Crouton-Crusted Zucchini Sticks

These low-carb veggie “fries” get their crisp coating from crushed-up garlic and butter croutons.

Ingredients

• 1 (5 oz.) pkg. garlic-and-butter croutons
• ¾ cup yellow cornmeal
• 1 tsp. grated lemon zest + additional
• ⅛ tsp. cayenne pepper
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• 3 eggs, beaten
• 2 lbs. zucchini, trimmed, cut into ½”-thick sticks

Instructions

1. In food processor, pulse croutons with cornmeal, 1 tsp. zest and cayenne until finely ground; transfer to bowl. In separate bowl, mix flour and ½ tsp. salt. Place eggs in third bowl. Working with 2–3 zucchini sticks at a time, coat in flour; dip in egg, then crumb mixture, shaking off excess.
2. Heat 7-qt. air fryer to air-fry at 375°F. Coat air-fryer basket with cooking spray. In batches, place zucchini in single layer in basket; coat with cooking spray. Air-fry until crisp tender, 5 min. Transfer to plate. Return all batches of fries to basket. Air-fry until hot, 3–4 min. Transfer to serving plate. If desired, sprinkle with lemon zest.