Ingredients:

  • 2 medium zucchini, cut into fries (approx. 1 lb / 450g)
  • 1 tsp (6g) kosher salt
  • 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp (8g) cornstarch
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup (60g) Panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup (50g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp (3g) garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp (1g) smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp (1g) black pepper
  • 2 tbsp (30ml) olive oil

Instructions:

  1. Toss zucchini sticks with kosher salt and let them sit for 5–10 minutes to sweat out moisture.
  2. Use paper towels to aggressively pat each zucchini fry dry to prevent sogginess.
  3. Set up a breading station with three bowls: Bowl 1 with flour and cornstarch; Bowl 2 with beaten eggs; Bowl 3 with Panko, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper.
  4. Dredge each zucchini fry in the flour mixture, dip in the egg, and press firmly into the Panko-Parmesan mix until fully encapsulated.
  5. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  6. Arrange the fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
  7. Lightly spray the tops of the fries with olive oil.
  8. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden-brown and toasted.