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In recent years, air frying has surged in popularity, hailed as a revolutionary cooking method that allows home chefs to create crispy and delicious dishes with significantly less oil than traditional frying. This innovative technique not only promotes healthier eating habits but also simplifies meal preparation, making it an ideal choice for busy lifestyles. Among the plethora of air-fried delights, Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Zucchini Fries stand out as a nutritious and satisfying snack or side dish that caters to both health-conscious eaters and flavor enthusiasts alike.

Air Fryer Parmesan Zucchini Fries

Try making crispy air fryer Parmesan zucchini fries for a healthy and delicious snack that's perfect for any occasion. This simple recipe uses fresh zucchini coated with crunchy panko breadcrumbs, savory Parmesan, and flavorful spices to create a guilt-free treat that satisfies your cravings. With just a few steps, you can enjoy this nutritious alternative to traditional fries, making it an ideal option for busy lifestyles or casual gatherings. Discover the joy of healthy eating with this delightful dish!
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Ingredients
  

2 medium zucchinis

1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon smoked paprika (for added depth)

¼ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

2 large eggs

1 tablespoon olive oil

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Marinara sauce (for dipping, optional)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Zucchini: Begin by washing the zucchinis thoroughly. Cut them into fry-sized sticks, aiming for uniform thickness of about ½ inch. Pat the sticks dry using paper towels to absorb any excess moisture, which helps them achieve that nice crispy texture.

    Mix the Coating: In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir the mixture well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.

      Set up a Dredging Station: In a separate bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them together with the olive oil until well combined. This egg mixture will serve as the adhesive for the crumbs, ensuring every zucchini stick is perfectly coated.

        Coat the Zucchini Fries: Take each zucchini stick and first dip it into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off before proceeding. Then roll the stick in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even and thorough coating. Place the coated fries on a clean plate or a baking sheet for easy transfer to the air fryer.

          Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer temperature to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to preheat for approximately 3-5 minutes, ensuring the zucchini fries get that perfect crispy finish during cooking.

            Air Fry the Zucchini Fries: Once preheated, arrange the zucchini fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid crowding the fries, as this can hinder their ability to crisp up; you may need to work in batches based on your air fryer's capacity. Lightly spray the fries with cooking spray for an extra crispy texture.

              Cooking Time: Air fry the zucchini fries for about 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time to promote even browning. Keep an eye out for a golden-brown color and a satisfying crispy texture.

                Serve: Carefully remove the zucchini fries from the air fryer and let them cool for a couple of minutes. If desired, garnish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley. Serve alongside marinara sauce for dipping, adding a delightful touch to every bite!

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 25 minutes | Serves 4