Looking for a crispy, golden snack that’s healthy, easy to make, and perfect for any occasion? These air fryer zucchini fries hit all the right notes. They’re crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with flavor without the grease of traditional deep frying. Whether you’re snacking solo, serving guests, or feeding picky kids—these fries are a total win.
Plus, you don’t need fancy skills or equipment to make them—just a zucchini or two and a trusty air fryer. If you’re new to the world of air frying or want more consistent, crispier results…
This is the air fryer I use in my kitchen every day: Ninja Foodi MAX Dual Zone Digital Air Fryer, 2 Drawers, 9.5L, 6-in-1 — it crisps beautifully, cooks evenly, and cleans up in minutes. It’s a total game-changer for healthier snacking.
Zucchini fries are a smart snack choice. Unlike regular fries, they’re low in calories, naturally gluten-free (if you use GF breadcrumbs), and a sneaky way to get more veggies into your diet. The air fryer makes them irresistibly crispy with just a light mist of oil—no deep-frying needed.
They’re also super versatile. You can keep them simple with Parmesan and herbs, spice them up with Cajun seasoning, or even serve them with a variety of dips like ranch, marinara, or garlic aioli.
Perfect as:
- A party appetizer
- A low-carb side dish
- A guilt-free Netflix snack
- A healthy option for kids’ lunchboxes
Let’s get into it!
Fried Eggs with Tomatoes
Course: AppetizersCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings15
minutes10
minutes150
kcalIngredients
2 medium zucchinis
1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour for low-carb)
2 large eggs
1 tbsp water (to thin the eggs slightly)
1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp black pepper
Salt to taste
Cooking spray or olive oil mist
1/2 scant teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon Shaoxing wine (optional)
3 dashes ground white pepper
3 tablespoons cooking oil
8 oz. (226g) fresh tomato, cut into thin wedges
1 teaspoon sugar
2 tablespoons water
- Optional for Serving:
Marinara sauce
Ranch dressing
Garlic aioli
Lemon wedges
Directions
- Prep the Zucchini
Wash and dry the zucchinis thoroughly.
Cut off both ends, then slice the zucchini in half lengthwise, and again into quarters to form “fries” or sticks. Aim for uniform thickness (about 1/2 inch) so they cook evenly.
💡 Tip: Don’t cut them too thin—they’ll turn mushy. - Set Up the Breading Station
Set up three shallow bowls:
Bowl 1: Add flour.
Bowl 2: Beat the eggs with a splash of water.
Bowl 3: Combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. - Bread the Zucchini Fries
Lightly dredge each zucchini stick in the flour.
Dip it into the egg wash.
Roll it in the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture, pressing gently so it sticks well.
Repeat for all fries. Place breaded fries on a tray or plate.
🧠 Pro Tip: For extra crunch, chill the breaded fries in the fridge for 10 minutes before air frying. - Air Fry the Fries
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or mist with olive oil.
Arrange zucchini fries in a single layer without overcrowding (you may need to cook in batches).
Air fry at 400°F for 9–10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Fries are done when golden brown and crispy on the outside. - Serve & Enjoy
Serve immediately while hot and crispy. Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs or an extra grating of Parmesan for presentation. Pair with your favorite dip and watch them disappear!
Notes
- 🔄 Variations to Try:
Spicy Fries: Add 1/2 tsp cayenne or smoked paprika to the breadcrumbs.
Keto-Friendly: Use almond flour and crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs.
Vegan: Replace eggs with unsweetened almond milk + 1 tbsp flax meal.
Cheesy Twist: Add shredded mozzarella or vegan cheese to the breadcrumb mixture. - ❄️ How to Store & Reheat:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 3–4 minutes to restore crispiness.
Avoid microwaving — it will make them soggy. - 🧼 Cleanup Tip:
To prevent sticking and make cleanup easier, line your air fryer basket with a perforated parchment liner or spray lightly with oil before cooking.
