Crispy Parmesan Zucchini Fries
Equipment
- Kitchen Knife
- Large bowl
- Plate
Ingredients
- 3 large zucchini
- 65 g ground almonds or panko breadcrumbs
- 50 g Parmesan cheese finely grated
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary or oregano finely chopped
- 1 pinch chili powder
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Greek yogurt dipping sauce for serving
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cut the zucchini in half crossways, then cut each half into fries approximately 1.25 cm thick.
- Combine the ground almonds or panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, smoked paprika, rosemary or oregano, and chili powder in a large bowl.
- Preheat the air fryer to 200°C for 3 minutes.
- Toss the zucchini with the olive oil until lightly coated.
- Coat the zucchini fries evenly with the Parmesan mixture.
- Arrange half of the zucchini fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry for 10 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crisp.
- Transfer the cooked fries to a plate and keep warm.
- Repeat with the remaining zucchini fries.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve warm with Greek yogurt dipping sauce.
Notes & Wine Advice
Recipe Notes
Cut the zucchini into evenly sized fries so they cook at approximately the same rate. Ground almonds create a slightly nuttier coating, while panko breadcrumbs produce a lighter and more traditional crispy crust. Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Arrange the zucchini in a single layer and cook in batches for the best texture. Serve the fries immediately after cooking. Zucchini contains plenty of moisture, so the coating will gradually soften as it sits.Wine Advice
A crisp Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with the Parmesan, herbs, and zucchini. Its fresh acidity also provides a pleasant contrast to the creamy Greek yogurt dipping sauce.Nutrition values
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About This Recipe
Crispy Parmesan Zucchini Fries are a golden air fryer snack made with fresh zucchini, Parmesan, herbs, and a crisp almond or panko coating. Smoked paprika and a touch of chili add warmth, while a Greek yogurt dipping sauce provides a cool and creamy contrast. They’re an easy way to turn zucchini into a flavorful appetizer, snack, or vegetable side dish.
Why You’ll Love These Zucchini Fries
These air fryer zucchini fries offer plenty of crunch without deep frying. Parmesan adds a savory, slightly salty flavor, while rosemary or oregano brings an aromatic herbal note. Ground almonds create a nutty coating, or you can choose panko for a lighter and more traditional crumb. For more inspiration, explore our Airfryer Recipes, Appetizer Recipes, Side Dish Recipes, and Vegetable Recipes.
Getting the Coating Crisp
Zucchini naturally contains plenty of moisture, so cooking technique makes a noticeable difference. Cut the pieces to a similar thickness and coat them lightly with olive oil before adding the Parmesan mixture. Arrange the fries in a single layer with space between them. Good air circulation helps the coating become golden instead of soft.
Almonds or Panko Breadcrumbs
Both coating options work well but produce slightly different results. Ground almonds give the fries a richer, nuttier character and keep the carbohydrate content lower. Panko breadcrumbs create a lighter and more familiar crispy coating. Whichever version you choose, finely grated Parmesan helps the coating develop extra flavor and color as it cooks.
Serving Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
Serve the air fryer zucchini fries straight from the basket while they’re still hot and crisp. Greek yogurt dipping sauce works particularly well, but you can also serve them with a herb dip or another favorite sauce. They’re suitable for a party platter, barbecue, picnic, or relaxed weekend snack.
With tender zucchini inside and a savory Parmesan crust outside, these vegetable fries offer a satisfying combination of texture and flavor. Serve them immediately for the best crunch and enjoy them as an easy alternative to traditional fries.