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 bread crumbs; ⅓ cup parmesan cheese, finely grated; cooking spray

Crispy, golden, and bursting with flavor, this Air Fryer Zucchini Fries Recipe is hands down one of my favorite ways to enjoy zucchini. It’s the perfect mix of healthy and indulgent, and I promise you’ll want to make it again and again.

The image shows a white plate filled with many crispy fried sticks that are golden brown with a crunchy, textured coating. The sticks are stacked and scattered naturally, showing some rough edges. In the top left area of the plate, there is a small round container with a smooth, creamy white dipping sauce speckled with small black dots. The background is a white marbled surface and there is a soft, striped fabric visible in the top right corner. 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

This recipe has a special place in my kitchen because it takes zucchini, often overlooked or mushy when cooked, and transforms it into a crunchy, satisfying snack or side. Plus, using the air fryer means less oil and way less mess—win-win!

Super crispy texture: The combo of Italian-seasoned flour, egg wash, and a parmesan breadcrumb crust makes these fries irresistibly crunchy.
Quick and easy: You get restaurant-style fries in under 30 minutes with minimal effort.
Healthy-ish alternative: Air frying cuts down the oil but keeps that golden fry taste you love.
Perfect for dipping: These zucchini fries love a good marinara, ranch, or garlic aioli—and you’ll want to try them all.

A white plate filled with golden brown, crispy fried sticks, all piled closely together in layers. Each stick has a crunchy texture with some light seasoning sprinkled on top. On the left side of the plate, a small black bowl holds a smooth, creamy white dipping sauce with little specks of herbs. The plate is set on a white marbled surface with a striped cloth in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every component in this Air Fryer Zucchini Fries Recipe works together to deliver flavor, crunch, and ease. I always grab fresh zucchini, and the parmesan cheese in the breading is a game-changer for that perfect cheesy bite.

Flat lay of two medium fresh zucchinis cut into thick sticks, a small white ceramic bowl of all-purpose flour, a few sprigs of fresh Italian seasoning herbs, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse salt, a small white ceramic bowl of cracked black peppercorns, two whole uncracked large brown eggs, a small white ceramic bowl of clear water, a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden Italian breadcrumbs, a small white ceramic bowl with finely grated pale yellow 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, firmer zucchini for fries that hold their shape and don’t get soggy.
All-purpose flour: Coats the zucchini first, helping the egg adhere better.
Italian seasoning: Adds a fragrant herb kick—feel free to sprinkle a bit more if you like.
Salt and pepper: Basic but essential for balanced flavor.
Eggs: Act as a glue to hold the breadcrumb coating in place.
Water: Thins the eggs slightly for easier dipping.
Italian breadcrumbs or panko: Provides that crispy crunch; panko tends to be lighter and airier if you want an extra crunch.
Parmesan cheese: Brings a rich, salty depth—canned finely grated parmesan works wonderfully here.
Cooking spray: A quick spritz prevents sticking and helps the fries brown evenly.

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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

What I love about this Air Fryer Zucchini Fries Recipe is how easy it is to customize it with what you have or like. Over the years, I’ve tweaked it with different seasonings and coatings, and the results have always been delicious.

Variation: One of my favorite twists is swapping Italian seasoning for Cajun spices to give the fries a bold, spicy kick—perfect for game day snacks!
Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs; just make sure the air fryer cooking times are similar by checking for golden crispiness.
Cheese lovers: Add a little extra grated parmesan on top right after cooking while still hot for that melty finish.

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

Step 1: Slice your zucchini just right

I like to cut my zucchini into sticks about 3 inches long and half an inch thick—basically skinny fries. If they’re too thin, they can get fragile and soggy; too thick, and they might not cook all the way through. Consistency is key here.

Step 2: Prep your coating stations

In one bowl, whisk all-purpose flour with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. In a second bowl, beat two eggs with a tablespoon of water until pale and smooth. In a third bowl, mix Italian breadcrumbs with finely grated parmesan cheese. I like prepping all three before starting to coat so everything flows easily.

Step 3: Coat your zucchini fries carefully

Toss the zucchini sticks in the flour mixture first, shaking off excess—that helps the egg stick better. Then dip each piece in the egg wash, and finally roll it around in the breadcrumb and parmesan mixture. Make sure every inch of the fry is coated—it makes all the difference in crispiness.

Step 4: Air fry to perfection

Spray the bottom of your air fryer basket with cooking spray, then arrange the coated zucchini fries in a single layer, without touching. Give the tops a light spray too. Cook at 385°F for about 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye for that beautiful golden brown color—don’t overcrowd the basket or they won’t get crispy.

Top Tip

I’ve made these zucchini fries a dozen times now, and these tips consistently make them super crispy and flavorful every single time.

Dry the Zucchini: Before breading, pat your zucchini sticks dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture; this prevents sogginess.
Don’t Crowd the Basket: Leave space between fries for hot air to circulate, ensuring even cooking and that perfect crunch.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh zucchini and freshly grated parmesan create the best flavor and texture balance.
Shake Halfway: If your air fryer allows, gently shake or turn fries halfway through to brown all sides evenly.

How to Serve Air Fryer Zucchini Fries Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a little extra parmesan and freshly chopped parsley right on top of the fries when they come out—the color and flavor lift it to the next level. A pinch of chili flakes adds a fun kick if you like spicy.

Side Dishes

These zucchini fries pair wonderfully with a simple green salad, grilled chicken, or even as a fun side with burgers. Serving alongside a creamy garlic aioli or tangy marinara makes dipping a joy.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, I like arranging the fries vertically in a mason jar with dipping sauce in the center—it’s a fun finger-food display and saves space. You can also serve them as part of a veggie platter to impress guests with healthy but tasty options.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container lined with paper towels to soak up moisture, keeping the fries from getting soggy. They’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Freezing

Because zucchini has a lot of water, freezing these fries isn’t something I recommend—it tends to make them mushy after thawing. I’d rather make a fresh batch than sacrifice that crispiness we all want.

Reheating

To reheat, just pop the fries back in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes at 375°F. This usually revives the crispiness without drying them out. Avoid microwaving whenever possible or they’ll turn soft.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen zucchini for this recipe?

Frozen zucchini tends to be too watery when thawed, which can prevent the fries from getting crispy in the air fryer. For best results, always use fresh zucchini when making this Air Fryer Zucchini Fries Recipe.

What’s the best way to make these zucchini fries extra crispy?

Make sure to pat your zucchini dry before breading and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Spraying a light coat of cooking spray on the fries before cooking also helps achieve that crunchy texture we all love.

Can I bake the zucchini fries instead of air frying?

Absolutely! You can bake them in the oven by arranging the coated fries on a cooling rack set inside a baking sheet. Spritz the top with olive oil spray and bake at 425°F for about 20-22 minutes until golden and crisp.

Are these zucchini fries kid-friendly?

Definitely! Kids love the crunchy texture and familiar 'fries' shape. Plus, they’re a sneaky way to get more veggies into their diet. Serve them with their favorite dipping sauces to make snack time fun.

Final Thoughts

Making this Air Fryer Zucchini Fries Recipe always feels like a little kitchen victory to me. I love how easy it is, how perfectly crispy the fries come out, and how much everyone—kids, adults, zucchini skeptics—ends up loving them. Next time you want a snack or side that’s healthy and fun, give this a try. You’ll be so glad you did!