Gluten Free Crispy Zucchini Fries
Description
These gluten free zucchini fries are coated in a crisp parmesan herb crust and cooked in the air fryer until golden and crunchy. They are tender on the inside, lightly seasoned, and perfect served warm with marinara, ranch, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Ingredients
Zucchini
Flour Coating
Egg Wash
Crispy Coating
Cooking
Instructions
Prepare the Zucchini
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Wash the zucchini thoroughly and dry them well with a clean towel. Using a sharp knife and a cutting board, slice each zucchini into long sticks about the size of thick fries, roughly 3 to 4 inches long and about 1/2 inch wide. Try to keep the pieces fairly uniform so they cook evenly. If the zucchini seems very moist, lightly pat the pieces dry again with paper towels, as removing excess moisture helps the coating stick properly.
Coat the Zucchini with Flour
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Place the zucchini sticks into a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow bowl. Add the 1/2 cup gluten free flour and gently shake or toss until every piece is lightly coated. This thin layer of flour creates a dry surface that allows the egg mixture to adhere evenly (without it, the coating may slide off during cooking).
Prepare the Egg Wash
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In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the 2 eggs and 1 tbsp water using a fork or small whisk. Continue whisking until the mixture becomes smooth and lightly frothy. The added water loosens the eggs slightly so they coat the zucchini evenly instead of forming thick patches.
Mix the Crispy Coating
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In a medium bowl, combine the gluten free panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt. Stir everything together with a spoon until the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the crumbs. The mixture should smell fragrant and slightly savory from the herbs and cheese.
Bread the Zucchini Fries
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Working in small batches, take the floured zucchini sticks and dip them into the egg mixture using your hands or tongs. Allow any excess egg to drip off, then place the sticks into the breadcrumb mixture. Gently roll and press the crumbs onto each piece so the coating sticks firmly and evenly. Set the coated zucchini on a plate or tray while you finish breading the remaining pieces.
Prepare the Air Fryer Basket
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Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the breaded zucchini fries in a single layer inside the basket, leaving a little space between each piece so hot air can circulate properly. Lightly spray the tops of the zucchini fries with olive oil spray to help them crisp and brown.
Air Fry Until Golden and Crispy
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Preheat the air fryer if your model requires it, then cook the zucchini fries at 350°F for about 10 minutes. Halfway through cooking, gently check the fries and rotate or flip them if needed to ensure even browning. The fries are ready when the coating becomes golden brown and crisp while the zucchini inside is tender. If they appear pale, cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until nicely crisp.
Serve Warm
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Carefully remove the zucchini fries using tongs or a spatula and transfer them to a serving plate. Serve immediately while they are warm and crunchy. Pair with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or a creamy garlic dip for extra flavor.
Note
For best texture, choose smaller zucchini as they contain less water and fewer seeds. If your zucchini pieces release too much moisture while cooking, lightly pat them dry before breading. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket since airflow is essential for crisp results. If making multiple batches, keep cooked fries warm on a baking sheet in a low oven around 200°F until ready to serve. Leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer for 3 to 4 minutes at 350°F to restore crispness.
