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- 2 medium zucchinis, cut into sticks - 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crispiness) - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 large eggs, beaten - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - Olive oil spray For these Air Fryer Parmesan Zucchini Sticks, start with fresh zucchinis. I use two medium-sized ones. Slice them into sticks, about half an inch thick. This shape helps them cook evenly and get crispy. I prefer panko breadcrumbs for a crunchier texture. They really elevate the dish. Next, you need grated Parmesan cheese. This cheese adds a rich, savory flavor that works perfectly with zucchini. Don't skip the eggs; they help the breadcrumbs stick well. For seasoning, garlic powder and Italian seasoning are key. They bring out the best in the zucchini. Salt and pepper, as always, enhance all the flavors. Lastly, have your olive oil spray ready. This helps give the zucchini sticks a nice golden color without adding too much fat. With these ingredients, you are ready to make a tasty and crispy snack! Start by washing the zucchinis. This step removes dirt and any chemicals. Cut off the ends and slice them into sticks. Aim for about ½ inch thick, like fries. After cutting, pat them dry with a paper towel. This helps the coating stick better. If they are wet, the coating may not be crispy. Next, set up your breading station. You will need two bowls. In one bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This blend adds great flavor. In the second bowl, beat the eggs until they look smooth. This egg mixture helps the breadcrumbs stick. Now, it’s time to coat the zucchini sticks. First, dip each stick into the egg. Make sure it is fully coated. Then, dredge it in the breadcrumb mix. Press gently to make sure the crumbs stick well. Place the coated sticks on a plate or baking sheet. This preparation helps keep things neat before cooking. Before cooking, preheat your air fryer. Set it to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking. It helps the zucchini sticks turn out crispy and golden brown. Spray the air fryer basket lightly with olive oil. Arrange the zucchini sticks in a single layer. If your air fryer is small, you may need to cook them in batches. This prevents overcrowding, which can lead to soggy sticks. After placing them, spray the tops lightly with olive oil. Once done, remove the zucchini sticks from the air fryer. Serve them hot for the best taste. They pair wonderfully with marinara sauce or a creamy dip. For a nice presentation, arrange them on a colorful plate. Add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top for a gourmet touch. - Use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. They are lighter and crispier. - Spray a light coat of olive oil on your zucchini sticks. This helps them fry evenly. - Try adding paprika or onion powder for a twist in taste. - If you want a different cheese, use mozzarella or pecorino for great results. - Do not overcrowd the air fryer. It stops air from flowing properly. - Always dry the zucchini well before coating. This step helps them get crispy. {{image_2}} If you love some heat, try adding cayenne or chili flakes. Just a pinch can transform your zucchini sticks. Mix them into your breadcrumb mix before coating. Adjust the amount based on your spice level. For a mild kick, use 1/4 teaspoon. For more heat, go for 1/2 teaspoon. This small change makes a big difference. Fresh herbs can brighten the flavor of your zucchini sticks. Consider adding basil, thyme, or parsley to the breadcrumb mix. Dried herbs work well, too. Just make sure to crush them slightly to release their oils. This simple addition adds depth and freshness. You can also try spices like smoked paprika for a unique twist. You can explore different cheese types to mix things up. Mozzarella adds a gooey texture, while cheddar brings sharpness. Mix mozzarella with Parmesan for a melty, cheesy delight. You can also try a blend of cheeses for a rich flavor. Just remember to adjust the amount to match your taste. This makes your zucchini sticks even more delicious! To store any leftovers, let the zucchini sticks cool first. Place them in an airtight container. They can last up to three days in the fridge. Make sure to keep them dry to avoid sogginess. You can also layer paper towels between the sticks to absorb moisture. The best way to reheat your zucchini sticks is in the air fryer. Set it to 350°F (175°C). Place the sticks in the basket, making sure they are in a single layer. Heat for about 5 minutes. This helps regain their crispiness without drying them out. To freeze, let the zucchini sticks cool completely. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, defrost in the fridge overnight before reheating. These tasty zucchini sticks last about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Make sure to store them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and ready to eat. Reheating them in the air fryer helps to regain some crispiness. Yes! You can use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs. Almond flour or crushed cornflakes also work well. Just make sure whatever you choose is certified gluten-free for safety. Absolutely! You can try eggplant, carrots, or sweet potatoes. Just cut them into sticks like the zucchini. Each vegetable will bring a new and fun flavor to the dish. These sticks pair great with marinara sauce or ranch dressing. You can also serve them with a side salad or roasted veggies for a full meal. They make a perfect snack for game day too! The blog post covers how to make Air Fryer Parmesan Zucchini Sticks. We’ve discussed essential ingredients like zucchini, breadcrumbs, and cheese. I shared step-by-step instructions, tips for crispiness, and tasty variations. Remember to avoid common mistakes, like overcrowding the fryer. Proper storage keeps leftovers fresh. Lastly, feel free to explore gluten-free options and other vegetables. These sticks are not just a snack; they are a delicious way to enjoy vegetables!

Air Fryer Parmesan Zucchini Sticks

Discover the ultimate crispy air fryer Parmesan zucchini sticks that everyone will love! This easy recipe uses fresh zucchinis, a crunchy breadcrumb coating, and savory Parmesan cheese for a delightful snack or side dish. In just 20 minutes, you'll have a golden, crispy treat perfect for dipping. Ready to impress your family and friends? Click through to explore the full recipe and start cooking your new favorite appetizer today!
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Ingredients
  

2 medium zucchinis, cut into sticks

1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crispiness)

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

2 large eggs, beaten

Salt and pepper to taste

Olive oil spray

Instructions
 

Prepare the Zucchini: Start by washing the zucchinis thoroughly. Cut off the ends and slice them into sticks about ½ inch thick to resemble fries. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.

    Set Up Breading Station: In one bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, beat the eggs until well combined.

      Coat the Zucchini Sticks: Dip each zucchini stick into the beaten eggs, ensuring it is fully coated. Then, dredge it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere. Place the coated sticks on a plate or baking sheet.

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

          Cook the Zucchini Sticks: Spray the air fryer basket lightly with olive oil. Place the zucchini sticks in a single layer in the basket (you might have to do this in batches depending on the size of your air fryer). Spray the tops with a light mist of olive oil.

            Air Fry: Cook the zucchini sticks for 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. They should turn golden brown and crispy.

              Serve: Once done, remove the zucchini sticks from the air fryer and serve immediately while hot. They go well with marinara sauce or a creamy dip for added flavor.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4