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 breadcrumbs; ⅓ cup parmesan cheese, finely grated; Cooking spray

Who wouldn’t love crispy, golden zucchini fries that are light, flavorful, and easy on your waistline? This Air Fryer Zucchini Fries Recipe knocks it out of the park with simple ingredients and a satisfyingly crunchy finish — all thanks to that magic little air fryer of yours!

A white round plate holds a stack of golden brown fried sticks with a crunchy coating, lightly sprinkled with white powder. To one side of the plate, there is a small round white dish filled with a creamy white dipping sauce with specks of black pepper. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a textured cloth in the background. The fried sticks vary slightly in size and are piled loosely, showing a rough and crispy texture. 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

I remember the first time I tried making zucchini fries in the air fryer — the texture was a revelation! Crispy on the outside, tender inside, and perfectly seasoned. What’s more, it’s a snack or side that feels indulgent but isn’t loaded with guilt.

Easy and Quick: From slicing to serving, this recipe takes less than 30 minutes total — so you can satisfy cravings without waiting all day.
Healthier Crunch: No deep frying here; the air fryer gives you crispy texture with way less oil and mess.
Flavorful Coating: The combo of parmesan, Italian seasoning, and panko creates a savory, golden crust every single time.
Super Versatile: These fries pair perfectly with dipping sauces, salads, or grilled dishes, making them a great side or snack.

A white plate filled with many golden-brown fried sticks, each with a rough and crispy texture, lightly sprinkled with small white crumbs. The sticks are stacked closely together, filling most of the plate. On the left side of the plate, there is a small black bowl filled with white creamy sauce with tiny dark specks. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a striped cloth partially visible in the upper right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Air Fryer Zucchini Fries Recipe serves a purpose — from creating that crispy coating to seasoning each bite just right. Plus, it’s easy to find everything at your local grocery store.

Flat lay of two medium fresh zucchini cut into 3 inch by ½ inch sticks arranged neatly, a small white ceramic bowl of all-purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl containing a mix of Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, two large whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white ceramic bowl with clear water, a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden Italian breadcrumbs mixed with finely grated 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: Fresh, medium-sized zucchinis offer the perfect moisture content and mild flavor for fries without turning soggy.
All-Purpose Flour: Acts as the base layer that helps the egg and breadcrumbs stick evenly.
Italian Seasoning: Brings in herby notes like oregano, basil, and thyme — a shortcut way to flavor magic.
Salt & Pepper: Essential for bringing out the natural flavor of the zucchini and seasoning the crust perfectly.
Eggs & Water: The egg wash binds the coatings tightly and helps create that crispy crust once air fried.
Italian Breadcrumbs or Panko: Panko makes it extra crunchy; Italian breadcrumbs add seasoning straight into the coating.
Parmesan Cheese: Gives a nutty, savory depth — I personally love the canned grated Parmesan here because it melts beautifully and crisps up well.
Cooking Spray: Helps achieve that golden-brown exterior without loading up on oil.

📝

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

One of the best things about this Air Fryer Zucchini Fries Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. Over the years, I’ve played around with toppings and spices — feel free to personalize based on what you’re craving or what you have on hand.

Variation: For a spicy kick, I like adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mix. It gives just enough heat without overpowering the fresh zucchini.
Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs for gluten-free versions, and you’re good to go. I’ve tried this with almond flour and crushed gluten-free panko with great results.
Herb Tweaks: Try swapping Italian seasoning for smoked paprika or garlic powder depending on your mood — it’s surprisingly flexible!

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

Step 1: Prep Your Zucchini Like a Pro

I start by slicing two medium zucchinis into sticks roughly 3 inches long and about half an inch thick, almost like french fries. This size helps them cook through evenly without turning into mush, but feel free to adjust to your favorite fry shape!

Step 2: Make the Coating Stations

Mix the flour with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a large bowl — this first layer adds flavor and helps the egg stick. In a separate bowl, whisk together two eggs with a bit of water until pale yellow. Finally, combine Italian breadcrumbs and finely grated Parmesan cheese in another bowl. Setting these up makes the assembly line smooth and mess-free.

Step 3: Coat Each Zucchini Stick

First, toss the zucchini in the seasoned flour and shake off any excess — this step is key to that crispy, non-soggy texture. Next, dip each piece in your egg wash, then roll it in the breadcrumb-cheese mix, turning several times to coat evenly. Take your time here; thorough coating means maximum crunch.

Step 4: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection

Spritz your air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray before neatly arranging the coated zucchini fries in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch to allow hot air to circulate. Give the top of the fries a light spray, too, for that beautiful golden crust. Cook at 385°F for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through if your air fryer requires it. You’ll want to watch them closely near the end — once golden and crisp, they're ready!

Top Tip

Crunchy Air Fryer Zucchini Fries take a couple of small yet important details to really shine, and these tips saved me more than once!

Dry Your Zucchini: Before breading, pat your zucchini sticks dry with paper towels — removing excess moisture helps the coating stick better and stay crisp in the air fryer.
Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Spread fries in a single layer with space between each. Overcrowding traps steam and makes fries soggy, so cook in batches if necessary.
Use Cooking Spray Generously: A light spray on the basket and fries helps promote even browning and prevents sticking.
Watch the Timer: Every air fryer model heats differently. Start checking at 8 minutes to avoid burning and pull out as soon as they’re golden and crisp.

How to Serve Air Fryer Zucchini Fries Recipe

Garnishes

I like sprinkling these fries with a little extra grated Parmesan while still warm and a few flakes of chili for heat. Fresh chopped parsley or basil also adds a bright pop of color and freshness that complements their crispy goodness.

Side Dishes

Pair your Air Fryer Zucchini Fries Recipe with juicy grilled chicken, burgers, or even a fresh green salad for a light summer meal. They’re also fantastic alongside marinara sauce or ranch dip for a fun appetizer option.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like serving these in little paper cones or mason jars with dipping sauces on the side — it feels festive and makes grabbing fries easy! They’re also great stacked on a platter with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a casual but beautiful presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover zucchini fries can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. I recommend placing a paper towel in the container to absorb any extra moisture and help keep them from getting soggy.

Freezing

Since zucchini has high water content, I avoid freezing these fries — they tend to turn mushy after thawing. Instead, I make fresh batches when needed or bake more and enjoy immediately.

Reheating

To reheat and keep as much crispiness as possible, I pop leftovers back into the air fryer at 350°F for about 3–4 minutes. It revives the crunch without drying them out. Oven reheating works too; just use a wire rack on a baking tray for even heat circulation.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How do I prevent zucchini fries from getting soggy in the air fryer?

Drying your zucchini sticks with paper towels before breading and not overcrowding the air fryer basket are the two biggest keys. Also, a light spray of cooking oil on the fries helps them crisp beautifully. Cook them at the right temperature and check often for golden color.

Can I bake zucchini fries instead of using an air fryer?

Yes! For baking, place a cooling rack on a baking sheet to allow airflow under the fries. Spritz them with olive oil spray and bake at 425°F for 20-22 minutes until golden and crispy. Flip halfway through for even baking.

What dipping sauces go well with Air Fryer Zucchini Fries?

Marinara sauce, garlic aioli, ranch dressing, or even a simple squeeze of lemon juice work brilliantly. I especially love pairing them with a creamy dip because the tang balances the crispy, cheesy fries perfectly.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to replace the regular all-purpose flour and Italian breadcrumbs. I’ve found almond flour and gluten-free panko make a great crunchy coating without sacrificing texture or flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Zucchini Fries Recipe is one of those simple pleasures that never gets old in my kitchen. It’s quick, satisfying, and turns zucchini—often overlooked—into a fun, crave-worthy snack or side. I’d bet you’ll find yourself making these fries again and again, especially once you get that perfect crispy edge down. Trust me, your air fryer will thank you for this one!