Air Fryer Zucchini Fries

These vegan air fryer zucchini fries are ultra crunchy thanks to panko breadcrumbs. Serve with warm marinara or spicy mayo.

The few times I’ve ventured to order zucchini fries at a restaurant, I ended up disappointed. You see, classic breaded zucchini sticks tend to be quite soggy because they’re deep-fried – and zucchini can absorb a lot of oil.

But air fryer zucchini fries? An entirely different story. Made with minimal oil and fluffy panko breadcrumbs, they are supremely crunchy. Even I was shocked by the texture when I first tasted them. The generous panko breading shatters beneath your teeth, which then sink into the soft zucchini inside. It’s magical.

These “fries” are made with basic ingredients you likely already have and make a satisfying snack/side dish. They’re entirely vegan (no egg, no cheese) and can be made gluten-free, too.

Air Fryer Zucchini Fries at a Glance

These crispy fries are made by cutting zucchini into French fry shapes, coating them in a simple batter, and dredging them in a panko breadcrumb mixture. Then you air fry them in batches. (This recipe is inspired by The Cheeky Chickpea.)

Key Ingredients + Substitutions

• Zucchini: Choose small zucchini for fries, if possible. They’re sturdier and have less moisture, which will lead to less soggy fries.
• Plant Milk: Almost any unflavored milk will work here – I recommend oat, cashew, or soy for best results.
• All-Purpose Flour: For gluten-free fries, sub with an all-purpose gluten-free flour blend like Bob’s Red Mill.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style crumbs are larger, fluffier, and crunchier than American. They’re sold in most supermarkets these days. For gluten-free fries, look for gluten-free panko. (If all you have are regular breadcrumbs, you can use them – you’ll just end up with less crunchy results. If using Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, skip the garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper listed in the recipe.)
• Nutritional Yeast: These yellow flakes give vegan dishes a “cheesy” flavor. Look for Bragg and Bob’s Red Mill brands.
• Cooking Oil Spray: Ensures a thin, even coating of oil on the fries, and helps them get brown and crispy.

How to Make Air Fryer Zucchini Fries

Find complete instructions with ingredient amounts in the recipe card below.

Step 1: Cut the Zucchini

Trim and discard the ends. Then halve the zucchini lengthwise and cut each piece into about 1/2-inch-thick batons.

Step 2: Make the Batter

In a medium shallow bowl (or pie plate, or similar), combine the milk, flour, mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth. The batter may seem too thick, but don’t be alarmed.

Step 3: Prep the Breadcrumbs

In a separate bowl, combine the panko and nutritional yeast with the spices.

Step 4: Coat the Fries

Once your air fryer is preheated, dip each piece of zucchini into the batter, then dredge in the panko mixture. 

Step 5: Cook the Fries

Spray the air fryer basket with oil and arrange the zucchini inside in a single layer. Spray the tops generously with oil and air fry for 11 minutes.

How to Serve Air Fried Zucchini

These fries are best eaten right away, served warm right out of the air fryer. Like most crunchy foods, they lose their texture over time. Serve these fries as a snack or a side dish. For dipping, go for warm marinara or spicy mayo (recipe in the Notes section of the recipe card below). 

More Summer Vegetables…

• Air Fryer Miso Eggplant
• Charred Corn Salad
• Cucumber Kimchi Salad
• Pan-Fried Soy-Glazed Eggplant

Let me know if you try this recipe! Give it a rating below and leave a comment, and don’t forget to tag your creation with @thenewbaguette on Instagram.