5-Ingredient Air Fryer Breaded Zucchini Sticks
These crispy, super easy 5-Ingredient Air Fryer Breaded Zucchini Sticks make a healthy veggie side or snack that even picky eaters will love! Ready in under 30 minutes, they’re perfect for busy weeknights and quick meals.
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- 2 Shallow bowls
- Parchment liners for air fryer (optional)
- Tongs (optional)
Ingredients
- 4 medium zucchini
- 1 cup breadcrumbs regular, whole-wheat, or panko
- 1/2 cup grated or shredded parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Pantry staples
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Olive oil spray (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the zucchini: Wash the zucchini first. Cut both ends and discard. Slice each zucchini into sticks (see picture)
- Set up the coating stations: In a shallow bowl, beat the eggs. In a second shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. I used about 1/2 teaspoon of salt and pepper each but you can use more or less depending on your preference.
- Bread the zucchini: Dip each zucchini stick in the egg. Then, press each egg-coated zucchini stick into the breadcrumb mixture until it is completely coated. Press gently so that the mixture sticks. Place each breaded zucchini stick into the air fryer basket.
- Place in air fryer basket: Arrange zucchini in a single layer inside the air fry basket. Be careful not to overcrowd the basket. Spray the tops of the zucchini sticks lightly using olive oil spray (optional). This will give the zucchini sticks a golden crust.
- Air fry at 400°F for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Check on them periodically to make sure they don't overcook. Remove the zucchini sticks once they are golden and crisp.
- Serve and enjoy! Pair it with marinara sauce or ranch dressing, which both serve as great dips for these zucchini sticks!
Notes
- Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free panko or crushed cornflakes.
- Make it dairy-free: Skip the Parmesan or sub with dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast.
- Make it egg-free: You could use buttermilk + flour, melted butter, or oil to coat the zucchini sticks.
- Cut the zucchini evenly and into thin strips for even cooking. The thicker the slices are, the longer it will take and they may not cook evenly.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket to make sure the zucchini sticks crisp up and cook evenly. It's best to work in batches. I had to make 3 batches for this recipe.
- Experiment with different seasoning! Don't be afraid to jazz it up with Italian seasoning, try onion powder, add a little bit of paprika, or even lemon zest to change up the flavor.
- Pair it with a dip such as marinara, honey mustard, or ranch. Toddlers love to dip things, so they're gonna love these zucchini sticks next to a cup of their favorite dip!