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These air fryer zucchini fries are a fun, new way to serve zucchini to your little ones. Serve it up with a side of marinara sauce for a meal they’ll be sure to love!

Zucchini can be hit or miss depending on how it is prepared. These air fryer zucchini fries have a crisp, crunchy coating on the outside with a moist, tender piece of zucchini on the inside. They can be cooked in the air fryer or in the oven!

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

Here is what you’ll need to make these air fryer zucchini fries:

• Zucchini: The star ingredient for these fries. I usually slice them into small, thin strips so that they resemble normal fries.
• Parmesan Cheese: A key ingredient in this meal! The parmesan cheese adds flavor to the breadcrumb coating and also helps the fries to achieve that golden brown color.
• Flour: Used as a layer to coat the zucchini sticks.
• Eggs: Used to help seal in moisture within the zucchini. Also used to help the breadcrumbs stick to the zucchini sticks.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: I use plain flavored panko breadcrumbs in this recipe.
• Salt/Black Pepper: Used to season the zucchini prior to coating. You may omit the salt on a few pieces for a baby.
• Oil Spray: To spray the fries prior to air fryer or baking to ensure moisture and even browning.

PROCESS

AIR FRYER INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F.
2. Slice the zucchini into thin-sized strips. Pat them dry and season them with a little salt and pepper to taste.
3. Dip the zucchini strips (a few at a time) into the flour, shake off the excess flour, and set aside.
4. Whisk together the egg until smooth. In a separate bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese until combined.
5. Dip each floured zucchini strip into the egg mixture and shake off any excess. Immediately dip the egg-coated zucchini pieces into the breadcrumb cheese mixture, making sure to firmly pat the breadcrumbs into the zucchini so that they stick. Repeat with each piece and set them aside.
6. Place a few coated zucchini strips in an air fryer basket in an even layer. Be sure not to overcrowd the basket so that they cook evenly.
7. Spray a generous coat of cooking spray (I use avocado oil spray) onto each piece. This will ensure that the zucchini fries will brown evenly.
8. Air fry the zucchini fries for 10 minutes or until golden brown.

OVEN BAKED INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Slice the zucchini into thin-sized strips. Pat them dry and season them with a little salt and pepper to taste.
3. Dip the zucchini strips (a few at a time) into the flour, shake off the excess flour, and set aside.
4. Whisk together the egg until smooth. In a separate bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese until combined.
5. Dip each floured zucchini strip into the egg mixture and shake off any excess. Immediately dip the egg-coated zucchini pieces into the breadcrumb cheese mixture, making sure to firmly pat the breadcrumbs into the zucchini so that they stick. Repeat with each piece and set them aside.
6. Place the coated zucchini strips on a parchment paper lined pan. Spray the zucchini fries with a generous coat of cooking spray (I use avocado oil spray).
   This will ensure that the zucchini fries will brown evenly.
7. Bake the fries for 15-20 minutes, until golden brown in color.

SUBSTITUTIONS

• Cheeses: Dairy-free cheeses may be used as alternatives in place of the parmesan cheese. Nutritional yeast may also be an option to replace the parmesan cheese, but I have not tested this myself.
• Panko breadcrumbs: The panko breadcrumbs may be replaced with normal breadcrumbs. I find that panko breadcrumbs yield more crispy zucchini fries. You may also replace it with almond flour for a gluten free option.
• Eggs: I would recommend using either melted butter or heavy cream in place of the eggs. These options will both help to seal moisture within the zucchini and allow the breadcrumb cheese mixture to stick to the breasts.

RECIPE NOTES

• These fries pair well with a side of marinara sauce. I love using Rao’s homemade classic marinara sauce!
• Air-fryer and oven temperature may slightly vary, so be sure to check on the fries often and remove them once they are golden brown in color.

Here are some other lunch recipes that you may like!

• Creamy Mushroom Chicken
• Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry
• Oven-Baked Meatballs