Air Fryer Zucchini Sticks
Worry no more about getting your kids to eat their veggies. 😉 Our easy Air Fryer Zucchini Sticks are coated in bread crumbs and seasonings and then air fried to a perfect golden brown. They’re easy to make and “go down” just as easily!
Do you have zucchini taking over your garden? I remember the first year I grew zucchini – I was astounded by how big my plant got and how many zucchini I had to use up (I gave quite a few away!).
Then I started getting to work to figure out different and delicious ways to use up my plentiful bounty of zucchini. First came my Healthy Zucchini Muffins which are STILL regularly requested by my family.
Then I added in Lemon Blueberry Zucchini Bread and Fudgy Zucchini Brownies With Frosting. Now it’s time to go for something savory!
Well, my air fryer has become my new favorite kitchen gadget (I know, I’m a little late to the party!). I make everything from eggrolls to Stuffed Breakfast Biscuits (AKA Breakfast Bombs) in it!
So I decided to try making zucchini fries in the air fryer, and I’m SO happy with the way they turned out! My kids were devouring them, not even realizing they were “veggies” – MOM WIN!
Try these Air Fryer Zucchini Fries for a side dish or a healthy snack – you can’t go wrong!
If you want more incredible air fryer recipes, try my Air Fryer Carrot Fries, Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes, or Air Fryer Indian Tacos (with Homemade Fry Bread).
Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Zucchini Sticks
- Zucchini – baby or regular size
- Panko Crumbs – or get gluten-free panko crumbs to make this recipe gluten-free!
- Grated Parmesan – regular or fat-free
- Egg – beaten
- Paprika – sweet or smoked
- Onion Powder
- Garlic Powder
- Italian Seasoning – I use the packaged brand but you have a homemade version you prefer
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How To Make Air Fryer Zucchini Sticks
Here’s how you’ll make these Air Fryer Zucchini Sticks.
Step 1
Slice off each end of the zucchini. Cut into sticks.
Step 2
Mix together the panko crumbs, parmesan cheese, and spices in a medium size bowl.
Step 3
In a separate bowl, beat the egg.
Step 4
In another bowl, beat the egg.
Step 5
Now you are going to dredge the zucchini in the egg first, then the breading mixture. If you want the zucchini sticks to be extra crispy, repeat this process twice.
Step 6
Spray the air fryer basket with non-stick spray and place the sticks in the fryer and spray them with the cooking spray. Cook at 370 degrees for 10 – 12 minutes or until golden brown.
Air Fryer Zucchini Sticks Recipe Notes And Tips
- Be sure to wash your zucchini and pat dry before slicing and dredging. This will help the egg, panko and seasonings stick to the zucchini as you place it in the air fryer.
- Leave a little bit of space in between each stick when you place them in the air fryer. This will ensure the whole zucchini stick is delightfully crispy.
- Try to cut the zucchini sticks all the same size so that they will cook evenly.
Variations Of Air Fryer Zucchini Sticks To Try
Here are a few ideas to help change up these delightful Air Fryer Zucchini Sticks to make them perfect every time!
- Any type of fries needs a yummy sauce for dipping, so why not try aioli, ranch dressing, fry sauce, sriracha sauce, blue cheese dressing, or your favorite dipping sauce? 🙂
- Give the zucchini sticks a little heat by adding some cayenne pepper or chili powder to the spice mix.
- Be sure to swap out the panko bread crumbs for their gluten-free version if that is an adjustment you need to make for your family or friends.
FAQs
Here are a few questions I regularly see readers ask about making air fryer zucchini sticks. If you have a question but don’t see it answered below, please leave it in the comments!
Should I peel the zucchini or leave the peel on?
That is completely up to you! I personally like the color and extra texture of the peel. However, some think that the peel adds a bitter taste. You can try it both ways and see which way you love it most.
Can I make these air fryer zucchini sticks ahead of time?
These zucchini sticks are best when served fresh and hot. Once they start to cool down they will become soft and less crisp, so it would be best to eat them immediately after taking them out of the air fryer.
How should I reheat any leftover zucchini sticks?
Great question! Just pop them back in the air fryer at 400 degrees for 2 – 3 minutes until they are nice and crisp.
Want to turn your Instant Pot recipe into a slow cooker recipe or vice versa? Or turn your oven recipe into an air fryer recipe? Convert your recipes between cooking methods effortlessly! Download now 👇👇
How do I store the leftover air fryer zucchini sticks?
You can store them in a resealable plastic bag or air-tight container for 2 – 3 days in the fridge.
Can I freeze the raw zucchini sticks?
I suppose you can but it is not something I would recommend. Freezing zucchini raw will affect the texture, color, and flavor, not to mention the length of time it can be frozen.
Zucchini can be frozen but it needs to be blanched first, which then no longer makes it a raw vegetable.
More Delicious Vegetable Dishes To Try
- Crack Broccoli Casserole
- Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad with Bacon
- Easy Scalloped Potatoes (2 Ways)
- Apple Cranberry Coleslaw
- Strawberry Spinach Salad
Air Fryer Zucchini Sticks
Our easy Air Fryer Zucchini Sticks are coated in bread crumbs and seasonings and then air fried to a perfect golden brown. They're easy to make and "go down" just as easily!
Ingredients
- 10-11 baby zucchini or 4-5 regular zucchini
- 2/3 cup of panko crumbs
- 2/3 cup of grated parmesan
- 1 egg
- 1/4 teaspoon of paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Remove each end of the zucchini and cut into sticks.
- In a bowl mix the panko, parmesan, and spices.
- In another bowl, beat the egg.
- Dredge the zucchini in the egg and then the breading mix. Repeat for extra crispy results.
- Spray air fryer basket with oil and place sticks in the basket. Spray the zucchini and cook on 370 for 11 minutes or until golden.