Golden brown, crispy, and bursting with flavor, these Parmesan Garlic Zucchini Fries make the perfect appetizer or side dish. Whether you prepare them in the air fryer or oven, they turn out beautifully crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside. Serve them with marinara or ranch for a satisfying bite every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These zucchini fries are everything you want in a savory snack or side dish — flavorful, crispy, and surprisingly light. They’re a great way to make vegetables more exciting for kids and adults alike. The garlic and parmesan add a rich, cheesy kick, while the air fryer or oven method keeps them golden without excess oil. Perfect for summer when zucchini is abundant, this recipe transforms a humble vegetable into a crave-worthy treat.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 medium zucchini (7–8 inches long) or 3–4 small zucchini
2 eggs
½ cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
1½ teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
2 teaspoons dried oregano
2 teaspoons dried parsley
½ teaspoon salt
Spray cooking oil (avocado or olive oil recommended)
Directions
Prepare the Zucchini
Rinse and dry the zucchini well. Slice off both ends.
Cut each zucchini in half crosswise, then lengthwise into quarters. Slice each piece again lengthwise into even fry-shaped sticks.
Pat the zucchini dry thoroughly with a paper towel to remove any extra moisture—this helps the coating stick better.
Prepare the Breading
In one small bowl, mix the Parmesan cheese, Panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, parsley, and salt.
In a second bowl, beat the eggs until smooth.
In a third bowl, add the flour.
Bread the Zucchini
Dip each zucchini piece first into the flour, coating evenly.
Next, dip it into the egg mixture, shaking off any excess.
Finally, roll the zucchini in the Panko mixture, pressing gently to help the coating stick.
Place the breaded zucchini on a baking sheet or air fryer tray in a single layer.
Air Fryer Method
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Lightly spray the basket with cooking oil.
Arrange the zucchini fries in a single layer without overlapping. Spray the tops lightly with oil.
Air fry for 10 minutes. Flip or shake the basket, then cook for another 2–6 minutes, until golden and crispy.
For extra crispiness, increase the temperature to 425°F (220°C) for 1–2 minutes.
Oven Method
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line two baking pans with parchment paper or lightly oil them.
Place the zucchini fries in a single layer, leaving space between each piece. Spray lightly with cooking oil.
Bake for 10 minutes, then flip all fries and spray again. Bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until golden brown.
For a crispier finish, broil for 1–2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately with marinara, ranch, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Substitute the seasonings with two tablespoons of Everything But The Bagel seasoning.
Swap Parmesan for a blend of Parmesan, Romano, and Asiago cheeses.
Try dipping in BBQ sauce, tzatziki, or fry sauce instead of marinara.
Use yellow or golden zucchini for a colorful variation.
For a gluten-free version, substitute almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover zucchini fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as it will make them soggy. Instead, reheat in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes or in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 8 minutes until crisp again.
FAQs
How do I keep zucchini fries from getting soggy?
Dry the zucchini well before coating and avoid overcrowding in the air fryer or on the baking sheet.
Can I make these fries ahead of time?
You can slice and bread the zucchini ahead, then refrigerate for a few hours before cooking.
Can I freeze zucchini fries?
Yes, freeze them after breading on a tray until solid, then store in freezer bags. Cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
What’s the best dipping sauce for zucchini fries?
Marinara, ranch, or a yogurt-based dip pairs perfectly with the garlicky, cheesy coating.
Do I need to peel the zucchini first?
No, the peel helps the fries hold their shape and adds nutrients.
Can I bake them without Panko breadcrumbs?
Yes, but the fries won’t be as crispy. Crushed cornflakes or almond flour can be good substitutes.
How do I cut the zucchini evenly?
Cut each zucchini in half crosswise, then slice lengthwise into even sticks to ensure uniform cooking.
Can I use yellow squash instead of zucchini?
Absolutely! Yellow squash works well and has a similar texture and flavor.
How can I make them extra crispy?
Spray lightly with oil and increase the temperature at the end of cooking. Broiling also helps achieve a crisp finish.
Are these zucchini fries healthy?
Yes, they’re lighter than deep-fried versions and made with minimal oil, making them a nutritious choice for snacking or sides.
Conclusion
These Parmesan Garlic Zucchini Fries are a crispy, flavorful way to enjoy your vegetables. Whether cooked in the air fryer or oven, they offer the perfect balance of crunch and tenderness. Serve them hot with your favorite dip, and watch them disappear fast—this is one side dish everyone will love.
Parmesan Garlic Zucchini Fries are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with cheesy, herby flavor. Cooked in the oven or air fryer, they make a healthier alternative to traditional fries and a fun way to enjoy zucchini.
Ingredients
2 medium zucchini (7–8 inches long) or 3–4 small zucchini
2 eggs
½ cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
1½ teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
2 teaspoons dried oregano
2 teaspoons dried parsley
½ teaspoon salt
Spray cooking oil (avocado or olive oil recommended)
Instructions
Rinse and dry zucchini. Slice off ends and cut into fry-shaped sticks. Pat dry with paper towels.
Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mix of Parmesan, Panko, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, parsley, and salt.
Dip each zucchini stick into flour, then egg, then coat with the Panko-Parmesan mixture. Press lightly to adhere.
Arrange breaded zucchini in a single layer on an air fryer tray or baking sheet.
For Air Fryer: Preheat to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray tray and fries with oil. Cook 10 minutes, flip, then cook 2–6 more minutes. Optionally increase to 425°F for final 1–2 minutes for extra crispiness.
For Oven: Preheat to 425°F (220°C). Place fries on parchment-lined or greased baking sheet. Spray with oil. Bake 10 minutes, flip, then bake another 10 minutes. Broil 1–2 minutes if desired.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately with dipping sauce of choice.
Notes
Dry zucchini thoroughly before breading for maximum crispiness.
Add cayenne for heat or try Everything Bagel seasoning for variety.
Substitute almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.
Use yellow squash for a colorful variation.
Best served immediately, but can be reheated in oven or air fryer.
