Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Fries with Garlic-Parmesan Dip

• 3 medium zucchinis (about 1 pound), cut into 3-inch sticks
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups 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
• Olive oil spray or cooking spray
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 small garlic clove, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare three shallow bowls: place flour in the first bowl, whisk eggs in the second, and mix panko breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup Parmesan, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in the third.
2. Pat zucchini sticks dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture; this helps the coating stick better.
3. Working in batches, dredge each zucchini stick first in flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture.
4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray.
5. Arrange the coated zucchini fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Lightly spray the fries with olive oil spray to help them crisp up.
6. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even crisping. The fries should be golden and crispy.
7. While the fries cook, combine Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, minced garlic, 1 tablespoon Parmesan, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
8. Serve the crispy zucchini fries hot with the garlic-parmesan dip on the side.

Chef tips

• Dry zucchini sticks thoroughly before breading to avoid soggy crusts.
• If you prefer gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with rice flour and use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches for the crispiest fries.
• For extra crispiness, spray fries with a little olive oil spray halfway through cooking.