These air fryer zucchini fries are crisp on the outside and tender inside, with a crunchy panko breadcrumb coating. This version is vegan and made without egg; a simple flour-and-water batter helps the breadcrumbs stick to the zucchini.
The breaded zucchini fries cook at 190°C/375°F in about 12-13 minutes. They make an easy air fryer snack or side dish and are best served hot with ketchup, chutney, eggless mayonnaise or your favourite dipping sauce.
If you have more zucchini to use, try my air fryer zucchini fritters or air fryer zucchini wedges.
Breadcrumb note: You can make breadcrumbs from leftover bread or use store-bought panko breadcrumbs. If you are making this recipe vegan, check the package ingredients because some breadcrumb products may contain dairy or other animal-derived ingredients.
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Why you will like these air fryer zucchini fries
- Made in the air fryer instead of deep frying.
- No egg is needed for the breadcrumb coating.
- Panko breadcrumbs give the zucchini fries a crisp coating.
- They cook in about 12-13 minutes after preheating.
- The seasoning can easily be changed to suit your taste.
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs
- Pastry brush or oil spray
Ingredients for air fryer zucchini fries
- Zucchini: Cut into similar-sized fry-shaped sticks so they cook evenly.
- Plain flour: Used first for dusting the zucchini and again to make the egg-free batter.
- Water: Mixed with plain flour to make the batter.
- Panko breadcrumbs: Give the zucchini fries their crisp outer coating.
- Olive oil: Mixed through the breadcrumbs, with a little extra for spraying or brushing if required.
- Salt and seasoning: Use your preferred seasoning such as paprika, chilli powder, onion powder or Italian seasoning.
See the recipe card for exact ingredient quantities.
air fried zucchini chips | Air fryer breaded zucchini recipe
Equipment
- Air fryer
Ingredients
- 1 large zucchini large Zucchini is approx 250gms
- 2 tablespoon plain flour for dusting
- ½ cup water
- 4-5 tablespoon plain flour mixed with water
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoon Olive oil to be mixed with breadcrumbs
- Salt as per taste
- Spice / black pepper as per your choice
- 1 tbsp. oil to spray/brush oil during cook
Instructions
- Roll zucchini sticks in plain flour.
- Mix the plain four with water,keep it aside.
- Dip the zucchini sticks in plain flour+water mix
- Optionally, place the zucchini stick on a wire rack to allow the excess liquid drop off.
- Add the spice and oil to the breadcrumbs and mix it evenly. Roll the zucchini sticks on the breadcrumb mix
- Place the breaded zucchini sticks in the airfryer with the help of tongs.
- In a preheated air fryer (190C/375F for 5 mins) , cook these at 190C/375F for 10 mins
- Spray oil, cook further for 2 minutes (total cook time of 12-13 minutes).
- Serve hot with tomato ketchup or chutney.
How to make air fryer zucchini fries
Cut the zucchini into similar-sized sticks. Keeping the pieces reasonably even helps them cook at the same rate in the air fryer.
1. Coat the zucchini with flour. Lightly roll each zucchini stick in plain flour, coating all sides and shaking off any excess.
2. Dip in the egg-free batter. Mix plain flour and water until smooth. Dip each floured zucchini stick into the batter so it is lightly coated.
Allow excess batter to drip from the zucchini before adding the breadcrumb coating. This helps prevent a thick or uneven coating.
3. Prepare the breadcrumbs. Add olive oil, salt and your chosen seasoning to the panko breadcrumbs. Mix well so the oil and seasoning are distributed through the crumbs.
4. Bread the zucchini. Place each battered zucchini stick into the breadcrumb mixture. Gently press the breadcrumbs onto all sides so the zucchini is evenly coated.
5. Preheat the air fryer. Preheat at 190°C/375°F for 5 minutes.
6. Air fry. Arrange the breaded zucchini fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Leave a little space between them so hot air can circulate. Cook in batches rather than overcrowding the basket.
Air fry at 190°C/375°F for 10 minutes.
7. Finish until crisp. Check the zucchini fries after 10 minutes. Lightly spray or brush any dry areas with oil and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the breadcrumb coating is golden and crisp.
Serve the zucchini fries immediately while the breadcrumb coating is crisp.
Tips for crispy zucchini fries
- Cut the zucchini sticks to a similar thickness so they cook evenly.
- Shake off excess flour before dipping the zucchini into the batter.
- Allow excess batter to drip away before adding the breadcrumbs.
- Press the panko gently onto the zucchini so the coating sticks well.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Air fry in batches if necessary.
- Serve straight from the air fryer. Zucchini naturally contains moisture, so the coating becomes softer as it sits.
Variations
You can change the seasoning without changing the basic method. Try onion powder, paprika, red chilli powder or Italian seasoning. Nutritional yeast can also be mixed into the breadcrumbs for a savoury, cheesy-style flavour while keeping the recipe vegan.
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and replace the plain flour with a suitable gluten-free flour. The consistency of the batter may vary depending on the flour used, so add water gradually as needed.
Storage and reheating
Air fryer zucchini fries are best eaten freshly cooked. If you have leftovers, allow them to cool and refrigerate them in an airtight container.
Reheat the fries in the air fryer until hot and crisp again. Avoid reheating them in the microwave if you want to retain the crisp breadcrumb coating.
Frequently asked questions
No. There is no need to peel the zucchini. Wash it, trim the ends and cut it into fry-shaped sticks.
Yes. This recipe uses a simple flour-and-water batter instead of egg. The batter helps the panko breadcrumbs stick to the zucchini.
Cook the fries in a single layer with space between them, avoid using too much batter, and serve them soon after air frying. Zucchini contains a lot of moisture, so the coating will soften if the cooked fries sit for too long.
Preheat the air fryer to 190°C or 375°F. Air fry the breaded zucchini for about 10 minutes, then cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the coating is golden and crisp.
More zucchini recipes
- Air fryer zucchini fritters
- Air fryer zucchini wedges
- Air fryer zucchini boats
- Zucchini curry
- Steamed zucchini muthia
For more easy ideas, browse my air fryer recipes.
These crispy air fryer zucchini fries are an easy way to turn zucchini into a quick vegan snack or side. The flour batter replaces egg, while seasoned panko breadcrumbs provide the crunchy coating.
Laura E says
Finally got my kids (4 & 2 yr old) to eat zucchini, I’m thrilled !!! Thank you
bhavana bhatia says
Thank you so much for the feedback.