Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Zucchini Fries

$- 2 medium zucchinis, cut into fry shapes - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup breadcrumbs (use panko for extra crunch) - 2 large eggs, beaten - 1 tsp garlic powder - 1 tsp onion powder - ½ tsp dried oregano - ½ tsp paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Cooking spray (for crispy finish) - Fresh parsley for garnish - Marinara sauce or homemade garlic aioli for dipping To make these fries, start with fresh zucchinis. Cut them into fry shapes for the best texture. Grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the zucchini. Breadcrumbs give the fries that nice crunch. I recommend panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness. Use garlic powder and onion powder to give your fries a tasty kick. Dried oregano and paprika add warmth and depth. Don't forget to season with salt and pepper to enhance all the flavors. Lastly, you can garnish your fries with fresh parsley for a bright touch. Serve with marinara or garlic aioli for a delicious dip. Enjoy! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by washing the zucchinis. Use two medium zucchinis for this recipe. Cut them into fry shapes, about a quarter-inch thick. This size helps them cook evenly. Make sure the pieces are similar in size. This way, they all get crispy at the same time. In a shallow bowl, mix the breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir it well to combine all the flavors. In another bowl, beat the two large eggs until they look mixed. Dip each zucchini fry into the egg mixture. Let any extra egg drip off. Then roll it in the Parmesan breadcrumb mix. Press the crumbs onto the zucchini well. This helps them stick nicely. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This takes about five minutes. Place the coated zucchini fries in a single layer in the fryer basket. Be careful not to overcrowd them. This helps them cook evenly and stay crispy. Lightly spray the fries with cooking spray for a golden finish. Cook them at 400°F for about 10 to 12 minutes. Flip them halfway through cooking. This ensures both sides are nice and crisp. Once they are golden brown, remove them from the air fryer. Let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them hot with marinara sauce or garlic aioli! To get crispy fries, start with dry zucchinis. Use a clean towel to pat them dry after cutting. This helps the coating stick better. When you coat the fries, press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the zucchini. This adds extra crunch. Don't forget to space them out in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can lead to soggy fries. A light spray of cooking oil helps them crisp up nicely. If you want to switch things up, try using crushed cornflakes instead of breadcrumbs. This gives the fries a fun crunch. For a spicier kick, add chili powder to your breadcrumb mix. You can also mix in some finely chopped nuts for added texture. If you want to keep it low-carb, you can use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs. Just remember, each coating gives a different flavor and texture. To boost flavor, try adding fresh herbs like basil or thyme to the breadcrumb mix. A squeeze of lemon juice before serving can brighten the taste. For a cheesy twist, mix in some shredded mozzarella with the Parmesan. You can also serve the fries with a tangy dip, like ranch or spicy mayo. These small changes can make your zucchini fries even more delicious and exciting! Pro Tips Choose the Right Zucchini: Look for firm, medium-sized zucchinis for the best texture and flavor. Avoid oversized ones as they can be watery. Double Dip for Extra Crunch: For an even crispier finish, dip the zucchini fries in the egg mixture and then back into the breadcrumb mixture before air frying. Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to customize the seasoning mix! Try adding Italian herbs, cayenne pepper, or even a sprinkle of lemon zest for a fresh twist. Use Parchment Paper: If you're concerned about sticking, line the air fryer basket with parchment paper designed for air fryers to ensure easy cleanup and perfect results. {{image_2}} You can swap the Parmesan cheese for other cheeses. Try mozzarella for a gooey texture. Cheddar adds a sharp flavor that many love. If you want a stronger taste, use pecorino. Each cheese brings a new twist to your fries. Experiment with what you have on hand. Spices can change the taste of your fries. For a kick, add cayenne pepper or chili powder. If you enjoy herbs, try fresh basil or thyme. You can also use Italian seasoning for a classic touch. Mix and match spices to find your favorite blend. To make these fries gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Many brands offer good options that still give crunch. Make sure to check the labels for other ingredients. Enjoy your crispy fries without worry. Gluten-free doesn’t mean less tasty! Store leftover zucchini fries in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh. Let the fries cool down first. Place a paper towel at the bottom of the container. This helps absorb moisture. Keep the container in the fridge. Use them within 2 to 3 days for the best taste. To reheat, place the fries back in the air fryer. Set it to 350°F (175°C). Cook for about 5 minutes. This will help them regain their crispiness. You can also use an oven if you prefer. Set it to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Just keep an eye on them to avoid burning. Freezing zucchini fries is easy. First, let them cool. Then, place them on a baking sheet. Make sure they are not touching. Freeze for about 1 hour until firm. After that, transfer them to a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible. They will keep for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, cook them straight from the freezer. No need to thaw! Yes, you can use other veggies. Try eggplant, carrots, or sweet potatoes. Each veggie brings a unique taste. Cut them the same size as zucchini for even cooking. Remember, some veggies may cook faster, so check them often. To make zucchini fries without an air fryer, use a regular oven. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Follow the same steps for coating the fries. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway. This method gives you crispy fries, too! Zucchini fries pair well with many dips. Try marinara sauce, ranch, or garlic aioli. You can also serve them alongside grilled chicken or fish. They make a great side dish for any meal. Add a salad for a fresh touch! In this guide, we explored how to make tasty Air Fryer Parmesan Zucchini Fries. We covered the main and optional ingredients, easy cooking steps, and tips for great results. You learned about possible variations and best storage practices. Remember, cooking can be fun and creative. Feel free to try new flavors or different vegetables. Enjoy making these fries as a healthy snack or side dish. They’re simple to prepare and sure to impress!$

Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Zucchini Fries

Deliciously crispy zucchini fries made in the air fryer, coated with Parmesan and breadcrumbs.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 12

Total Time 22

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

2 medium zucchinis, cut into fry shapes
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup breadcrumbs (use panko for extra crunch)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
0.5 tsp dried oregano
0.5 tsp paprika
to taste Salt and pepper
2 large eggs, beaten
as needed Cooking spray (for crispy finish)

Instructions

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
In a shallow bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
In another bowl, beat the eggs until well combined.
Dip each zucchini fry into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off, then coat it in the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, pressing to adhere.
Arrange the coated zucchini fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure not to overcrowd for even cooking.
Lightly spray the zucchini fries with cooking spray for extra crispiness.
Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy.
Remove from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Serve hot with a side of marinara sauce or a homemade garlic aioli for dipping. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color!

Keyword air fryer, appetizer, vegetarian, zucchini fries