Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Zucchini Fries

$Here’s what you need to make Air Fryer Parmesan Zucchini Fries: - 2 medium zucchinis - 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred) - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - ½ teaspoon paprika - 1 egg, beaten - Olive oil spray - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients come together to create a crispy delight. Zucchini adds a fresh crunch, while panko breadcrumbs provide extra texture. Parmesan cheese gives a savory flavor, and the spices elevate every bite. The egg helps the coating stick, making sure every fry is delicious. Using fresh zucchini is key. Look for firm ones with smooth skin. They will give you the best taste and texture. Panko breadcrumbs are great for crunch, but you can use regular if you prefer. The spices are flexible too. Feel free to add your favorites or change the amounts to suit your taste. Make sure to have everything ready before you start. This setup will help you create perfect fries quickly and easily. Enjoy the process and get ready for a tasty snack! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, wash the zucchinis well under cool water. Dry them with a clean towel. Cut each zucchini into fry-shaped pieces. Aim for even sizes. This helps them cook evenly. In one bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, beat the egg until it's smooth. This will help the coating stick. Dip each zucchini fry into the beaten egg. Make sure to let the extra egg drip off. Next, coat the fry in the breadcrumb mixture. Press down gently to make sure it sticks well. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil. Place the zucchini fries in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding. You can cook them in batches if needed. Spray the tops of the fries with more olive oil for extra crunch. Cook for 10-12 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through. This ensures they cook evenly. Once golden and crispy, they are ready to enjoy! Panko breadcrumbs are key for crispiness. They create a light, airy coating that makes these fries crunchier. Regular breadcrumbs might not give you that same texture. A quick spray of olive oil helps too. It adds moisture and promotes browning, giving you that perfect golden finish. Cutting zucchini into similar sizes is important. Aim for fries that are about the same thickness. You can use a knife or a mandoline for even cuts. This way, all your fries cook at the same rate. If they cook unevenly, some may burn while others stay soft. Dipping sauces make these fries fun to eat. Popular choices include marinara and ranch dressing. You can also try a spicy aioli for a kick. Homemade sauces are great but store-bought options are quick and easy. Pick what you love most! Pro Tips Uniform Size: Cut your zucchini fries into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and crispiness throughout. Extra Crunch: For an even crispier texture, consider using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. Batch Cooking: Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary to achieve that perfect crisp. Spray for Crispiness: Lightly spray the zucchini fries with olive oil before cooking for an extra crunchy finish. {{image_2}} You can change the flavor of your zucchini fries easily. If you like spicy, add some cayenne pepper. For a herby touch, mix in dried oregano or basil. You can even try a sweet twist by adding cinnamon! You can also switch up the cheese. While Parmesan is great, mozzarella gives a nice stretch. Cheddar adds a sharp, rich taste. Just remember to adjust the amount, as some cheeses melt more than others. Zucchini isn’t the only veggie that works here. You can use eggplant or carrot sticks for a different taste. Sweet potatoes make a nice option, too, giving a sweet and earthy flavor. Each vegetable has a unique texture. For softer veggies, reduce the cooking time. Firmer ones may need a bit longer. Always cut the pieces in similar sizes for even cooking. This way, every fry turns out crispy and delicious! To keep your zucchini fries fresh, use an airtight container. Glass or plastic containers work well. Place a paper towel in the container to absorb moisture. This helps keep the fries crispy. Store the container in the fridge for up to three days. Before storing, let the fries cool completely. This prevents steam from making them soggy. To reheat and keep the fries crispy, use the air fryer again. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and cook for about 5 minutes. This method revives their crunch. You can also use a regular oven. Place the fries on a baking sheet and heat at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes. Avoid using the microwave, as it makes them soft. Enjoy your crispy zucchini fries! You can bake zucchini fries in the oven. Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Prepare the zucchini as you would for the air fryer. Set up your breading station with breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and seasonings. Dip the zucchini fries in the beaten egg and coat them with the breadcrumb mix. Place them on a lined baking sheet. Spray them lightly with olive oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy. Yes, you can freeze them. After cooking, let the zucchini fries cool completely. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag or airtight container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, air fry them straight from the freezer. Adjust the cooking time to ensure they heat through. If your zucchini fries are soggy, it may be due to excess moisture. Be sure to dry the zucchini well after washing. Cut them into uniform pieces for even cooking. Using panko breadcrumbs adds extra crunch. Make sure to spray them with olive oil before cooking. Avoid overcrowding in the air fryer, as this can cause steaming. Cooking zucchini fries in the air fryer takes around 10-12 minutes. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) before cooking. Remember to shake the basket halfway through for even browning. Keep an eye on them as cooking times can vary slightly based on the size of the fries and your air fryer model. Zucchini fries are easy and fun to make. You learned about the ingredients, preparation, and cooking steps. Using panko helps keep them crispy, and you can customize flavors. Storing leftovers is simple, and there are many ways to reheat them. Enjoying these tasty fries can bring joy to your meals. I hope this guide inspires you to try making zucchini fries at home. Embrace creativity and enjoy your cooking adventures!$

Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Zucchini Fries

Deliciously crispy zucchini fries made in an air fryer, coated with Parmesan and spices.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

2 medium zucchinis, cut into fries
1 cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred for extra crunch)
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
0.5 teaspoon paprika
1 large egg, beaten
to taste olive oil spray
to taste salt and pepper

Instructions

Prepare the Zucchini: Begin by washing the zucchinis and drying them thoroughly. Cut them into fry-shaped pieces, aiming for uniform size to ensure even cooking.
Set Up the Breading Station: In one bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, beat the egg.
Coat the Zucchini Fries: Dip each zucchini fry into the beaten egg, allowing excess to drip off, and then coat them in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing down slightly to adhere.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
Arrange in the Air Fryer: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the zucchini fries in a single layer in the basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. You may need to work in batches.
Cook the Fries: Spray the tops of the zucchini fries with olive oil for extra crispiness. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking, until they are golden and crispy.
Serve: Carefully remove the zucchini fries from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. Serve warm with a dipping sauce of your choice, such as marinara or ranch dressing.

Notes

Serve with marinara or ranch dressing for dipping.

Keyword air fryer, appetizer, Parmesan, zucchini fries