them in a single layer on a plate or a baking sheet. Cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. If you need to store them longer, use an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze the fries in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can stay fresh for about three months. Reheating zucchini fries can be tricky. You want to keep them crispy. The best way to reheat them is in the air fryer. Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the fries in a single layer and heat for about 5-7 minutes. This method revives their crunch. You can also use an oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the fries on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes. Avoid using the microwave, as it makes them soggy. Yes, you can use regular breadcrumbs. They are smaller and denser than panko. This can change the texture of your fries. Panko gives a light and airy crunch. Regular breadcrumbs may make them more chewy. If you prefer a softer fry, go for regular breadcrumbs. For a crispier bite, stick with panko. To make gluten-free zucchini fries, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. You can find these in most grocery stores. Almond flour or crushed cornflakes are also great options. They can give a nice crunch without gluten. Check the labels to ensure they are gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy crispy fries without worry. Yes, you can prepare these zucchini fries in advance. Cut the zucchini and coat them a few hours ahead. Store them in the fridge until you are ready to cook. This helps save time for busy days. Just remember to air fry them when you are ready. Cooking them fresh gives the best taste and texture. This post shared how to make tasty zucchini fries in an air fryer. We covered the right ingredients, like panko and Parmesan, and the steps to prepare and cook them. I also offered tips for flavor and storage. Overall, these fries are a fun and healthy snack. You can customize them to match your taste. Whether you serve them with dips or enjoy them on their own, they’re sure to please everyone.

Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Zucchini Fries

Deliciously crispy zucchini fries made in the air fryer, coated with panko and Parmesan.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 medium zucchinis, cut into fries
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • as needed cooking spray

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  • In a shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  • In another bowl, beat the eggs until fully blended.
  • Dip each zucchini fry first into the beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off, then coat it thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to ensure the coating adheres.
  • Arrange the coated zucchini fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray the top with cooking spray to promote crispiness.
  • Air fry for about 10-12 minutes or until golden brown and crispy, shaking the basket halfway through cooking for even crisping.
  • Once done, remove the zucchini fries and let them cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Serve with marinara sauce or ranch dip for added flavor.
Keyword air fryer, appetizer, healthy, zucchini fries

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