A great way to use up summer courgettes: cut into sticks, crumbed with parmesan panko and air-fried until golden and crunchy. They make a moreish side or snack that even veg-dodgers reach for.
Everything you need
- 3 courgettes (zucchini)
- 1 cup (60 g) breadcrumbs (panko)
- ½ cup (50 g) parmesan, grated
- ⅓ cup (42 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp fine salt
Single layer, always. Crowding the basket steams food instead of crisping it. Tap any ingredient to open its converter.
Method
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Cut the courgettes into finger-length sticks. Pat them very dry.
For this step
- 3 courgettes (zucchini)
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Set up the flour with garlic powder and salt in one bowl, egg in another, and panko mixed with parmesan in a third.
For this step
- ½ cup (50 g) parmesan
- ⅓ cup (42 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp fine salt
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Coat each stick in flour, then egg, then the parmesan crumb, pressing it on.
For this step
- ½ cup (50 g) parmesan
- ⅓ cup (42 g) all-purpose flour
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Preheat the air fryer to 200°C / 400°F. Spray the crumbed sticks with oil and lay in a single layer.
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Air fry for 10 to 13 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and crisp.
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Serve hot with marinara or garlic mayo.
For this step
- 1 tsp garlic powder
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Air fryer notes
- Cook at 200°C / 400°F and preheat for 2 to 3 minutes for the crispiest result.
- Keep everything in a single layer with space around each piece. Overcrowding steams food instead of crisping it, so cook in batches if your basket is small.
- Shake or turn halfway, and check a few minutes early, since air fryers cook faster than ovens and every model runs slightly differently.
Cook's tips
- Dry the courgette well before coating. It holds a lot of water that would otherwise make the crumb soggy.
- A single layer with space is essential, or they steam rather than crisp.
Make it your own
- Add Italian herbs or chilli flakes to the crumb.
- Use the same method for aubergine or green beans.
Storing & reheating
Best fresh, as courgette softens fast. Re-crisp leftovers at 190°C for 3 minutes.
Frequently asked
Why are my zucchini fries soft?
Courgette is very watery. Pat the sticks dry, don't overcrowd the basket, and eat them soon after cooking.
Can I make them ahead?
Bread them ahead and chill, then air fry just before serving. Cooked, they soften quickly.
Adapting your own recipe? Use the oven to air fryer converter for temp and time, or the recipe scaler to halve or double this.
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A note on cooking safely. Recipes are provided for informational purposes only and are not medical or nutritional advice. Cooking times, temperatures and quantities are suggestions: use your own judgement, and check that meat, poultry, fish and eggs are properly cooked before serving.
Consult a qualified healthcare professional before making dietary changes, particularly if you have allergies, a medical condition or specific nutritional requirements.