Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Zucchini Fries

$To make Air Fryer Parmesan Zucchini Fries, you need fresh, quality ingredients. Here’s what you will need: - 2 medium zucchinis, trimmed and cut into fry shapes - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - ½ teaspoon dried oregano - ½ teaspoon paprika - Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste - 2 large eggs, beaten until smooth - Olive oil spray Each ingredient plays a key role in creating that crispy, flavorful bite. The panko breadcrumbs deliver a satisfying crunch. Freshly grated Parmesan adds rich, cheesy goodness. The garlic and onion powders bring depth to the flavor, while oregano and paprika add a delightful hint of spice. The eggs help the crumbs stick, ensuring every fry gets that perfect coating. Using salt and pepper to taste lets you adjust the flavor to your liking. Finally, the olive oil spray gives the fries a beautiful golden color and extra crispiness. Having all these ingredients ready makes the cooking process smooth and enjoyable. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This heat helps the zucchini fries get crispy. Preheating makes a big difference in texture. In a large mixing bowl, mix together the following dry ingredients: - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - ½ teaspoon dried oregano - ½ teaspoon paprika - Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste Stir well to combine these ingredients. This mix gives your fries flavor and crunch. Set up your breading station for easy coating: - Place the beaten eggs in one bowl. - Put the breadcrumb mix in another bowl. This setup helps coat the zucchini fries quickly. Take one zucchini fry and dip it into the beaten eggs. Make sure it is fully coated. Let the excess egg drip off. Now, move the fry to the breadcrumb bowl. Press down gently to make sure the breadcrumbs stick well. Repeat this step for each fry until they are all coated. Arrange the coated zucchini fries in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Make sure not to overcrowd them. If they are too close, they won’t crisp up well. Lightly spray the tops of the fries with olive oil spray. This helps them turn golden and crispy. Cook the zucchini fries for 10-12 minutes. Flip them halfway through the cooking time. This step ensures they cook evenly and get crispy on all sides. When they look golden and crispy, remove them from the air fryer. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving. This cooling time keeps them crunchy. To make your fries extra crispy, always use olive oil spray. This helps create a nice, golden crust. Just a light spray on top before cooking works wonders. It adds flavor and crunch. Batch cooking is another great tip. If you overcrowd the air fryer, the fries won't crisp well. Cook them in small batches. This way, each fry gets enough air for perfect crispiness. For dipping, I recommend marinara sauce or creamy garlic aioli. Both pair well with the fries' flavors. You can also try ranch dressing for a fun twist. Garnish your fries with fresh parsley. It adds color and a nice touch. You can even sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor. One common mistake is not ensuring even coating. Make sure each zucchini fry is well-coated with eggs and breadcrumbs. This step is vital for a crispy finish. Another mistake is not checking cooking times. Every air fryer is different. Keep an eye on your fries and flip them halfway through. This helps them cook evenly and prevents burning. Pro Tips Choose Firm Zucchini: Select medium-sized zucchinis that are firm to the touch. Avoid oversized zucchinis, as they tend to be watery and less flavorful. Customize Your Seasoning: </strongFeel free to experiment with different herbs and spices in the breadcrumb mixture to suit your taste. Try adding Italian seasoning, cayenne pepper, or even a pinch of lemon zest for a fresh twist! Ensure Even Cooking: Remember to flip the zucchini fries halfway through cooking. This will help them cook evenly and achieve that perfect crispiness. Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. To reheat, pop them back into the air fryer for a few minutes to regain their crisp texture. {{image_4}} You can change the flavors of your zucchini fries easily. One option is to add cayenne pepper for some heat. Start with a small amount, about 1/4 teaspoon, and adjust to your taste. This spice gives the fries a nice kick. Another option is using herbs like thyme or basil. Both add a fresh taste. Mix in 1 teaspoon of dried thyme or basil into your breadcrumb mixture. This will make your fries taste like summer. You can switch up the cheese for different flavors. Instead of Parmesan, try using cheddar or mozzarella. Both will melt nicely and add a creamy texture. Grate about ½ cup of your chosen cheese and mix it with the breadcrumbs. If you need a dairy-free option, try using nutritional yeast. It has a cheesy flavor and is easy to find. Use the same amount—½ cup—and mix it with your breadcrumbs. This way, everyone can enjoy crispy zucchini fries! To store your leftover zucchini fries, place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh. Refrigerate the container for up to three days. Make sure they cool down before sealing. This helps prevent sogginess. To restore crispness, use your oven. Preheat it to 375°F (190°C). Lay the fries on a baking sheet in a single layer. Heat them for about 10 minutes. Flip them halfway through to ensure even crisping. You’ll enjoy the crunch again! To freeze zucchini fries, let them cool completely first. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for one hour, then transfer to a freezer bag. This keeps them from sticking together. Use frozen fries within three months for the best taste. Yes, you can make these zucchini fries gluten-free. Simply substitute the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs. Many brands offer great options that work just as well. You can also use crushed gluten-free cereal or almond flour. These alternatives still give that crispy texture. Just check the labels to ensure they are truly gluten-free. You can store cooked zucchini fries in the fridge for about three days. Place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty. Before serving, you can reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes. This method helps restore their crunch. Absolutely! You can use many other vegetables for air fryer fries. Some great options include sweet potatoes, carrots, or eggplant. Just cut them into fry shapes like the zucchini. You may need to adjust cooking times based on the vegetable's size and thickness. Each option brings its own flavor and fun twist! This blog post covers how to make crispy air fryer zucchini fries. You learn about the ingredients needed and the proper steps to cook them. I shared tips for extra crispiness and variations to spice things up. Storing and reheating methods ensure you enjoy them later. These simple zucchini fries can fit anyone's taste. Now grab your ingredients and start cooking! You’ll love how tasty and easy they are to make. Enjoy your cooking experience!$

Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Zucchini Fries

Deliciously crispy zucchini fries made in the air fryer, coated with panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.

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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, trimmed and cut into fry shapes
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon paprika
to taste salt and freshly ground pepper
2 large eggs, beaten until smooth
as needed olive oil spray

Instructions

Begin by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Prepare your breading station: Place the beaten eggs in one bowl and the breadcrumb mixture in another bowl.
Dip each zucchini fry into the beaten eggs, allowing excess egg to drip off.
Transfer the coated zucchini fry to the breadcrumb mixture and press gently to ensure even coating.
Arrange the coated zucchini fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding.
Lightly spray the tops of the zucchini fries with olive oil spray.
Cook the zucchini fries in the preheated air fryer for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Remove the zucchini fries from the air fryer once they are golden brown and crispy, and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve warm with marinara sauce or garlic aioli. Garnish with parsley for added freshness.

Keyword air fryer, appetizer, crispy, vegetarian, zucchini fries