Air Fryer Fried Zucchini (Breaded)

Crispy, crunchy, and packed with flavor, this Air Fryer Fried Zucchini is the perfect way to turn simple zucchini into a breaded, Parmesan-crusted snack or side dish! Coated in a savory blend of Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and crispy breadcrumbs, these zucchini chips deliver the satisfying crunch of traditional fried zucchini—without all the oil.

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This post was originally published in 2019. It has since been updated.

Whether you dip them in marinara, ranch, or enjoy them on their own, they’re an easy and delicious way to add more veggies to your plate. Ready in just minutes, they’re the ultimate guilt-free indulgence.

Deep-fried zucchini chips are awesome! But they are loaded with a ton of unhealthy fat. The air fryer can help solve that problem.

What can we cook in the air fryer? Just about anything! Be sure to pair these chips with Air Fryer Chicken Thighs, Air Fryer Crispy Fried Chicken, Air Fryer Steak, Air Fryer Salmon, or Air Fryer Chicken Breasts.

Key Ingredients

These are easy to make with simple, everyday ingredients.

• Zucchini – The star of the dish! Zucchini has a mild flavor and a tender yet sturdy texture, making it perfect for air frying. It crisps up beautifully while staying soft inside, giving the perfect contrast of textures.
• Flour – Acts as the base layer for breading, helping the egg stick to the zucchini. It also creates a light coating that contributes to the crispy outer texture.
• Eggs – Serve as the “glue” that binds the breadcrumbs to the zucchini, ensuring an even, crunchy coating. They also add a bit of richness to the breading.
• Breadcrumbs – The key to that crispy, golden crunch! Regular or panko breadcrumbs create a light, crispy texture that mimics deep frying while staying light and airy in the air fryer.
• Italian Seasoning – A flavorful blend of herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme that enhances the zucchini with a classic Italian-inspired taste. It pairs perfectly with Parmesan and gives the coating a delicious, aromatic flavor.
• Smoked Paprika – Adds a subtle smoky depth and a pop of color to the breading. It enhances the overall flavor profile with a mild warmth that complements the crispiness.

What is an Air Fryer and How Does it Work?

An air fryer is a kitchen appliance, a lot of people compare it to a convection oven. It circulates hot air in a tight space, which helps crisp food.

You only need a small amount of oil with air frying, compared to the large amounts required for deep frying.

Air frying cuts up to 80% of the fat of traditional frying, making it a much healthier alternative. Most deep-fried recipes require 2 to 3 cups of oil. With the air fryer, you need only a tablespoon. Because air-fried meals are so much lighter, you will feel less bogged down after eating them.

How to Make Fried Zucchini in the Air Fryer

Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

1. Add eggs, flour, and breadcrumbs to separate bowls.
2. Slice the zucchini about 1/4 of an inch thick.
3. Season the flour.
4. Dip the zucchini in flour, then egg, and then the cheese and breadcrumbs and place in the air fryer.
5. Air Fry.

Cook Time/How Long to Cook

The zucchini chips will brown around 8 minutes. For crunchy chips you may require 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Air Fryer Temperature

I fry the zucchini chips on 400 degrees.

How to Keep the Breading Intact From Falling Off the Zucchini

• Pat the Zucchini Dry – Moisture is the enemy of crispy breading!
• Follow the classic flour → egg → breadcrumb method noted in the recipe to create a strong coating: Flour helps the egg stick. Egg binds the breadcrumbs to the zucchini. Breadcrumbs create the crispy outer layer.
• Don’t Skip the Oil Spray – A light mist of oil on the breaded zucchini helps the coating crisp up and adhere better. Avoid drenching them in oil, as too much can cause sogginess.
• Flip Carefully – If flipping the zucchini halfway through cooking, use tongs or a spatula to gently turn them without scraping off the breading.

Soggy Zucchini Chips

No one likes soggy chips. Follow these tips to ensure the perfect texture:

• Slice Evenly – Cut zucchini into ¼-inch thick rounds for the perfect balance of crispiness and tenderness. Thicker slices may stay too soft, while thinner ones can burn.
• Remove Excess Moisture – Zucchini holds a lot of water! After slicing, sprinkle with salt and let sit for 10-15 minutes to draw out moisture. Then, pat dry with a paper towel before breading or air frying.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer Basket – Arrange zucchini chips in a single layer with space between them. Overlapping leads to steaming instead of crisping. Cook in batches if needed.
• Use a Light Oil Spray – A light mist of olive oil or avocado oil on the chips before air frying helps them crisp up without making them greasy. Avoid over-oiling, which can make them soggy.
• Serve Immediately – These are best enjoyed fresh out of the air fryer. Letting them sit too long can cause them to lose crispiness due to their natural moisture content.

How to Store

Store in the refrigerator (tightly covered and sealed) for up to 3 days.

How to Reheat

Air Fryer: Reheat at 375 degrees for 3-5 minutes until crispy.
Oven: Bake at 375 degrees for 5-7 minutes.
Avoid the Microwave: It will make the zucchini soft and soggy.

Freezer Tips

You can prep and bread the zucchini and freeze it for later (prior to air frying). You can air fry the frozen zucchini following the same temperature noted and until crisp.

You can also freeze fully cooked zucchini chips for up to 2 months.

More Air Fryer Appetizer Recipes

Air Fryer French Fries
Air Fryer Onion Rings
Air Fryer Bacon and Cheese Stuffed Jalapeno Poppers
Air Fryer Stuffed Mushrooms
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
Air Fryer Fried Pickles
Air Fryer Ravioli

Air Fryer Vegetable Recipes

Air Fryer Roasted Asparagus
Air Fryer Roasted Broccoli
Air Fryer Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
Air Fryer Loaded Baked Potatoes
Air Fryer Loaded Sweet Potatoes
Air Fryer Butternut Squash

Check out The Best Way to Pick Zucchini here.

Be sure to dip the zucchini in my homemade Keto Low-Carb Ranch Dressing. If you love your air fryer, check out a full list of Air Fryer Recipes here.