Air Fryer Parmesan Zucchini Fries (vegan Friendly) Recipe
Zucchini fries have quickly become one of my favorite snacks—crispy, savory, and ridiculously easy to make. Plus, using an air fryer means no greasy mess, just golden perfection in minutes. Whether you’re looking for a healthier alternative to traditional fries or just a fun way to enjoy zucchini, this recipe is a game-changer. The best part? It can easily be made vegan without sacrificing any crunch or flavor!
A little backstory: my love for crispy zucchini fries
I first discovered zucchini fries at a local food truck festival. They served them in a paper cone with a side of garlic aioli, and I was hooked. The crispy panko coating, the hint of spice from the seasoning, and that melt-in-your-mouth texture of zucchini on the inside—pure heaven.
Fast forward to my own kitchen experiments, and I knew I had to recreate them. The problem? Deep frying is messy, and I wanted something lighter. That’s where my air fryer came in. A few tweaks, a sprinkle of parmesan, and the result was even better than I imagined. I still make a batch when I’m craving something crispy but don’t want the heaviness of regular fries.
Why zucchini fries are worth trying
Zucchini fries are a fantastic way to get your fry fix without all the guilt. They’re lower in carbs, packed with nutrients, and have a subtle sweetness that pairs perfectly with a crispy coating. The air fryer method gives them that crunch we all love, but without the excess oil. And since zucchini is a mild vegetable, it absorbs all the seasonings beautifully.
If you’re vegan, don’t worry—you can swap the parmesan for nutritional yeast or your favorite dairy-free alternative, and they’re just as delicious.
Let’s talk ingredients: what you need and why
- Zucchini – The star of the show. Choose a firm, fresh zucchini for the best texture. If you have a very large one, scoop out any excess seeds before slicing.
- Neutral oil – Helps the seasoning stick and crisps up the fries. Avocado or vegetable oil works well.
- Onion & garlic powder – These add depth and a savory kick without overpowering the zucchini.
- Cajun seasoning – Gives a subtle heat and a nice smoky flavor. If you prefer less spice, use Italian seasoning instead.
- Salt – Enhances all the flavors. Feel free to adjust to taste.
- Parmesan – Adds a nutty, umami flavor. For a vegan version, swap it with nutritional yeast or a dairy-free parmesan.
- Panko crumbs – These create the perfect crispy coating. Regular breadcrumbs work too, but panko gives the best crunch.

Kitchen tools you’ll need
- Air fryer – The key to crispy fries without deep frying. If you don’t have one, you can bake or pan-fry them (more on that below).
- Sharp knife – For cutting the zucchini into uniform fry shapes.
- Mixing bowl – To coat the fries evenly with seasoning.
- Tongs – Handy for flipping the fries halfway through cooking.
Step-by-step: how to make crispy zucchini fries
- Prep the zucchini – Wash and pat dry your zucchini. Slice it into fry-shaped sticks, about ½ inch thick. If the zucchini is very watery, blot the pieces with a paper towel.
- Season – In a large bowl, mix the oil, onion powder, garlic powder, Cajun seasoning, and salt. Toss the zucchini fries in the mixture, making sure they’re well coated.
- Add the crunch – Sprinkle the parmesan and panko crumbs over the seasoned zucchini. Toss gently to coat. If it looks dry, add a tiny drizzle of oil to help the coating stick.
- Air fry – Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Arrange the zucchini fries in a single layer (don’t overcrowd!) and cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through. They should be golden and crispy.
- Serve immediately – Enjoy them hot with your favorite dipping sauce and an extra sprinkle of parmesan on top.

No air fryer? No problem!
- Oven method – Bake at 425°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Use a wire rack on a baking sheet for extra crispiness.
- Pan-fry method – Heat a thin layer of oil in a pan over medium heat. Cook the fries for about 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
Ways to customize your zucchini fries
- Make them vegan – Swap the parmesan for nutritional yeast or a dairy-free alternative.
- Go gluten-free – Use gluten-free panko or crushed almonds for the coating.
- Spice it up – Add paprika, cayenne, or chipotle powder for extra heat.
- Try a cheesy twist – Mix shredded mozzarella into the panko for a gooey surprise.
- Make them herby – Add fresh chopped parsley or basil before serving for a fresh kick.
Serving ideas: take these to the next level
For a casual snack, serve these fries with a side of ranch, marinara, or garlic aioli. If you’re feeling fancy, plate them with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a wedge of lemon. Want a full meal? Pair them with a veggie burger or grilled chicken.
Drinks that pair well with zucchini fries
If you’re serving these as a snack, a cold glass of lemonade or iced tea is refreshing. For something stronger, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light beer complements the flavors perfectly.
Storing and reheating tips
These fries are best fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 375°F for 3-4 minutes. Avoid microwaving—they’ll turn soggy!
Scaling the recipe for more (or less!)
Need to feed a crowd? Simply double or triple the ingredients and cook in batches. Making a smaller portion? Just halve everything. The key is keeping the fries in a single layer in the air fryer for even crisping.
Common mistakes and how to fix them
- Soggy fries? You may have overcrowded the air fryer. Cook in batches if needed.
- Coating won’t stick? Add a little more oil or press the panko mixture onto the fries.
- Too salty or too spicy? Adjust the seasoning to your taste before coating the zucchini.
Time to give these a try!
Crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, these air fryer parmesan zucchini fries are a must-try. Whether you keep them classic or customize them to your liking, they’re sure to become a go-to snack. Let me know how you like them, and don’t forget to experiment with your own variations!

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use yellow squash instead of zucchini?
Yes! Yellow squash works just as well and has a similar texture.
2. What dipping sauces go best with these fries?
Garlic aioli, ranch, marinara, or even a spicy sriracha mayo are great choices.
3. How do I make these extra crispy?
Use panko instead of regular breadcrumbs and don’t overcrowd the air fryer.
4. Can I freeze these?
It’s best to freeze them before cooking. Lay them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then store in a zip-top bag. Cook directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes.
5. Do I need to peel the zucchini?
Nope! The skin adds texture and nutrients, so leave it on.

Air Fryer Parmesan Zucchini Fries (vegan Friendly) Recipe
These crispy air fryer zucchini fries are packed with flavor and easy to make! Try this parmesan-crusted recipe with a vegan option.
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 2 1x
Ingredients
- 1/2 large zucchini
- 3 tbsp neutral oil
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp cajun seasoning
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan
- 1/4 cup Panko Crumbs
Instructions
- Prep the zucchini – Wash and pat dry your zucchini. Slice it into fry-shaped sticks, about ½ inch thick. If the zucchini is very watery, blot the pieces with a paper towel.
- Season – In a large bowl, mix the oil, onion powder, garlic powder, Cajun seasoning, and salt. Toss the zucchini fries in the mixture, making sure they’re well coated.
- Add the crunch – Sprinkle the parmesan and panko crumbs over the seasoned zucchini. Toss gently to coat. If it looks dry, add a tiny drizzle of oil to help the coating stick.
- Air fry – Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Arrange the zucchini fries in a single layer (don’t overcrowd!) and cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through. They should be golden and crispy.
- Serve immediately – Enjoy them hot with your favorite dipping sauce and an extra sprinkle of parmesan on top.
Notes
Serving ideas: take these to the next level
For a casual snack, serve these fries with a side of ranch, marinara, or garlic aioli. If you’re feeling fancy, plate them with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a wedge of lemon. Want a full meal? Pair them with a veggie burger or grilled chicken.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: dinner