Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini is a fun and healthy snack! This dish features fresh zucchini slices that become perfectly crunchy, thanks to the air fryer magic. Yum!
I love how simple it is to whip these up! Just toss zucchini with some seasoning, pop them in the air fryer, and enjoy crispy goodness in no time. It makes an awesome side dish! 🥒
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh, medium-sized zucchinis are best for this recipe. If zucchinis aren’t available, you can use yellow squash or eggplant as a tasty alternative.
Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs give that extra crunch. If you don’t have Panko, regular breadcrumbs work too. You can even make your own by processing stale bread in a blender!
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a nice flavor. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast can provide a similar cheesy flavor.
Eggs: These help the coating stick. If you’re vegan or allergic to eggs, try using a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tbsp water) or unsweetened applesauce instead.
How Can I Ensure My Zucchini Becomes Crispy?
Achieving that perfect crispy texture with zucchini involves a few key techniques. Start by slicing the zucchinis evenly, about 1/4 inch thick. This ensures they cook uniformly in the air fryer.
- Wash and slice zucchinis, cutting off the ends first.
- In a shallow dish, mix breadcrumbs and season ingredients until well combined.
- Dip zucchini slices in beaten eggs. This helps the breadcrumbs stick. I recommend letting excess egg drip off for a better coating.
- When placing them in the air fryer, arrange them in one layer. If needed, work in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can lead to soggy zucchini.
- Spray with olive oil lightly for that golden crispness. Flip halfway through cooking for even browning.
Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Zucchini:
- 2 medium zucchinis
For the Coating:
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko recommended for extra crispiness)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika (optional for added flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Binding:
- 2 large eggs
For Cooking:
- Olive oil spray (for cooking)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time followed by around 12 minutes of cooking time in the air fryer. In less than half an hour, you’ll have crunchy and delicious zucchini to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Zucchini:
Start by washing the zucchinis thoroughly under running water. Cut off both ends of the zucchinis, then slice them into thin rounds, about 1/4 inch thick. This ensures they cook evenly and become crispy!
2. Make the Coating:
In a shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is evenly mixed. This flavorful coating will make your zucchini super tasty!
3. Prepare the Eggs:
In another bowl, crack the two eggs and whisk them until they are fully beaten. This will help the breadcrumb mixture stick to the zucchini.
4. Preheat the Air Fryer:
While you prepare the zucchini, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Preheating helps achieve that crispiness you’re looking for.
5. Coat the Zucchini:
Take each zucchini round and dip it into the beaten eggs. Let any excess egg drip off. Then, coat it in the breadcrumb mixture. Press lightly to make sure the crumbs stick well. Repeat this for all the zucchini slices.
6. Arrange in the Air Fryer:
Place the coated zucchini slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not overlapping. If you have a lot of zucchini, you might need to cook them in batches to keep them crispy.
7. Spray with Olive Oil:
Lightly spray the zucchini slices with olive oil spray. This will help them brown nicely and get that crispy texture we love!
8. Cook the Zucchini:
Cook the zucchini in the air fryer for about 10-12 minutes. Remember to flip them halfway through the cooking time to ensure both sides get golden brown and crispy!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Once they are done, carefully remove the zucchini from the air fryer and let them cool for a couple of minutes. Serve them as a delicious snack or a flavorful side dish. Enjoy your crispy air fryer zucchini!
Can I Use Other Vegetables for This Recipe?
Absolutely! This breading method works great for other vegetables like eggplant, bell peppers, or even mushrooms. Just slice them into similar thicknesses, and adjust the cooking time if necessary; thinner slices will cook faster, while thicker ones may need a few extra minutes.
What Can I Use Instead of Eggs for Coating?
If you’re looking for an egg substitute, try using a mixture of 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed combined with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken before dipping your zucchini. You can also use unsweetened applesauce or a plant-based yogurt as alternatives!
How to Store Leftover Crispy Zucchini?
Store any leftover zucchini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to bring back their crispiness, rather than microwaving, which can make them soggy.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! Simply substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free cereal. Ensure the Parmesan cheese is labeled gluten-free as well to keep the whole dish gluten-free. Adjust cooking time as needed, but it should remain largely the same!
