There’s nothing quite like a crispy snack, and zucchini fries have quickly become one of my favorite go-to treats. Not only are they delicious, but they are also a healthier alternative to traditional fries. With the help of my trusty air fryer, I can whip up a batch of perfectly crispy zucchini fries in no time. Here’s how I do it!

For this recipe, I gather the following ingredients:

• 2 medium zucchinis
• 1 cup of breadcrumbs (panko works best for extra crunch)
• ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon of paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil spray

Now that I have everything I need, I start by preparing the zucchini. I wash them thoroughly and cut both ends off. Then, I slice the zucchinis into sticks, about ¼ to ½ inch thick. The key is to make sure they are of even size to ensure they cook evenly. Once sliced, I dab them with paper towels to remove any excess moisture, as this will help achieve that elusive crispy texture.

Next, I set up my breading station. In one bowl, I beat the eggs; in another, I mix the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. I dip each zucchini stick first into the egg, allowing any excess to drip off, then into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure to coat them well.

Once all the zucchini sticks are breaded, I preheat my air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This step is important because it helps kickstart the cooking process, resulting in fries that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. After preheating, I place the coated zucchini fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they aren’t overcrowded. This allows for the best airflow and crispiness.

I then spray the zucchini fries lightly with olive oil, which adds to the crisping process. I set my air fryer timer for about 10-12 minutes. At around 5-6 minutes, I pause the air fryer and give the basket a gentle shake to help them cook evenly.

When the timer goes off, I take a peek to check for that beautiful golden-brown color. If they need a bit more time, I can always pop them back in for a few more minutes. Once ready, I take them out and let them cool slightly before serving.

These crispy air-fryer zucchini fries are fantastic on their own, but you can also pair them with dips like ranch dressing or marinara sauce for an extra flavor boost. Enjoy your delicious, guilt-free snack!