Crispy Parmesan Air Fryer Zucchini Fries

Name: Air Fryer Zucchini Fries (Parmesan Panko)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 3
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb (450 g) zucchini; 1/4 cup (30 g) all-purpose flour; 1 tbsp cornstarch; 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt; 1/2 tsp dried oregano; 1/4 tsp garlic powder; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 3 large egg whites; 4 oz (115 g) Parmesan, finely grated (about 1 cup); 3/4 cup (45 g) panko breadcrumbs; Cooking spray; Marinara sauce, optional

Zucchini fries need a proper breading to beat the squash's water content. Cut sticks a quarter inch thick, dredge through seasoned flour and cornstarch, dip in frothy egg whites, then coat in Parmesan panko. Air fry at 400°F in small batches with cooking spray until golden.

30 min total
400°F / 204°C
3 servings
15 min prep

Jump to recipe See steps

Crispy Parmesan Air Fryer Zucchini Fries

Stick shape, not rounds

French-fry-sized strips let the center stay tender while the breading crisps. Thin rounds are chips; these are fries.

Egg whites only

Whisked egg whites coat cleanly without the extra moisture yolks add. The crust stays lighter and crunchier.

Batch and spray

About a dozen fries per round, not touching. A light spray of oil is what browns the Parmesan panko.

Crispy Parmesan Air Fryer Zucchini Fries

Prep 15 min · Cook 15 min · Total 30 min · 3 servings

Air Fryer400°F / 204°C

Basket time8 min

Flip / shakesee steps

Tested onCosori 5.8 qt, 1700W

Crowding. Small batches only. Crowded fries steam and shed their coating.

Basket liner (optional). Air fryer paper basket liners are optional. They catch drips and make cleanup easier. Use the molded type that fits your basket; air flows around the sides. Never cover the whole basket floor with solid foil.

Step-by-step instructions

Follow each step in order. Photos show what to look for so the basket finish matches the plate.

Bread

Shake flour, cornstarch, salt, oregano, garlic powder and pepper in a zip-top bag or bowl.
Whisk egg whites in a shallow dish until frothy. Combine Parmesan and panko in a second dish.
Trim zucchini and cut into 1/4-inch sticks: halve crosswise, slice into planks, then cut planks into fries.
Zucchini sticks being breaded in parmesan panko
Working in thirds, toss sticks in the flour mix, dip in egg whites, then coat in Parmesan panko. Lay breaded fries on a sheet in a single layer.

Cook

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (204°C).
Air fry about 12 fries at a time in a single layer without touching. Spray lightly with oil. Cook 5-8 minutes until golden and crisp. Repeat with remaining batches.
Golden parmesan zucchini fries in the air fryer basket
Serve immediately with marinara if you like.