Air Fryer Zucchini Fries (Printable Format)

Crispy, golden zucchini fries made in the air fryer with Parmesan coating and served with garlic aioli.

# What You'll Gather:

→ For the Zucchini Fries

01 - 2 medium zucchini, fresh and firm
02 - 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
03 - 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
04 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
05 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
06 - 2 large eggs
07 - 1/2 cup plain bread crumbs
08 - 1/2 cup Panko bread crumbs for extra crunch
09 - 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
10 - Cooking oil spray for air frying

→ For the Garlic Aioli Dip

11 - 4-5 cloves garlic, minced fresh
12 - 1-2 tablespoons fresh lemon or lime juice
13 - 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
14 - 2/3 cup mayonnaise
15 - Kosher salt to taste
16 - Black pepper to taste

# Step-by-Step Instructions:

01 - Cut the zucchini into 3-inch long, half-inch thick fries. Pat them completely dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture - this is key for getting them really crispy.
02 - Get three shallow bowls ready. In the first, whisk together flour, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. In the second, lightly beat the eggs. In the third, mix both types of breadcrumbs with the Parmesan cheese.
03 - Take each zucchini fry and dredge it first in the flour mixture, then dip in the beaten eggs (let excess drip off), and finally roll it in the breadcrumb mixture until completely coated. Set them on a plate as you go.
04 - Spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil and preheat it to 400°F. This preheating step really helps get that perfect golden crust.
05 - Place the breaded fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket - work in batches if needed. Give the tops a light spray with oil, then air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping once halfway through. They're done when golden brown and crispy. Season with a pinch of kosher salt while they're still warm.
06 - While the fries cook, mix the minced garlic, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl. Let this sit for 10-15 minutes to mellow the garlic flavor, then whisk in the mayonnaise until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

# Important Tips:

01 - Always pat the zucchini completely dry before breading - this removes excess moisture and helps achieve maximum crispiness.
02 - Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in single layers and work in batches for the best results.
03 - Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Re-crisp them in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes.
04 - These fries freeze beautifully! Lay them flat on a baking sheet to freeze first, then store in freezer bags for up to 2 months.