Air Fryer Zucchini Fries

If you love crispy snacks but want something lighter than deep-fried chips, these Garlic Parmesan Zucchini Fries are such a good option. They are coated in flour, egg, and a crunchy panko-Parmesan mixture, then cooked in the air fryer until golden and crisp.

The zucchini stays tender inside while the outside becomes crisp, savoury, and cheesy. A little garlic powder and smoked paprika add extra flavour, and the creamy paprika yoghurt dip makes them even better for dipping.

They are best served straight away while the coating is still crisp. Enjoy them as a snack, appetiser, side dish, or even as part of a light lunch with salad.

Servings: 2 - Prep: 15 min - Cook: 8–11 min - Total: 25–30 minutes

Ingredients

Zucchini Fries

• 1 medium zucchini

• Pinch of salt

• 25 g plain flour / 3 tbsp all-purpose flour

• 1 egg, beaten

• 45 g panko breadcrumbs / about 1½ cups

• 15 g grated Parmesan / about ¼ cup

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

• Black pepper, to taste

• Oil spray

Paprika Dip

• 80 g Greek yoghurt / about ⅓ cup

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp lemon juice

• 1 small garlic clove, grated

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Zucchini

Cut the zucchini into thick fries. Try to keep the pieces a similar size so they cook evenly. Sprinkle the zucchini fries with a pinch of salt and let them rest for 10 minutes. This helps draw out extra moisture. After resting, pat them very dry with kitchen paper or a clean towel. This step is important for a crispier coating.

2. Set Up the Coating Station

Place the flour in one shallow bowl. Add the beaten egg to a second bowl. In a third bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper.

3. Coat the Zucchini Fries

Coat each zucchini piece first in the flour, shaking off any excess. Dip it into the beaten egg, then coat it well in the panko-Parmesan mixture. Press the breadcrumbs on gently so they stick.

4. Air Fry

Preheat the air fryer to 200°C / 390°F. Place the coated zucchini fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the basket, or they may steam instead of crisp. Spray lightly with oil. Air fry for 8–11 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the zucchini fries are golden and crisp.

5. Make the Paprika Dip

While the zucchini fries are cooking, mix the Greek yoghurt, smoked paprika, lemon juice, grated garlic, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

6. Serve

Serve the zucchini fries immediately with the paprika yoghurt dip. They are best enjoyed hot, while the coating is still crisp.

Tips and Tricks

✅ Pat the zucchini very dry. Zucchini holds a lot of water, so drying it well helps the coating stick and crisp up properly.

✅ Do not skip the resting time. Salting the zucchini for 10 minutes helps remove extra moisture and gives better texture.

✅ Cut thick fries, not thin sticks. Thick pieces hold their shape better and give you a tender centre with a crispy outside.

✅ Cook in a single layer. If the basket is crowded, the fries will steam instead of crisp. Cook in batches if needed.

✅ Use oil spray. A light spray helps the breadcrumbs turn golden without needing lots of oil.