Air Fryer Parmesan Zucchini Fries Recipe

Say hello to your new favorite snack: Air Fryer Parmesan Zucchini Fries! Crispy, cheesy, and light as a summer breeze, these zucchini fries transform humble veggies into an outrageously snackable treat. I promise, they’re a joy to make and even more fun to eat—you’ll never look at zucchini the same way again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of simple ingredients for these Air Fryer Parmesan Zucchini Fries, but each one plays a delicious role. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need to make zucchini magic happen right in your own kitchen!

• Avocado oil cooking spray: Helps give the fries their signature golden crisp—plus, it’s a healthy alternative to heavier oils.
• 4 small zucchini: The star of the show! Choose firm, vibrant zucchini for fries that hold their shape and deliver the best fresh flavor.
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated: Adds a savory, nutty punch and helps create an irresistible crust.
• ½ cup Panko breadcrumbs: These flaky Japanese breadcrumbs stay wonderfully crisp in the air fryer—way crunchier than the regular kind!
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that infuses the fries with herby notes and a nostalgic pizzeria aroma.
• Kosher salt and ground pepper, to taste: Essential for balancing flavors and bringing out the zing in each bite.
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped: This final flourish of color and freshness takes the fries over the top at the very end.

Variations

Don’t be afraid to get creative with your Air Fryer Parmesan Zucchini Fries! This recipe is wonderfully flexible, so you can tweak it to suit your own tastes (or whatever’s in your pantry) without skipping a beat.

• Low-Carb or Keto: Replace the Panko with crushed pork rinds for a crunchy, low-carb fry that’s completely keto-friendly.
• Vegan Version: Use dairy-free cheese shreds in place of Parmesan and opt for vegan breadcrumbs for a plant-based snack.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap in gluten-free panko or breadcrumbs to make these fries perfect for those avoiding gluten.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika to the breading mix if you like a little heat with your crunch.
• Shape It Up: Don’t limit yourself to classic “fries”—try coins, wedges, or even rounds for a fun twist and different textures.

How to Make Air Fryer Parmesan Zucchini Fries

Step 1: Slice and Prep Zucchini

Start by washing and trimming the ends of your zucchini, then slice them in half and cut each half lengthwise into fry-shaped batons. If you prefer, you can also make rounds or thicker wedges—just aim for even sizes so they cook up evenly and crisp.

Step 2: Mix the Crunchy Coating

In a shallow plate or dish, combine your grated Parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, a generous pinch of salt, and a few cracks of black pepper. Give it a good stir! This is your savory, crispy coating and the key to perfect Air Fryer Parmesan Zucchini Fries.

Step 3: Coat the Zucchini

Lightly spray your zucchini pieces with avocado oil (or any spray oil you like). One by one, dip each fry into the Parmesan-panko mixture, pressing gently to help the coating adhere on all sides. It’s a little hands-on, but so satisfying!

Step 4: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F if needed, and give the basket a quick spray of oil. Arrange the coated zucchini fries in a single layer, with a bit of room between each piece for maximum air circulation. Air fry for 8–10 minutes, or until the fries are golden and crunchy on the outside and tender inside. If making a big batch, air fry in batches for best results!

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once the zucchini fries are hot and crispy, transfer them to a serving plate and shower with freshly chopped parsley. Dive in while they’re still piping hot for that unbeatable crunch!

How to Serve Air Fryer Parmesan Zucchini Fries

Garnishes

A light sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley always makes these fries look gorgeous and adds a pop of fresh flavor. For an extra hit of zing, a little bit of lemon zest or even a dusting of extra grated Parmesan right before serving works wonders.

Side Dishes

Pair your Air Fryer Parmesan Zucchini Fries with classic dipping sauces like ranch, marinara, or even spicy ketchup. They also shine as a side to burgers, grilled chicken, or piled next to a fresh summer salad for a light, satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your fries in a parchment-lined basket for a casual, farmhouse feel, or build happy hour platters with a rainbow of sauces for dunking. For parties, try stacking fries in a “log cabin” shape—a whimsical, crowd-pleasing presentation that never fails to spark conversation!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If (and it’s a big if!) you have leftover zucchini fries, pop them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. They’ll lose a little crunch, but a quick air fryer or oven reheat brings them right back to life.

Freezing

While they’re best fresh, you can freeze the uncooked, breaded zucchini fries in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag once solid. Bake them straight from frozen—no need to thaw—but expect a slightly softer texture compared to fresh.

Reheating

To restore maximum crunch, reheat your fries in the air fryer at 375°F for 2–3 minutes or in a 400°F oven for about 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it tends to make the coating soggy instead of crispy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you love quick, easy veggie recipes that are just plain fun to eat, these Air Fryer Parmesan Zucchini Fries are a must-try. Crispy, cheesy, and endlessly customizable, they’re more than a snack—they’re a new staple you’ll want to make again and again!

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