This crispy air fryer zucchini is a fun and healthy side dish! Just slice the zucchini, toss it in some seasonings, and let the air fryer do its magic. Yum!
It’s quick to make, and you can snack on it while pretending it’s a French fry! I love how easily it adds veggies to my meals without fussing over the oven!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: These are the star of the dish! Look for firm, medium-sized zucchinis. If zucchinis aren’t available, you could use eggplant or yellow squash as a delicious alternative.
Breadcrumbs: I recommend panko breadcrumbs for that extra crunch. If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs work too, or you can even use crushed crackers for a twist.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds great flavor. If you’re out of it, consider using another hard cheese like Pecorino Romano or a dairy-free cheese for a vegan option.
Egg: The egg helps the breadcrumbs stick to the zucchini. For a vegan choice, try using a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) or a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2.5 tablespoons of water).
How Do You Get the Zucchini Perfectly Coated?
Coating the zucchini slices well can be tricky. Here’s how to get them evenly covered:
- Make sure your zucchini slices are dry before dipping; it helps the egg stick better.
- When you dip in the egg, let the excess drip off to avoid a soggy coating.
- For the breadcrumb coating, press gently but firmly to make sure it adheres well. You can even double dip: egg, breadcrumbs, then dip in egg again and back in breadcrumbs for extra crunch!
This method really helps the coating become crispy and delicious during air frying. Enjoy your tasty crispy zucchini!
Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Zucchini:
- 2 medium zucchinis
For the Coating:
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred for extra crunch)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 large egg
- Olive oil spray
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 12-15 minutes to cook in the air fryer. In total, you’ll need around 25 minutes from start to finish, making it a super quick and tasty snack or side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Zucchini:
Start by washing the zucchinis thoroughly to remove any dirt. Once clean, slice them into 1/4 inch thick rounds. Make sure the slices are uniform so they cook evenly.
2. Make the Coating Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs (panko is the best for crunch) with the grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
3. Prepare the Egg Wash:
In another bowl, crack the large egg and beat it until it’s well mixed. This will help the breadcrumb mixture stick to the zucchinis.
4. Coat the Zucchini Slices:
Take each zucchini slice and first dip it into the beaten egg, allowing any excess egg to drip off. Next, coat the slice in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to make sure the crumbs stick well. Repeat this for all the zucchini slices.
5. Air Fry the Zucchini:
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Once it’s ready, arrange the coated zucchini slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Be careful not to overcrowd them, as they need space to get crispy—this may require you to cook in batches. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil spray for extra crunch.
6. Enjoy Your Crispy Zucchini:
Air fry the zucchini for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are gorgeous, golden brown, and crispy. When they’re done, carefully remove them from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce—such a tasty treat!
Can I Use Other Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While Parmesan adds a great flavor, you can try other cheeses like Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste or even a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan for a different texture. Just keep in mind that using softer cheeses might alter the crispiness a bit.
What Can I Substitute for Breadcrumbs?
If you need a gluten-free option, you can substitute with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour. You can also make your own breadcrumbs by pulsing stale bread in a food processor. Just make sure they’re fine enough to coat the zucchini well!
Can I Prepare This Recipe in Advance?
Yes, you can slice the zucchini and prepare the breadcrumb mixture ahead of time! Just keep the zucchini slices in the refrigerator covered to prevent browning and store the breadcrumb mixture in an airtight container until you’re ready to cook.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover crispy zucchini in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in the air fryer again for a few minutes at 350°F (175°C) to regain their crispiness!
