Air Fryer Crispy Parmesan Zucchini Sticks

In the realm of healthy snacking, few options are as delightful and satisfying as Crunchy Air Fryer Parmesan Zucchini Sticks. This recipe seamlessly combines the freshness of zucchini with a crispy, flavorful coating, making it the perfect guilt-free treat for any time of the day. Whether you’re looking for a quick appetizer, a side dish to accompany your main course, or a nutritious snack to munch on, these zucchini sticks check all the boxes. Plus, the air fryer method ensures that you achieve that coveted crunch without the excess oil of traditional frying. In this article, we’ll delve into the details of this recipe, from preparation to serving, while highlighting the benefits of incorporating zucchini into your diet.

Air Fryer Crispy Parmesan Zucchini Sticks

Indulge in the perfect summer snack with these Crunchy Air Fryer Parmesan Zucchini Sticks! With a crispy, cheesy coating, they're an easy weeknight dinner side or great for gatherings. Ready in just 30 minutes, these guilt-free delights are made with fresh zucchini and air-fried for that satisfying crunch without the extra oil. Enjoy them with your favorite dip and savor the flavors of summer cookouts. Try this recipe tonight and save it for your next BBQ!

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Ingredients

2 medium zucchinis, cut into sticks (about 4-5 inches long)

1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon black pepper

2 large eggs

Cooking spray (or olive oil spray)

Instructions

Prep the Zucchini: Start by washing the zucchinis thoroughly. Slice off both ends, then cut each zucchini in half. Slice each half into sticks, aiming for uniform thickness for even cooking.

Set Up Breading Station: In a mixing bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well combined.

Prepare the Egg Wash: In another bowl, crack the two eggs and beat them well. You can add a tablespoon of water to the eggs to help with consistency if desired.

Coat the Zucchini Sticks:

- Dip each zucchini stick first into the egg wash, allowing any excess to drip off.

- Next, coat it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure even coverage. Repeat this for all zucchini sticks.

Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.

Air Fry the Zucchini Sticks: Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the zucchini sticks in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

Cooking Time: Air fry the zucchini sticks for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Halfway through, shake the basket gently to ensure even cooking.

Serving: Once done, remove the zucchini sticks from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. Serve warm with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or a squeeze of lemon.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 25 minutes | 4 servings