Description
These Air Fryer Parmesan Zucchini Fries are a crispy, flavorful, and healthy appetizer or snack made with crunchy panko and savory Parmesan cheese. Perfectly seasoned with Italian herbs and cooked to golden perfection in the air fryer, they make a guilt-free alternative to traditional fries that’s quick and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
Zucchini Fries
- 4 small zucchini, halved and quartered lengthwise
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- ½ cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- Avocado oil cooking spray
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the zucchini: Wash and cut the zucchini into fries by halving them lengthwise, then quartering each half to create long sticks.
- Preheat the air fryer: Turn on your air fryer and preheat it to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Mix the coating: In a shallow plate, combine the finely grated Parmesan cheese, Panko breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, salt, and ground pepper. Mix thoroughly.
- Coat the zucchini: Lightly spray the zucchini fries with avocado oil to help the coating adhere. Press each zucchini piece gently into the Parmesan mixture, making sure every side is evenly coated.
- Prepare the air fryer basket: Spray a small amount of avocado oil on the bottom of the air fryer basket to prevent sticking.
- Air fry the zucchini fries: Arrange the coated zucchini fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking or flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crisp on the outside.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the fries from the air fryer, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For best results, do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary.
- You can substitute avocado oil spray with any other neutral or olive oil cooking spray.
- Serve with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or your favorite dip for added flavor.
- To keep fries crispy after cooking, place them on a wire rack instead of a plate to avoid sogginess.
- This recipe is best served fresh as the coating can lose crispiness if stored for too long.
