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- 2 medium zucchinis, cut into sticks - 1 cup breadcrumbs (for extra crispiness, use panko) - 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 Use fresh zucchinis for the best taste. Choose medium-sized ones that feel firm. For the breadcrumbs, panko gives a great crunch, but regular will work too. Always use high-quality Parmesan cheese for a rich flavor. Freshly grated is best, but pre-grated works in a pinch. Garlic powder and Italian seasoning should be fresh to keep flavors strong. Use good-quality olive oil for the light spray, as it adds to the crispiness. You can swap zucchinis for eggplant or carrots for a different taste. For gluten-free options, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. If you want a dairy-free version, try nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. You can replace eggs with a flaxseed mixture (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water) for a vegan option. Always adjust seasonings to match your dietary needs or preferences. Start by washing the zucchinis well under running water. Cut off the ends to prepare them. Slice each zucchini into sticks that are about ½ inch thick. This shape helps them cook evenly, just like fries. After cutting, use a paper towel to pat them dry. Removing excess moisture is key for crispy zucchini sticks. Next, you need to set up your breading station. In one bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, beat the eggs until they are well mixed and frothy. This setup makes it easy to coat the zucchini sticks. Now, it's time to coat the zucchini sticks. Take a stick and dip it into the beaten eggs. Ensure it is fully coated. Then, dredge it in the breadcrumb mixture, applying gentle pressure. This helps the coating stick well. Place the coated sticks on a plate or baking sheet, ready for cooking. Make sure they are not crowded to keep them crispy. Set your air fryer to preheat at 400°F (200°C). Let it warm up for about 5 minutes. This step is important for getting a nice crisp. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil to stop the zucchini from sticking. Place the sticks in a single layer in the basket. If needed, cook in batches. Lightly mist the tops with olive oil to add extra crispiness. Cook the sticks for 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. This ensures even cooking and browning. Once done, carefully remove the zucchini sticks and serve them hot. To get the best crispiness, follow a few simple steps. First, dry the zucchini sticks well after cutting them. Moisture can make them soggy. Next, use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch. They are lighter and crispier than regular breadcrumbs. Finally, spray a little olive oil on the sticks before and after cooking. This step helps them crisp up nicely in the air fryer. Avoid cutting the zucchini sticks too thick. If they are too large, they won’t cook evenly. Also, don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. This can trap steam and make your sticks soft instead of crispy. Lastly, skip the salt until after cooking. Salting before can draw moisture out and ruin the texture. These zucchini sticks taste great with a variety of sauces. Marinara sauce is a classic choice. Its rich flavor pairs well with the cheesy coating. You might also try ranch dressing for a creamy contrast. For a spicy kick, sriracha mayo works wonders. Don’t hesitate to get creative with your dips! {{image_4}} You can spice up your Air Fryer Parmesan Zucchini Sticks with different herbs and spices. Try adding a pinch of cayenne for heat. Smoked paprika gives a nice depth of flavor. You can also swap Italian seasoning for dried oregano or thyme. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley add a burst of freshness. Mix and match to find your favorite blend! If you want a gluten-free option, use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs. These alternatives still give a great crunch. You can also try crushed cornflakes for a different texture. For a cheesy twist, add more Parmesan or mix in some cheddar. Experimenting with coatings can make your zucchini sticks even more fun! Zucchini is just the start! You can use eggplant, carrots, or bell peppers. Just cut them into sticks or rounds. Each veggie has a unique taste and texture. Cooking times may vary, so check for doneness. Air frying other vegetables opens up a world of tasty snacks! To store your leftover Air Fryer Parmesan Zucchini Sticks, let them cool completely. Place them in an airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking. For the best taste, reheat the zucchini sticks in the air fryer. Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook for about 5 minutes. This method keeps them crispy. You can also use an oven at the same temperature for about 10 minutes. Avoid the microwave, as it makes them soggy. You can freeze uncooked zucchini sticks for later use. After breading, spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They will last for up to three months. Cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Yes, you can use different cheeses! Mozzarella adds a nice stretch. Cheddar gives a strong flavor. You can even mix cheeses for more taste. Just keep in mind that different cheeses melt and crisp in their own way. Parmesan is great for its salty bite. Cooked zucchini sticks last about 3-5 days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They may lose some crispiness over time. Reheating in the air fryer helps restore that crunch. Yes, you can bake them in the oven! Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the coated zucchini sticks on a baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway. This method gives a crunchy texture, but the air fryer is quicker. We covered all the steps to make air fryer Parmesan zucchini sticks. You learned about the best ingredients, preparation tips, and storage advice. Remember to try different flavors and sauces for variety. Avoid common mistakes to ensure perfect crispiness. With these easy steps, you can enjoy a tasty snack that fits your diet. Experiment and have fun with your zucchini sticks!

Air Fryer Parmesan Zucchini Sticks

Discover the perfect snack with these Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Zucchini Sticks! Made with fresh zucchini, just the right seasoning, and a golden Parmesan crust, they’re easy to whip up and packed with flavor. In just 20 minutes, you can enjoy a healthy, crunchy treat that pairs beautifully with marinara or your favorite dip. Click through to explore the full recipe and learn how to make these mouthwatering zucchini sticks today!
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Ingredients
  

2 medium zucchinis, cut into sticks

1 cup breadcrumbs (for extra crispiness, use panko)

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: Begin by thoroughly washing the zucchinis under running water. Cut off the ends and slice each zucchini into uniform sticks, approximately ½ inch thick, to mimic the shape of fries. Use a paper towel to pat them dry, ensuring any excess moisture is absorbed. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy texture.

    Set Up Your Breading Station: In one bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until they are well combined and frothy.

      Coat the Zucchini Sticks: Take each zucchini stick and dip it into the beaten eggs, making sure it is fully coated. Following that, dredge the stick in the breadcrumb mixture, applying gentle pressure to ensure the coating adheres well. Transfer the coated zucchini sticks to a plate or a baking sheet, ready for cooking.

        Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to preheat at 400°F (200°C) and allow it to warm up for about 5 minutes, which will help achieve that crispy finish.

          Cook the Zucchini Sticks: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the zucchini sticks in a single layer within the basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches. Once arranged, give the tops of the zucchini sticks another light mist with olive oil for added crispiness.

            Air Fry the Zucchini Sticks: Cook the zucchini sticks for 10 minutes, remembering to shake the basket gently halfway through cooking. This will promote even browning and ensure they become golden and crispy all around.

              Serve and Enjoy: Once the zucchini sticks are cooked, carefully remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately while they’re hot and crispy. They pair wonderfully with marinara sauce or a creamy dip, enhancing their flavor experience.

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

                  - Presentation Tips: Arrange the zucchini sticks on a serving platter with a small bowl of marinara sauce or dip in the center for an appealing presentation. Consider garnishing with fresh parsley or additional Parmesan on top for an inviting touch.