Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Zucchini Fries

• 3 medium zucchini, cut into 3-inch sticks
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Cooking spray or olive oil spray
• Optional: marinara sauce for dipping

Instructions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
2. Prepare three separate bowls: one with flour, one with lightly beaten eggs, and one with a mix of panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
3. Pat the zucchini sticks dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the coating stick better and get crispier.
4. One at a time, dredge each zucchini stick in flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the egg wash, and finally coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture. Press breadcrumbs gently to adhere well.
5. Place the coated zucchini sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray them lightly with cooking spray or olive oil spray to enhance crispiness.
6. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crisping, until golden brown and tender.
7. Remove from the air fryer and let cool for a couple of minutes before serving.
8. Serve warm with optional marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.

Chef tips

• Dry the zucchini well before coating to prevent soggy fries.
• If you don’t have panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs can be used but the texture will be less crunchy.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary to maintain crispiness.
• If you like spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the breadcrumb mix.