Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Sticks Recipe

Air Fryer Zucchini Sticks are a fun treat, especially when trying to eat more veggies. Cut to resemble french fries, perfectly seasoned and coated in panko and parmesan cheese, crispy zucchini fries are golden, delicious and packed full of flavor. The best part may be that zucchini sticks are lower in carbs than potatoes, making them the perfect snack.

Air fryer zucchini sticks on a plate with a bowl of marinara.

Breaded zucchini fries are the tastiest alternative to traditional potato french fries when making healthy swaps. And, everyone will love these flavorful air fryer zucchini sticks. They are perfect for the whole family and a great way to use a summer vegetable garden favorite. Enjoy this guilt-free zucchini sticks air fryer recipe that’s healthy and easy to make.

If you love eating vegetables in fun ways, try my Cheesy Broccoli Bites, Buffalo Cauliflower Wings, or Crispy Air Fryer Kale Chips.

Why You’ll Love These Crispy Zucchini Fries

It’s quick and easy. These air fryer zucchini sticks only take a few minutes to prepare, and they cook to crispy perfection in less than 15 minutes.
It’s a great way to get more veggies. Getting more vegetables in your diet can be tricky, especially when dealing with picky eaters. Zucchini fries are so good you’ll forget they are good for you.
It’s a tasty lower-carb snack. Eating low-carb can be boring, but nothing about breaded zucchini fries is boring. You will love this flavorful snack thats lower in carbs than regular fries.

Zucchini Sticks Ingredients

Ingredients needed for air fryer zucchini sticks.

Zucchini: Medium-sized zucchini work best and will have the best flavor.
Flour: Use all-purpose flour or substitute your favorite gluten free flour.
Eggs: Bring the eggs to room temperature before lightly beating.
Bread Crumbs: Panko bread crumbs will provide lots of crunch and are preferred over regular bread crumbs. Use gluten free panko if preferred.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated cheese is always the best option for flavor.
Seasonings: A combination of Italian seasonings, dried basil, salt and pepper give these air fryer zucchini sticks lots of flavor.
Chopped parsley: to garnish.

How To Make Air Fryer Zucchini Sticks

Prepare the zucchini. Trim the ends and cut the zucchini into ½ inch thick like french fries. Keep it in a shallow dish. Sprinkle the flour and coat the zucchini with flour evenly. Keep it aside.

Coating fresh zucchini fries with flour.

Coat the zucchini. In a shallow bowl, beat the egg with a fork and keep it aside. In a separate bowl combine panko bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, Italian seasonings, basil, salt and pepper. Keep it aside. Dip the flour coated zucchinis in the egg mixture first and then to the breadcrumb mixture. Repeat the same with the remaining zucchinis.

Breading process for breaded zucchini fries.

Prepare the equipment. Preheat the air fryer to 390 degrees F. Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.

Before and after of zucchini sticks in air fryer.

Make the breaded zucchini fries. Arrange the zucchini fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket and top with cooking spray again. Air fry for 10-12 minutes until they turn crispy and golden.
Garnish and serve. Garnish the zucchini fries with fresh parsley and serve with marinara sauce.

A plate of crispy zucchini fries with one zucchini dunked in marinara.

Tips To Make Breaded Zucchini Fries

Try to cut the zucchini sticks as similar-sized as possible. This will help them to cook evenly.
Dry the zucchini before coating, and they will get incredibly crunchy.
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer. Cook the air fryer zucchini sticks in batches if necessary. You can keep them warm in a low oven until ready to serve.
Flip the zucchini sticks halfway through cooking.
Don’t forget the dip! Try ranch dressing, ketchup or any of your favorite dips.
Serve hot and fresh for the best flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake zucchini fries in the oven?

Yes! These zucchini sticks can be baked and will still turn out pretty crispy. To bake in the oven, simply place the prepared zucchini on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 425 degrees F for 25-30 minutes or until the zucchini fries are crispy and golden.

Do you peel zucchini for zucchini fries?

Zucchini skin is entirely edible and full of nutrients, so there is no need to peel zucchini unless you prefer to. Skipping this step will save you lots of time and effort.

Are zucchini fries healthier than french fries?

Zucchini is low in carbohydrates, high in fiber and has a great mild flavor. Since these fries are cooked with just a tiny amount of oil, they are a healthy alternative to deep-fried french fries. You can make Keto zucchini fries by swapping the flour for almond flour and using crushed pork rinds instead of panko.

How do I store and reheat Air Fryer Zucchini Sticks?

These zucchini fries are best eaten right away as the coating can become soggy. If needed, they can be refrigerated for several days and reheated in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes or until warmed through.

Can I freeze crispy zucchini fries?

Place zucchini fries on a baking sheet and flash freeze for about 30 minutes. Transfer to a freezer bag and freeze for up to three months. To heat, do not thaw! Place directly in the air fryer and heat until hot and crispy.

What to serve with zucchini sticks air fryer?

Zucchini sticks are the perfect starter or side dish for meals like Homemade Burgers, Fried Chicken Sandwich, or Oven Baked Roasted Whole Chicken.

Close up of breaded zucchini fries on a platter.

More Zucchini Recipes

I hope you enjoy all the recipes I share with you, including this delicious Breaded Zucchini Fries recipe. I hope you try it, enjoy it, rate it, and share it with your friends and family!

If you try this recipe and liked it, please leave a star rating and comment below. Use my hashtag to share it with me on Instagram so I can see your delicious recreations! Also, follow me at Cookin’ With Mima on FACEBOOK |INSTAGRAM |PINTEREST for all of my latest social posts and recipes.

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