Ingredients:

  • 2 medium zucchini (approx. 1 lb / 450g), cut into sticks
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil
  • 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup (60g) Panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp (5g) garlic powder
  • 1 tsp (5g) smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp (3g) salt
  • 1/4 tsp (1g) black pepper

Instructions:

  1. Cut zucchini into uniform sticks (about 3x1/2 inches) to ensure they cook at the same rate.
  2. Pat each zucchini stick thoroughly with paper towels to remove surface moisture until the surface feels dry to the touch.
  3. Toss the dried zucchini sticks in 1 tbsp (15ml) of olive oil until lightly coated.
  4. Toss zucchini in the all-purpose flour until completely dusted with no bare spots.
  5. Dip each stick into the beaten eggs, allowing the excess to drip off.
  6. Press the sticks firmly into the Panko and Parmesan mixture (combined with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper), ensuring every side is heavily coated.
  7. Place zucchini sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding.
  8. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes.
  9. Halfway through cooking, shake the basket or flip with tongs until the fries are mahogany-colored and firm.