Fried Zucchini in an Air Fryer

Craving a crispy, delicious snack that’s quick and easy to make? Fried Zucchini in an Air Fryer is the perfect solution! This simple recipe delivers all the flavor and crunch of traditional fried zucchini without the excess oil or mess. Using an air fryer, you can achieve perfectly golden fried zucchini in just minutes, ideal as a healthy appetizer, side dish, or snack. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, fried zucchini in an air fryer is a tasty and guilt-free crowd-pleaser. Oven instructions included!

Ingredients to Make Fried Zucchini in an Air Fryer Recipe

Summer zucchini is truly a gift, abundant, versatile, and perfect for so many recipes. From sweet treats like cakes, breads, and muffins to savory dishes like sausage and cheese stuffed zucchini boats, it shines in every form. This recipe for fried zucchini in an air fryer is another standout: it delivers all the satisfying crunch of traditional frying, but without the extra oil or guilt. Thanks to the plentiful supply of zucchini, this delicious dish can be enjoyed year-round, whether it’s peak summer harvest or a quick grocery store pick-up. Ingredients you’ll need to make Air Fryer Zucchini Fries: (Scroll down for the full printable recipe card.)

Zucchini – Three or four large zucchini. Peel intact.
Flour – All purpose flour helps the coating to adhere to the zucchini.
Liquid – Milk beaten with one large egg forms the milk-egg wash.
Breadcrumbs – Italian seasoned breadcrumbs form the outer crispy coating.
Seasonings – Seasoned salt (or plain table salt), granulated garlic or garlic powder, onion powder and black pepper.
Cheese – Finely grated Parmesan cheese gives a tangy salty bite that enhances the flavor.
Oil – Oil spritzer or cooking spray to spray the zucchini fries prior to cooking.

How to Make the BEST Fried Zucchini in an Air Fryer Recipe

Prep the Zucchini – Thoroughly clean zucchini. Slice off rounded ends. Slice zucchini through the middle lengthwise into two equal halves. (Cutting off the rounded edges on the zucchini keeps the fries more “fry” shaped.)
Cut Zucchini into Sticks – Lay zucchini on the cutting board, flat side down, slicing into 1/3-1/2 inch slices. Next, cut long strips into 3-4-inch sticks or “fries.” (Keep them uniform in length, this can vary slightly depending on the length of the zucchini).
Assemble 3 Shallow Bowls with the dredging ingredients: Dip each zucchini stick in the flour mixture, milk-egg wash and breadcrumbs. Place onto a sheet pan.
Air Fryer – Spray the air fryer basket with an oil mister or liberally coat with cooking spray. Arrange zucchini in the basket in a single layer leaving space between for air to circulate. Spray liberally with an oil mister or cooking spray.
Air Fry Zucchini Fries – Cook in batches per the cook time in the recipe, flipping halfway through, and spraying with additional oil or cooking spray. Keep warm in a 200°F oven and repeat until all of the zucchini is fried.
Enjoy – Serve immediately with ketchup, ranch dressing, pizza sauce or marinara sauce for dipping.

Kitchen Equipment to Make Air Fryer Zucchini Fries

Sharp knife and cutting board for prepping the zucchini.
Three shallow bowls to assemble a dredging station.
Tongs for turning the zucchini.
Large sheet pan is handy to have nearby so you can assemble all of the zucchini at one time.
Large air fryer. You can use an air fryer with a basket or a multi-purpose air fryer that’s like a countertop oven.
Cooking spray or an oil mister to spray the zucchini.
Paper towels to pat the zucchini dry.

how-do-you-make-fried-zucchini-in-an-air-fryer

Recipe Variations, Tips and Substitutions

Zucchini – this recipe was tested with large zucchini. If you have medium-size or smaller zucchinis then the amount needed will differ. You should end up with about 50 zucchini strips that are about 3-4 inches long and about 1/3-1/2-inch thick after cutting.
Squash – You could adapt this air fryer zucchini recipe using yellow squash.
Whole Milk – Whole milk works best. You could also use buttermilk, almond milk or soy milk. Most types of milk should work well in this recipe.
Breadcrumbs – Regular Italian bread crumbs are used in this recipe. Plain breadcrumbs can be used instead, adding ½-1 teaspoon dry Italian seasoning, if you want the Italian flavor. You can also use panko bread crumbs or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Air Fryer Zucchini Chips – You can slice narrow zucchini into 1/2-inch slices to make zucchini “chips”. The process is the same, but the cooking time may need to be adjusted.
How to Make Sure the Zucchini Isn’t Soggy – Pat dry the zucchini strips with paper towels to remove excess moisture prior to coating in the seasoned flour will help prevent this from happening. Also, make a special effort to completely coat during each step.

Storage and Leftovers

Make-Ahead Tips – You can make this air fried zucchini ahead of time and flash freeze them until needed. To do so, fully coat them and place then on a sheet pan without touching. Freeze until solid then store in an airtight freezer container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge then cook per the recipe, increasing the cooking time as needed. I recommend assembling these and cooking them fresh for the very best result.
Leftovers – Store leftover zucchini fries in an airtight container chilled in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before storing, be sure to cool completely and place paper towels between layers, if stacking.
Reheating – Reheat in the air fryer or in a preheated 350°F oven on a sheet pan just until crisped.
Freezing Cooked Zucchini – You can cool and freeze any leftovers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat just before serving.

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes to Make

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders cook quickly and result in a healthier option.
Make juicy Air Fryer Meatloaf any night of the week.
Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts.
Air Fryer Baked Potatoes loaded up with toppings just never disappoints.
Air Fryer Barbecue Chicken Breasts are tender and juicy.
Make this small bath Air Fryer Macaroni and Cheese.
Cajun Seasoned Air Fryer Shrimp.
All American Air Fryer Hamburgers.
Air Fryer Chicken Wings from Food Network.

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