Air Fryer Zucchini Fries (no flour method)

Crispy, crunchy zucchini

Air fryer zucchini fries? I have to admit, they’ve surprised me! Crispy, crunchy and totally delicious – this is my new favorite way to cook zucchini. They’re so quick and easy, you’ll be making them on repeat!

I’m naturally suspicious of anything that calls itself a fry if it isn’t made of potato! But zucchini fries in the air fryer really do deliver. They make a great accompaniment to many different dishes like barbecue chicken, meat-free burgers or chicken sausages.

A tasty snack that's easy and quick!

Crunchy, salty and with a hint of cheesiness from the parmesan, these air fried zucchini sticks might just be the perfect snack. Panko breadcrumbs make them golden on the outside while they stay tender in the middle. Plus they’re dippable which is always a bonus in my opinion. They’re also great to serve as a side dish when you want a healthy alternative to air fryer French fries.

Some recipes for air fryer zucchini fries call for flour but I made this version without - and it turned out great.

By the way, if you love zucchini, why not try other squashes in the air fryer, like this air fryer butternut squash?

Why this method is so good?

• Crispy without the deep fry – The panko coating turns into golden, crunchy magic in the air fryer.
• No flour needed - This method doesn't use flour so one less step.
• Everyday ingredients – Zucchini, panko breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, oil and seasoning.
• Ready in 15 minutes – When you want a snack in a hurry, this delivers
• Healthy-ish – You’re getting a full serving of veggies in each batch. No need to mention it when serving to picky eaters, though.
• Totally customizable – You can tweak the ingredients for instance, swapping regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free, or adding chili flakes for extra spice.
• Dip-tastic – Marinara, ranch, chipotle mayo… these fries love a sauce situation.
• A great way to use up zucchini – If you have a glut of summer zucchini, this recipe is a great way to use them up.

Why the air fryer is perfect for cooking zucchini fries

Zucchini has a high water content, which usually spells soggy disaster in the oven. But the air fryer? It circulates heat to deliver crispiness. The result is golden, crisp edges without overcooking the tender middle. No babysitting. No oil splatters. Just glorious fries in under 15 minutes.

Ingredients for air fryer zucchini sticks

Here are the ingredients you need to make these zucchini fries in the air fryer.

• 2 medium zucchinis - the star ingredient, I used a mix of green and yellow (no need to peel)
• 1 egg - to help the panko breadcrumbs stick to the fries
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - to give that lovely crispy, crunch coating
• ½ cup grated parmesan - optional but delicious
• Seasoning (salt, pepper, herbs, chili – whatever combination you prefer)
• Cooking spray - to help everything crisp up beautifully

Method

Prep the zucchini: Cut zucchinis in half lengthwise, then slice each half into fry-sized sticks. Think thick-cut fries—not shoestrings.

Set up your breading station:

Bowl 1: Whisked eggs.

Bowl 2: Panko + parmesan.

Bread the fries: Dip each zucchini stick in the egg, then press into the panko mixture. Get it good and coated.

Air fry: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).

Spray the basket with cooking spray. Arrange fries in a single layer (work in batches if needed).

Spray the tops lightly with oil.

Cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.

Enjoy: Serve your zucchini fries right away while they are hot and crispy.

How long to cook zucchini fries in an air fryer?

8 to 10 minutes at 400°F (200°C), flipping once. Keep an eye on them—the coating goes from golden to toasty fast!

Tips for cooking zucchini sticks in an air fryer

• Work in batches – Overcrowding = soggy fries. Give them room to breathe!
• Use tongs for flipping – Keeps that crunchy crust intact.
• Try different seasonings – Italian herbs, smoked paprika, or even a pinch of cayenne for heat.

Alternatives/Substitutions

• Want gluten-free zucchini fries? Use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• No panko? Try crushed crackers, cornmeal, or seasoned breadcrumbs instead.
• No parmesan? Try a different hard cheese – just grate it finely so that it sticks easily to the zucchini fries.

Reheating/Storage

If (and that’s a big if) you have leftovers:

• Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 3–4 minutes to bring the crisp back.

Is zucchini the same as courgette?

Yes, zucchini and courgettes are the same vegetable—they just go by different names depending on where you are. Zucchini is the term used in the United States and Canada, while courgette is commonly used in the UK, Ireland, and many other parts of the world.

Zucchini fries dip suggestions

Any of these dips are great with fries of all kinds so have fun choosing your favorites:

Classic & Creamy Dips:

• Garlic aioli – rich, garlicky, and creamy
• Ranch dressing – cool, herby, and kid-approved
• Lemon-herb yogurt dip – refreshing and tangy with a hint of citrus
• Sour cream and chive – simple and satisfying
• Blue cheese dip – bold and creamy, especially good if you like strong flavors

Tomato-Based Dips:

• Marinara sauce – warm and cozy, like a nod to mozzarella sticks
• Spicy arrabbiata – for a little heat and Italian flair

Tangy & Zesty Dips:

• Tzatziki – cool cucumber, garlic, and yogurt (pairs beautifully with zucchini’s mildness)
• Honey mustard – sweet, tangy, and just the right amount of sharp
• Balsamic glaze or reduction – drizzled or served as a dip for something different

Bold & Flavorful Dips:

• Pesto (basil or sun-dried tomato) – fresh and punchy
• Harissa mayo – smoky, spicy, and creamy
• Chipotle yogurt or mayo – smoky heat with a creamy base

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?
You can bread the zucchini in advance and refrigerate for a few hours. Air fry just before serving for max crispiness.

Can I freeze them?
Not recommended—zucchini gets watery after thawing. Better to enjoy them fresh.

What sauces go best?
I love serving these with garlic aioli, ranch, marinara, tzatziki, or even a spicy sriracha-yogurt dip. Basically anything creamy or tangy.

Air Fryer Zucchini Fries

Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside—these air fryer zucchini fries are a lighter, fuss-free take on a favorite snack or side, perfect for dipping and sharing.

5 from 1 vote

Print Pin Rate

Course: Snack

Cuisine: American

Keyword: easy,, vegetarian

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes

Makes: 4

Calories: 154kcal

Ingredients

• 2 medium zucchinis
• 1 egg
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• ½ cup grated parmesan
• Seasoning salt, pepper, herbs, chili – whatever combination you prefer
• Cooking spray

Instructions

• Cut zucchinis in half lengthwise, then slice each half into fry-sized sticks.
• Whisk the egg in a small bowl.
• Mix the panko breadcrumbs and grated parmesan in another bowl.
• Dip each zucchini stick in the egg, then press into the panko mixture. Get it good and coated.
• Air fry: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
• Spray the basket with cooking spray. Arrange fries in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Spray the tops lightly with oil.
• Cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp. Serve right away to enjoy while they are crisp.

Notes

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and for guidance only.

There's no need to peel the zucchini.

If you don't have panko breadcrumbs, you can use regular breadcrumbs.

If you don't have parmesan cheese, use any hard cheese, finely grated.

To ensure crispiness, don't overcrowd the air fryer basket - work in batches if needed.

Enjoy the zucchini fries right away while they are hot and crisp. If they start to soften after serving, pop back into the air fryer for a minute to restore the crispiness.

Nutrition

Serving: 100g | Calories: 154kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 52mg | Sodium: 353mg | Potassium: 323mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 364IU | Vitamin C: 18mg | Calcium: 160mg | Iron: 1mg