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- 2 medium zucchinis, cut into fries - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - ½ teaspoon paprika - 1 large egg, beaten - ½ cup ranch dressing for dipping Zucchinis are the star here. Their mild taste pairs well with bold flavors. I love using medium zucchinis for the right size. Salt and pepper add a touch of brightness. For the dry mix, Panko breadcrumbs give a crunchy texture. Grated Parmesan cheese adds that cheesy goodness. Garlic and onion powder bring a savory depth. Paprika adds a hint of warmth and color. You’ll need one large egg to help the coating stick. Ranch dressing is a must for dipping. It brings a creamy balance to the crispy fries. This combination creates a dish that's not only tasty but also fun to eat. Enjoy each bite with that ranch dip! To start, take your zucchinis and wash them well. After that, slice them into fry shapes. Aim for each piece to be about ½ inch thick. This thickness helps them cook evenly. If they are too thin, they might burn. If they are too thick, they may not cook through. When cutting, try to keep all the pieces the same size. This step is key for cooking. If some pieces are larger, they may take longer to cook. Smaller pieces may become crispy too fast. Consistency makes sure every fry turns out just right. Next, set up your breading station. You need two bowls for this part. In the first bowl, pour in the beaten egg. In the second bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This mixture will give the fries a nice flavor. Now, it's time to coat the zucchini fries. Take one fry and dip it into the egg. Make sure to let the extra egg drip off. Then, place it into the breadcrumb mixture. Press it lightly so the crumbs stick well. Repeat this step for all the zucchini fries. Each fry should be fully coated. Before cooking, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This step usually takes about 5 minutes. Preheating ensures that the fries get that crispy texture we want. Once preheated, arrange the breaded zucchini fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding the basket. Cook them for about 10-12 minutes. Halfway through, shake the basket gently to move the fries around. This action helps them cook evenly. After 10-12 minutes, check if the fries are golden brown and crispy. If they look perfect, take them out. If they still seem soft, cook them for an extra 1-2 minutes. You want that crunch! To get that perfect crunch, start with the right temperature. Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This high heat helps the fries crisp up quickly. Cook them for 10 to 12 minutes. If they need more time, add 1 to 2 minutes. Shaking the basket halfway is key. It helps the fries cook evenly. This action prevents them from sticking together and ensures all sides get golden brown. Zucchini fries can be fun to flavor. Use herbs like oregano or thyme for a fresh taste. You can also add spices like cayenne for some heat. A sprinkle of Italian seasoning adds great flavor too. Want more cheese? You can mix in some shredded mozzarella with the Parmesan. This makes the fries even cheesier and more delicious. Make your dish pop with garnishes. Sprinkle fresh parsley on the platter for color. You can also add a few slices of fresh zucchini around the fries. For serving, place the ranch in a small bowl in the center. This makes dipping easy and fun. Presenting your zucchini fries this way impresses guests and makes the meal more enjoyable. {{image_2}} Adding Spicy Seasoning Want a kick? Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to your breadcrumb mix. Start with a pinch and adjust to your taste. This spice will add warmth and excitement to each bite. Using Different Cheese Types Experiment with cheese! You can use cheddar, mozzarella, or even a spicy pepper jack. Each cheese brings its unique flavor. Grate your chosen cheese and mix it into the breadcrumbs for a tasty twist. Gluten-Free Options with Alternative Breading If you need a gluten-free option, use crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour. Both options work well and still give you that crispy texture. Just replace the regular breadcrumbs with your choice. Vegan Substitutions For a vegan version, skip the egg and use a flax egg instead. Mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water and let it sit for five minutes. This mixture helps the breadcrumbs stick to the zucchini. Other Dipping Sauce Ideas Ranch is great, but you can try other dips! Honey mustard, marinara, or even spicy ketchup work well. Each dip adds a new flavor and makes your meal more fun. Homemade Ranch vs. Store-Bought Homemade ranch is simple and fresh. Combine buttermilk, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, and herbs. Store-bought ranch is easy but may contain preservatives. Try making your own for a tasty upgrade! You will want to store your leftover Air Fryer Parmesan Zucchini Fries right. These fries taste best fresh, but they can last in the fridge. Here are some guidelines: - Refrigeration Guidelines: Place the leftover fries in an airtight container. They can stay fresh for up to three days. Be sure to let them cool before sealing the container to avoid moisture build-up. - Freezing Options: If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option. Lay the fries on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze them for about an hour, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They will last for up to three months. Reheating your zucchini fries can be tricky. You want them crispy, not soggy. Here are two methods: - Oven vs. Microwave Method: The oven is best for reheating. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the fries on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-10 minutes. A microwave works too, but it may make them soft. - Tips to Retain Crispiness: To keep the fries crispy, avoid covering them while reheating. If using the microwave, place them on a paper towel to absorb moisture. Air fryer zucchini fries last up to 3 days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container. You can freeze them for up to 2 months. Just remember to let them cool before freezing. To enjoy them later, thaw in the fridge overnight. Yes, you can use regular breadcrumbs. However, Panko breadcrumbs make the fries extra crispy. Regular breadcrumbs are finer and may not give the same crunch. If you want that delightful crunch, stick with Panko. Zucchini fries are great on their own but can be paired with many things. Here are some popular options: - Fresh salsa - Marinara sauce - Garlic aioli - Spicy ketchup - A side salad These dips and sides make your meal more fun and tasty! You can make tasty air fryer zucchini fries with fresh and dry ingredients. They are easy to prepare and cook. Follow the steps for crispiness and flavor. Don’t forget to try different dips and seasonings for unique tastes. You can store leftovers easily and reheat them perfectly. Now, you’re ready to enjoy or share this delicious snack with friends and family!

Air Fryer Parmesan Zucchini Fries with Ranch

Discover the ultimate snack with these Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Zucchini Fries! Battered to perfection and served with a creamy ranch dip, this easy recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. In just 25 minutes, you can create a deliciously crunchy treat that's healthier than traditional fries. Ready to spice up your snack time? Click through to explore the full recipe and enjoy this flavorful dish today!
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Ingredients
  

2 medium zucchinis, cut into fries

1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Panko)

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

1 large egg, beaten

½ cup ranch dressing for dipping

Instructions
 

Prepare the Zucchini: Slice the zucchinis into thin fry shapes, about ½ inch thick, to ensure they cook evenly.

    Create the Breading Station: In one bowl, place the beaten egg. In another bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

      Bread the Zucchini Fries: Dip each zucchini fry into the beaten egg, allowing excess to drip off. Then, coat it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure it sticks. Repeat for all zucchini pieces.

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

          Air Fry the Zucchini Fries: Arrange the breaded zucchini fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.

            Check for Crispiness: Once they are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer. If needed, you can cook them for an additional 1-2 minutes for extra crispiness.

              Serve: Place the crispy zucchini fries on a serving platter. Serve with ranch dressing on the side for dipping.

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

                  - Presentation Tips: Garnish the platter with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and serve with a small bowl of ranch in the center, adding a few slices of fresh zucchini for color.