Baked Zucchini Fries (Crispy Air Fryer or Oven)

What Makes This Recipe Work

Flour helps the egg wash adhere, and a panko and Parmesan blend gives an extra-crisp shell that browns deeply. Pre-salting and patting the zucchini dry stops the crust from steaming off in the heat.

Ingredients for Baked Zucchini Fries (Crispy Air Fryer or Oven)

• 4 medium zucchini (about 1 1/2 lb / 680 g), cut into 3-inch spears
• 1 tsp kosher salt, plus more for the coating
• 1/2 cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten with 1 tbsp water
• 1 cup (100 g) panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• Olive oil spray or 2 tbsp olive oil
• For serving: marinara, ranch, or a lemon aioli

How to Make Baked Zucchini Fries (Crispy Air Fryer or Oven)

1. Cut the zucchini into spears about 1/2 inch thick and 3 inches long, then toss with 1 tsp salt and let them sit on paper towels for 10 minutes. Pat dry.
2. Set up three shallow dishes: flour in the first, the beaten egg and water in the second, and the panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, pepper, and a pinch of salt in the third.
3. Working a few at a time, roll the spears in flour, then dip in egg, then press firmly into the panko mixture so it sticks on all sides. Place on a rack or plate.
4. For the oven, heat to 425 degrees F (220 C) and line a sheet pan with parchment. For the air fryer, preheat to 400 degrees F (200 C).
5. Arrange the coated spears in a single layer without touching and spray or brush lightly with olive oil.
6. Oven: bake for 18 to 22 minutes, turning once at the halfway point, until golden and crisp. Air fryer: cook in batches for 10 to 14 minutes, shaking the basket once, until deeply browned.
7. Check the thickest spear; it should be tender inside with a crisp, browned crust. If the coating is pale, give it 2 to 3 more minutes.
8. Serve hot with marinara, ranch, or lemon aioli.

Tips for the Best Baked Zucchini Fries (Crispy Air Fryer or Oven)

• Pat the zucchini very dry after salting so the coating adheres and crisps.
• Press the panko on with your fingers; a loose coat falls off in the oven.
• Cook in a single layer with space between the spears, especially in the air fryer.
• Grated Parmesan in the coating browns faster than plain breadcrumbs, so watch the last few minutes.

Variations and Substitutions

• For a spicy kick, add 1/4 tsp cayenne to the panko mix and serve with a chipotle dip.
• Swap the Parmesan for grated pecorino or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
• Pair them with the roasted zucchini recipe or the grilled zucchini recipe for an all-zucchini spread.
• Use the same coating on other air fry zucchini recipes in the zucchini recipes collection.

How to Store and Reheat

• Zucchini fries are best fresh. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheat in the air fryer or a hot oven to re-crisp.
• Freeze unbaked coated spears on a tray, then bag them for up to 2 months and cook from frozen, adding a few minutes.

Baked Zucchini Fries (Crispy Air Fryer or Oven) FAQ