Crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside—these zucchini fries are the perfect way to satisfy a savory craving without loading up on extra oils or heavy coatings. Using an air fryer makes them incredibly simple to prepare while keeping the guilt factor at bay.

Ingredients

- 2 medium zucchini, cut into fry-shaped sticks
- ⅓ cup panko breadcrumbs (regular or whole wheat)
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- Cooking spray (olive oil or your preferred choice)
Instructions
Start by patting your zucchini sticks dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. In a shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
In another shallow dish, whisk the egg. Dip each zucchini stick into the egg, making sure it’s lightly coated, then roll it in the breadcrumb mixture until it’s evenly covered on all surfaces.
Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray, then place the breaded zucchini fries in a single layer. Spray the tops of the fries with a little more oil to help them crisp up. Set your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for about 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the zucchini fries turn golden brown.
These Garlic-Parmesan Air Fryer Zucchini Fries are a lighter take on a classic comfort side—and they’re perfect for anyone looking to cut back on oil without sacrificing flavor. Feel free to experiment with gluten-free breadcrumbs, or try mixing in Italian seasoning for a herby twist. They’re a great snack for kids who usually turn their noses up at vegetables and a perfect appetizer for entertaining. The crispy texture and cheesy taste will have everyone reaching for seconds!
Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.