This crispy air fryer zucchini is a fantastic side dish that’s light and crunchy! Just slice up the zucchini, coat it lightly, and let the air fryer do its magic!
You won’t believe how tasty veggies can be! I often make a big bowl and snack on them during movie night. Who needs chips when you have this? 🍽️
Making this is super easy! I love how the air fryer gives them a nice crunch without all the oil. It’s a perfect way to enjoy veggies that even kids will love!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh, medium-sized zucchinis work best for this recipe. If you can’t find zucchini, try yellow squash or eggplant as alternatives for a similar texture.
Panko Breadcrumbs: I highly recommend panko for its extra crunch. If you prefer a gluten-free option, crushed rice cereal or gluten-free breadcrumbs can be used.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds amazing flavor. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast gives a cheesy taste without the dairy.
Spices: Garlic powder and onion powder add great flavor, but you can swap them with fresh garlic and onion if you have them on hand. Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can also be nice additions.
How Can I Get the Zucchini Really Crispy?
Achieving that glorious crispiness can be a challenge sometimes! Here are some easy tips to help you succeed:
- Slice zucchinis evenly into 1/4-inch rounds; this ensures they cook at the same rate.
- Don’t skip the egg wash. It helps the breadcrumbs stick better!
- Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. This allows hot air to circulate freely for even cooking.
- A light spray of cooking oil on the coated zucchini before air frying gives that extra crunch you want.
Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Zucchini:
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
For the Coating:
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crispiness)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Egg Wash:
- 2 large eggs
For Cooking:
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and approximately 10-12 minutes to cook. Overall, you’ll need around 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick snack or side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your zucchini will cook evenly and become crispy.
2. Prepare the Coating:
In a bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir it well so all the dry ingredients are combined and ready for coating your zucchini.
3. Whisk the Eggs:
In another bowl, crack the two large eggs and whisk them together until they are fully beaten. This will be your egg wash for coating the zucchini.
4. Coat the Zucchini Slices:
Take each zucchini slice and first dip it into the egg mixture, making sure it’s fully coated. Then, dredge it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to help the crumbs stick. Repeat this for all the zucchini slices.
5. Air Fry the Zucchini:
Arrange the coated zucchini slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If you have a lot, you may need to cook them in batches. Lightly spray the zucchini with cooking spray for an extra crunch.
6. Cook the Zucchini:
Air fry the zucchini slices for about 10-12 minutes. Be sure to flip them halfway through the cooking time for even browning. They should come out golden brown and crispy!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooked, remove the zucchini from the air fryer and repeat the process with any remaining slices. Serve warm as a delicious snack or side dish. Enjoy your crispy air fryer zucchini!
Can I Use Cheddar Cheese Instead of Parmesan?
Yes, you can! Cheddar will give the zucchini a different flavor, but it will still be delicious. Just make sure to use finely grated cheese to help it adhere better to the zucchini slices.
What If I Don’t Have Panko Breadcrumbs?
No worries! Regular breadcrumbs can be used instead of panko. They may not provide quite the same level of crispiness, but you can add a bit of cornmeal to the mixture to get some extra crunch if you prefer!
How to Store Leftover Zucchini?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to regain some crispiness!
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs. Many brands offer gluten-free panko as well, which will keep the crispiness intact!
