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Air Fryer Zucchini Fries with Panko

A stack of crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Fries with Panko coating piled high on a white plate.
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Make crispy zucchini fries in your air fryer using Panko breadcrumbs for a crunchy, healthier snack or side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 medium zucchini
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Cooking spray (olive oil or avocado oil recommended)

Instructions

  1. Wash and trim the ends of the zucchini. Cut each zucchini lengthwise into spears about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Pat the zucchini spears very dry with paper towels. This step prevents sogginess.
  2. Set up a standard breading station with three shallow dishes. Place the flour in the first dish. Whisk the egg and water together in the second dish. Mix the Panko breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in the third dish.
  3. Dredge each zucchini spear first in the flour, shaking off any excess.
  4. Dip the floured spear into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off.
  5. Press the spear firmly into the Panko mixture until it is completely coated. Place the coated fries on a plate or wire rack.
  6. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
  7. Lightly spray the bottom of the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the zucchini fries in a single layer in the basket. Do not overcrowd the basket; work in batches if necessary.
  8. Spray the tops of the zucchini fries lightly with cooking spray.
  9. Air fry for 8 to 12 minutes, flipping the fries halfway through the cooking time. The fries are done when the Panko is golden brown and crisp.
  10. Serve immediately with your preferred dipping sauce.

Notes

  • For the crispiest results, do not skip patting the zucchini dry. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness.
  • If you want an extra crunchy coating, you can double-dip the zucchini: coat in flour, egg, Panko, then dip back into the egg, and coat again in Panko.
  • If you do not have Panko, regular breadcrumbs work, but the texture will be less crunchy.
  • Use a light spray of oil just before air frying to help the coating brown evenly.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://sundayflavor.com/air-fryer-zucchini-fries-with-panko/