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A plate of crispy air fryer garlic Parmesan zucchini fries, golden brown and ready to eat.

Crispy Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Zucchini Fries: 12 Min

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Written by Alex Hayes

August 19, 2025

Oh, I am SO excited for you to try these! Seriously, if you’re looking for a way to sneak more veggies into your life that tastes like a total treat, you’ve hit the jackpot. I remember when I first discovered how amazing the air fryer could be – it was a total game-changer for my kitchen! Making these Air fryer garlic Parmesan zucchini fries became an instant favorite for me. It’s amazing how simple ingredients can turn into something so satisfying, you know? It’s all about making cooking feel joyful, not like a chore. You can sometimes catch me sharing little kitchen adventures over on my Facebook page, too!

Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Zucchini Fries

Seriously, these aren’t just any zucchini fries – they’re pure joy on a plate! Here’s why you’ll be making them again and again:

  • Super Simple to Make: Honestly, the air fryer does most of the work!
  • Packed with Flavor: That garlic and Parmesan combo is just *chef’s kiss*.
  • Healthy & Delicious: A fantastic way to enjoy veggies without all the oil.
  • Kid-Friendly Veggies: Even the pickiest eaters gobble these up.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: Great as a quick snack, a party appetizer, or a side dish.
  • Quick Cook Time: Ready in a flash, perfect for those busy nights.

Gather Your Ingredients for Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Zucchini Fries

You just need a few simple things for these amazing fries!

  • 1 pound zucchini, ends trimmed
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Cooking spray

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Zucchini Fries

Okay, let’s get these yummy zucchini fries made! It’s really not complicated at all, just follow these easy steps and you’ll have a fantastic crunchy snack in no time.

Preparing the Zucchini for Air Frying

First things first, grab your zucchini. Trim off those ends, and then cut them into sticks about half an inch thick. You want them to be pretty even so they all cook up perfectly. Think of them like little veggie fries!

Creating the Perfect Garlic Parmesan Coating

Now for the best part! In a shallow dish, mix together that lovely grated Parmesan cheese, the panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Give it a little stir. Dip each zucchini stick into the beaten egg, let any extra drip off, and then give it a good roll in that cheesy, garlicky crumb mixture. Press gently so it all sticks!

Air Frying Your Zucchini Fries to Golden Perfection

Get your air fryer preheated to 400°F (200°C) – this is key for crispiness! Arrange your coated zucchini fries in a single layer in the basket. You might need to do this in batches so they don’t get crowded; overcrowding is the enemy of crispy! Give them a light little spray with cooking spray. Then, pop them in for about 10 to 12 minutes, flipping them halfway through. You’re looking for that gorgeous golden brown and wonderfully crispy texture.

Tips for Crispy Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Zucchini Fries

Alright, let’s chat about getting these zucchini fries *extra* crispy. It’s all about a few little tricks I’ve picked up! First off, don’t be afraid to double-dip. Giving those zucchini sticks a second pass through the egg and then the breadcrumb mixture makes a world of difference in creating a really satisfying crunch. Also, remember what I said about batches? It’s super important. If you load up that air fryer basket too much, the hot air can’t circulate properly, and you end up with sad, soggy fries instead of crispy ones. Trust me, it’s worth the tiny bit of extra time!

Serving Suggestions for Your Air Fryer Zucchini Fries

These crispy zucchini fries are just begging for a delicious dip! They go perfectly with a classic marinara sauce, but if you’re feeling a little more adventurous, or want to keep that garlic Parmesan vibe going, a creamy garlic dip is fantastic. For something a bit different, you might even love them with a scoop of my tangy cranberry jalapeno dip or even a sweet contrast like caramel apple dip for a surprise flavor combo. They’re just so versatile!

Variations and Substitutions for Garlic Parmesan Zucchini

You know, the beauty of these zucchini fries is how easy they are to tweak! If you want to switch things up, try adding a little Italian seasoning or some smoked paprika to the breadcrumb mix. A sprinkle of nutritional yeast can add a cheesy, umami flavor too. And for those who need a gluten-free option, just swap out the regular panko for gluten-free panko breadcrumbs – it works like a charm! You can even do that gluten-free zucchini bread recipe I have, so you know the substitution is reliable.

Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Zucchini Fries

Got questions? I’ve got answers! It’s always good to know the little details, and I’m happy to share what I’ve learned so your zucchini fries turn out amazing every time.

Are these Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Zucchini Fries healthy?

Oh, absolutely! Compared to deep-fried versions, these are a much healthier choice. We use way less oil, just a quick spray, and we’re loading up on nutrient-rich zucchini. They’re one of my favorite ways to get my veggies!

Can I use different types of breadcrumbs for my zucchini fries?

You sure can! While panko gives you that super crispy texture, regular breadcrumbs will work too, they might just be a little less crunchy. For a gluten-free option, like I mentioned, definitely go for gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. They really hold up well and give you a great crunch!

How do I store leftover Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Zucchini Fries?

If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), let them cool completely first. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The best way to reheat them to get that crispiness back is to pop them back into the air fryer for a few minutes at around 375°F!

Nutritional Information for Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Zucchini Fries

Just a little heads-up: the nutrition facts are always an estimate, and they can change a bit depending on exactly how you make them. But for a serving of these yummy fries, you’re looking at roughly 150 calories, about 8g of fat (with 3g being saturated), 7g of protein, and 15g of carbohydrates, including 3g of fiber. It’s a snack you can feel good about!

Share Your Creations!

I’d absolutely love to hear how your Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Zucchini Fries turned out! Did you try a special dipping sauce? Tell me all about it in the comments below, or even better, leave a rating! Your feedback really helps others, and I love seeing your kitchen successes. You can also find more inspiration and connect with me on my About page or reach out through my contact form!

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Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Zucchini Fries

Crispy Air fryer garlic Parmesan zucchini fries on a white plate, ready to eat.

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Enjoy crispy, flavorful zucchini fries made in your air fryer. This easy recipe uses garlic and Parmesan for a healthy appetizer or snack.

  • Author: purejoyalex
  • Prep Time: 15 min
  • Cook Time: 12 min
  • Total Time: 27 min
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound zucchini, ends trimmed
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Cooking spray

Instructions

  1. Cut zucchini into 1/2-inch thick sticks.
  2. Dip each zucchini stick into the beaten egg, letting excess drip off.
  3. In a shallow dish, combine Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  4. Dredge the egg-coated zucchini sticks in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to coat.
  5. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  6. Arrange the coated zucchini fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may need to cook in batches.
  7. Lightly spray the fries with cooking spray.
  8. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
  9. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, you can double-coat the zucchini fries by dipping them in egg and then the breadcrumb mixture a second time.
  • Ensure you don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow for even cooking and crisping.
  • These fries are a great alternative to traditional potato fries and fit well into a meal planning strategy for healthy eating.
  • Consider serving with a side of marinara sauce or a creamy garlic dip.
  • For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

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Hi, I'm Alex! I believe incredible food doesn't have to be complicated. Here at Pure Cooking Joy, I share delicious, approachable recipes designed to bring happiness back into your kitchen. Let's get cooking!

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