Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Zucchini Fries
Make crispy, golden zucchini fries in your air fryer. This easy recipe uses Parmesan cheese for flavor and crunch, creating a healthy, low-carb side dish or snack ready in under 20 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 14 min
- Total Time: 24 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 medium zucchini
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray (for the air fryer basket)
Instructions
- Wash and trim the ends of the zucchini. Cut the zucchini lengthwise into sticks, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick, resembling fries.
- Place the zucchini sticks on a paper towel-lined plate and sprinkle lightly with salt. Let them sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Pat them dry thoroughly with more paper towels. This step helps achieve crispiness.
- Set up a dredging station: Place the lightly beaten egg in one shallow bowl. In a second shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix the dry ingredients well.
- Dip each zucchini stick first into the egg, allowing excess to drip off. Then, dredge the stick completely in the Parmesan-panko mixture, pressing lightly to help the coating adhere.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the coated zucchini fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd the basket; work in batches if necessary.
- Lightly spray the tops of the zucchini fries with cooking spray.
- Air fry at 380°F (195°C) for 10 to 14 minutes, flipping the fries halfway through the cooking time. Cook until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve your air fryer zucchini fries immediately as a healthy snack or side dish.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, ensure your zucchini is very dry before coating.
- If you skip the panko, the Parmesan will brown faster, so watch the cooking time closely.
- These zucchini fries pair well with marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Unsaturated Fat: 5
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 14
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 8
- Cholesterol: 45