Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Zucchini Fries

$To make Air Fryer Parmesan Zucchini Fries, gather these items: - 2 medium zucchinis, cut into fry shapes - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - ½ teaspoon dried oregano - ½ teaspoon paprika - 2 large eggs - Salt and pepper to taste - Olive oil spray These ingredients create a crispy and tasty snack or side dish that everyone will love. You can swap some ingredients if needed: - Use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko for a different texture. - Try other cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella for a unique flavor. - Replace eggs with a flax egg for a vegan option. - Use fresh herbs instead of dried for a fresher taste. - If you want, add spices like cayenne for a kick. These alternatives help customize the dish to your taste. Here's a quick look at the nutrition per serving (based on 4 servings): - Calories: 220 - Protein: 9g - Fat: 10g - Carbohydrates: 28g - Fiber: 2g - Sugars: 2g These fries are a great way to enjoy veggies while keeping things tasty and healthy. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start with two medium zucchinis. Wash them well under cold water. Cut each zucchini into fry shapes. Aim for uniform sizes so they cook evenly. You want them about a quarter-inch thick. This size gives a nice crunch. After cutting, pat them dry with a paper towel. This step helps the coating stick better. In a mixing bowl, combine the coating ingredients. Use one cup of panko breadcrumbs and half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Add one teaspoon of garlic powder and one teaspoon of onion powder. Then, sprinkle in half a teaspoon of dried oregano and half a teaspoon of paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything well so the flavors blend together. In a separate bowl, whisk two large eggs until smooth. This helps the coating stick to the zucchini fries. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for crispy fries. Dip each zucchini fry into the beaten eggs first. Let any extra egg drip off. Next, coat it in the breadcrumb mixture. Press lightly to make sure it sticks. Place the coated fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not let them touch. This ensures that each fry gets crispy. Lightly spray them with olive oil spray for even more crunch. Cook the zucchini fries for 10 to 12 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through for even cooking. They are ready when they turn golden brown and crispy. Once done, let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy these tasty, crispy fries! To get your zucchini fries extra crispy, follow these tips: - Use Panko Breadcrumbs: They create a light and crunchy coating. Regular breadcrumbs won't have the same texture. - Dry the Zucchini: After cutting, pat the zucchini with paper towels. This step removes excess moisture. - Spray with Olive Oil: A light spray helps the fries crisp up. Too much oil can make them soggy. - Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Arrange the fries in a single layer. This helps hot air circulate around each fry. Here are some best practices for using your air fryer: - Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheating ensures even cooking. Set it to 400°F (200°C) before you start. - Shake the Basket: At the halfway point, shake the basket gently. This helps fries cook evenly on all sides. - Adjust Time for Thickness: If your fries are thicker, add a minute or two to the cook time. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning. Watch out for these common mistakes: - Skipping the Egg Wash: The egg helps the coating stick. Don't skip this step for best results. - Not Seasoning Enough: Add salt and pepper generously. Seasoning enhances the flavor of the zucchini. - Ignoring Cook Times: Each air fryer is different. Check for doneness a minute before the time is up. You want them golden brown and crispy. Pro Tips Cut Evenly: Make sure to cut your zucchini fries into uniform sizes to ensure they cook evenly and achieve the perfect crispiness. Double-Dip for Crunch: For extra crunch, consider double-dipping your zucchini fries in the egg and breadcrumb mixture before air frying. Don’t Overcrowd: Place the zucchini fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can lead to soggy fries instead of crispy ones. Experiment with Spices: Feel free to customize the seasoning mix with your favorite spices or herbs to give your zucchini fries a unique flavor. {{image_2}} You can switch up the cheese for your zucchini fries. Instead of Parmesan, try using mozzarella for a gooey texture. Cheddar adds a sharp flavor that many love. For a twist, use feta cheese for a tangy kick. Each cheese will change the taste, keeping your fries fun and exciting. Spices and herbs can enhance your zucchini fries. Add Italian seasoning for a classic taste. Cayenne pepper gives a spicy kick for heat lovers. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary add a bright touch. You can even mix in lemon zest for a fresh zing. Experiment with what you like best! If you need a gluten-free option, swap panko breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour. Both work well to give you a nice crunch. You can also use chickpea flour for a nutty flavor. These alternatives keep your fries crispy and delicious without gluten. To store leftover zucchini fries, let them cool first. Then, place them in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure they are not stacked on top of each other. This will help keep them crispy. To reheat zucchini fries, use your air fryer. Set it to 350°F (175°C). Place the fries in a single layer. Heat for about 5 minutes. This method keeps them crispy. You can also use a toaster oven. Just avoid using the microwave. It makes them soggy. You can freeze zucchini fries for later use. First, cook the fries as usual. Once they cool, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about 1-2 hours. Then, move them to a freezer bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, cook them straight from frozen in the air fryer. Yes, you can use many other vegetables! Carrots, sweet potatoes, and eggplant work well. Cut them into fry shapes like zucchini. The same coating and cooking method can apply. You may need to adjust the cook time based on the vegetable's thickness or type. Experiment with your favorites for tasty results! You can still enjoy crispy zucchini fries. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Follow the same steps for coating zucchini in the recipe. Place the coated fries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown. Flip them halfway through for even cooking. Zucchini fries taste great with many sauces! Marinara sauce is a classic choice. Ranch dressing adds a creamy touch. You can also try garlic aioli or spicy ketchup for a fun twist. Experiment with different dips to find your favorite pairing! In this blog post, I covered how to make delicious air fryer parmesan zucchini fries. We looked at the ingredients, substitutions, and nutrition, then moved to step-by-step instructions. I shared tips for crispiness, variations, and storage. You can explore other vegetables and even make fries without an air fryer. I encourage you to try this recipe and enjoy a healthy snack. You will love how easy it is to make crispy zucchini fries that taste great and satisfy your cravings. Enjoy!$

Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Zucchini Fries

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

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 10

Total Time 25

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

2 medium zucchinis, cut into fry shapes
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
0.5 teaspoon paprika
2 large eggs
to taste salt and pepper
as needed olive oil spray

Instructions

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
In a bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs until well beaten.
Dip each zucchini fry first into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, coat it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure an even covering.
Place the coated zucchini fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not touching for optimal crispness.
Lightly spray the fries with olive oil spray for added crispiness.
Cook in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. Continue cooking until they are golden brown and crispy.
Once cooked, remove from the air fryer and let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Serve with marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil.

Keyword air fryer, appetizer, Parmesan, zucchini fries