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- 2 medium zucchini - 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs - ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - ½ teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and black pepper - 1 large egg - 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil When making crispy Parmesan zucchini fries, you need fresh, quality ingredients. Start with two medium zucchini. Slice them into fry shapes. This helps them cook evenly and fit in your air fryer. Next, grab a cup of Panko breadcrumbs. These breadcrumbs give your fries an extra crunch. You also need half a cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This cheese adds a rich, salty flavor. For seasoning, gather garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. You’ll need one teaspoon of garlic powder, half a teaspoon of onion powder, and one teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Add salt and black pepper to taste. These spices will make your fries pop with flavor. To bind everything together, use one large egg and one tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil. The egg helps the coating stick to the zucchini. The olive oil adds moisture and richness. With these ingredients ready, you are set to create a snack that is both tasty and fun to make! Start by setting your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This step warms up the fryer, ensuring crispy fries. Grab two bowls. In the first bowl, mix these dry ingredients: - 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs - ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - ½ teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste Stir them well to combine. In the second bowl, whisk one large egg with 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil. Mix until smooth. Take a zucchini fry and dip it into the egg mixture. Make sure to coat it fully. Next, transfer it to the breadcrumb mix. Roll it around until it’s evenly coated. Repeat this for all zucchini fries. This method ensures a nice, even coverage. Arrange the coated fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid stacking them to help them cook evenly. You might need to fry in batches if your air fryer is small. Set the timer for 10-12 minutes. Halfway, shake the basket to promote even cooking. Look for a golden brown color to know when they're done. The fries should be crispy on the outside. Shaking the basket helps them crisp up evenly. If they need more time, give them another minute or two. Enjoy the crunch! To make your zucchini fries super crispy, always use Panko breadcrumbs. They are lighter and airier than regular breadcrumbs. This helps create that perfect crunch you want. When you coat your zucchini, make sure to press the breadcrumbs well. This step ensures they stick tightly. Cooking in batches is key. If you crowd the air fryer, the fries steam instead of fry. This can lead to sogginess. Frying in smaller groups lets hot air circulate. You get crispy results every time. These crispy fries pair perfectly with dips. Marinara sauce is a classic choice. It adds a nice tang. Garlic aioli also works well. Its creaminess complements the crunch. For presentation, arrange the fries on a bright platter. A splash of color makes them look even more appetizing. You can garnish with fresh parsley or basil leaves. This adds a touch of green and a hint of flavor. You can prepare the ingredients in advance. Slice the zucchini and mix the coatings. Store them in the fridge. This way, you can quickly fry them later. If you want to reheat the fries, do so in the air fryer. This keeps them crispy. Avoid using the microwave, as it makes them soggy. Just a few minutes in the air fryer brings back that crunch. {{image_4}} You can spice up your crispy Parmesan zucchini fries. Try adding smoked paprika for a smoky flavor. If you like heat, sprinkle in some cayenne pepper. Both spices boost the taste and make each bite exciting. You can also switch cheese types. Instead of Parmesan, use Pecorino Romano or even cheddar. Each cheese adds a different twist. Zucchini isn’t the only veggie to fry. Try eggplant for a rich taste. Green beans work well too; they get crispy quickly. Remember to adjust cooking times. Eggplant may need a few extra minutes, while green beans could take less time. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning. Want a gluten-free version? Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of Panko. They still give a nice crunch. You can also replace the egg with a mixture of ground flaxseed and water. This swap binds your fries without gluten. These options make the dish friendly for everyone! To store leftover zucchini fries, place them in an airtight container. Make sure they are cool before sealing. For best taste, eat them within 2-3 days. After this time, they may lose their crunch. The air fryer is the best way to reheat zucchini fries. Preheat it to 375°F (190°C). Place the fries in a single layer and heat for 5-7 minutes. This helps them regain their crispy texture. You can also use an oven. Set it to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 10 minutes. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make them soggy. To freeze zucchini fries, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze them for 1-2 hours until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can stay fresh for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the air fryer or oven as mentioned earlier. This will give you that crispy bite again. To keep your zucchini fries crispy, focus on coating them well. Use Panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch. Make sure to shake off any excess coating after breading. Air frying at 400°F (200°C) helps achieve that ideal crispiness. Avoid overcrowding the basket; this allows hot air to circulate. Fry in batches if needed. Remember to shake the basket halfway through cooking. This ensures even crispness and golden color. Yes, you can use regular breadcrumbs, but the texture will differ. Panko breadcrumbs are coarser and create a crunchier fry. Regular breadcrumbs may yield a denser coating. If you prefer a softer texture, stick with regular breadcrumbs. However, for that delightful crunch, Panko is the way to go! Zucchini fries taste great with a variety of dips. Here are some ideas: - Marinara sauce for a classic touch. - Creamy garlic aioli for a rich flavor. - Ranch dressing for a cool contrast. - Spicy sriracha mayo for a kick. You can easily make aioli by mixing mayo with minced garlic and lemon juice. To adjust the recipe, simply scale the ingredients. For a smaller batch, use one zucchini and halve the other ingredients. For a larger batch, double the amount of zucchini and other ingredients. Just keep your air fryer size in mind. You may need to cook in batches for best results. Yes, you can bake these zucchini fries in the oven. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange the coated fries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Look for a golden brown color to know they are ready. Baking will give you a different texture but still delicious! Zucchini fries are simple and fun to make. You start with fresh zucchini, mix in Panko breadcrumbs and tasty spices. The air fryer gives them a crispy texture without deep frying. Remember to check doneness for perfect crunch. You can get creative with flavors and choose different veggies too. It's easy to store leftovers and reheat them. Enjoy these delicious fries with your favorite dip. I hope you try this recipe and share your thoughts!

Crispy Parmesan Zucchini Fries (Air Fryer)

Indulge in the crispy goodness of Parmesan Zucchini Fries! This delightful recipe combines fresh zucchini and crunchy Panko breadcrumbs, seasoned to perfection. It’s easy to whip up in your air fryer for a healthy snack or appetizer that everyone will love. Ready in just 22 minutes, these golden fries are perfect for dipping in marinara or aioli. Click to explore the full recipe and enjoy a satisfying burst of flavor in every bite!
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Ingredients
  

2 medium zucchini, sliced into fry shapes

1 cup Panko breadcrumbs (for that extra crunch)

½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1 large egg

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

Instructions
 

Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it's hot and ready for frying.

    In a shallow bowl, mix together the Panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, ensuring all ingredients are well combined to create a flavorful coating.

      In another bowl, whisk the egg and incorporate the tablespoon of olive oil for moisture. Mix until the egg is smooth and the oil is well blended.

        Take one zucchini fry and dip it into the egg mixture, fully coating it. Then transfer it to the breadcrumb mixture, rolling it around until it's evenly covered with the crunchy coating. Repeat this process for each zucchini fry until all are nicely coated.

          Arrange the coated zucchini fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure they cook evenly; you may need to fry them in batches depending on your air fryer size.

            Air fry the zucchini fries for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to promote even crispness. Look for a golden brown color to indicate they're perfectly crispy.

              Once golden and crispy, remove the fries from the air fryer and allow them to cool for a couple of minutes to set their texture. Serve immediately for maximum crunch.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 22 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Showcase the crispy zucchini fries on a vibrant platter. Pair them with a small bowl of marinara sauce or creamy garlic aioli for dipping. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil leaves for an appealing burst of color. Enjoy the crunch!