This crispy air fryer zucchini is a tasty and healthy snack! The zucchini is lightly seasoned and cooked until golden brown, making it perfectly crunchy on the outside and tender inside.
I love this dish because it’s so quick to make and is a great way to eat your veggies. Plus, I may or may not dip them in ranch—no judgment! 😄
Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchinis: Fresh medium zucchinis are essential for this recipe. If you can’t find zucchinis, you can use eggplant or yellow squash as alternatives, keeping in mind they might have a slightly different texture.
Breadcrumbs: Panko gives the best crunch, but regular breadcrumbs work too. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. You can also make your own by crushing stale bread in a blender!
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a lovely flavor. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast can provide a cheesy flavor substitute. You can also use Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
Garlic Powder and Italian Seasoning: These spices infuse the zucchini with great flavor. If you want a fresh taste, minced garlic and fresh herbs like basil or oregano are excellent substitutes.
Eggs: Eggs help the breadcrumbs stick. For a vegan option, use flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) or unsweetened applesauce to achieve a similar binding effect.
How Do I Get My Zucchini Crispy Without Sogginess?
The key to crispy zucchini is to remove excess moisture. Here’s how to do it easily:
- Slice the zucchini into 1/4-inch thick rounds, as thinner slices will cook more evenly.
- Place the slices in a colander and sprinkle with salt. The salt draws out moisture, which makes for crispier chips.
- Let them sit for 15-20 minutes; you’ll notice some water accumulating in the colander.
- Afterward, pat the slices dry with a paper towel before breading to ensure they are as dry as possible. This step is vital!
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Zucchini:
- 2 medium zucchinis
For the Coating:
- 3/4 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 12 minutes of cooking time, making a total of around 25 minutes. With a little patience for drawing out moisture from the zucchini, you’re just a short wait away from enjoying these crispy delicious bites!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Zucchini:
Start by washing the zucchinis thoroughly. Slice them into 1/4-inch thick rounds. After slicing, place the zucchini rounds in a colander and sprinkle them with salt. Let them sit for about 15-20 minutes. This step helps to draw out extra moisture, making them crispier when cooked.
2. Preheat the Air Fryer:
While the zucchini is resting, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This will help them cook evenly and get that perfect crispy texture.
3. Make the Breading:
In a shallow dish, mix together the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Make sure everything is well-combined for the best flavor and crunch.
4. Prepare the Egg Wash:
In another shallow bowl, crack the two large eggs and beat them until well mixed. This will help the coating stick to the zucchini slices.
5. Coat the Zucchini:
After the zucchini has drained, pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Take each zucchini slice and first dip it in the beaten eggs, then coat it in the breadcrumb mixture, making sure every slice is covered evenly.
6. Arrange in Air Fryer:
Place the coated zucchini slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Be careful not to overcrowd them; if needed, cook them in batches. For extra crispiness, lightly spray the zucchini with cooking spray or olive oil spray.
7. Air Fry:
Cook the zucchini at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes. Flip them halfway through the cooking time to ensure they get nice and golden brown on both sides. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t burn.
8. Serve:
Once they’re cooked and crispy, carefully remove the zucchini chips from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. Serve them warm, and feel free to enjoy them with a delicious dipping sauce like marinara or ranch dressing. Happy snacking!
Can I Use Other Vegetables Instead of Zucchini?
Absolutely! Veggies like eggplant, yellow squash, or even bell peppers can work well in this recipe. Just slice them into similar thickness as the zucchini for even cooking and adjust the cooking time if needed, as some vegetables may cook faster or slower.
How Do I Store Leftover Crispy Zucchini?
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. To maintain their crunch, you can reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes. This helps revive that crispy texture!
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! Simply substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Be sure to check that your Parmesan cheese is also gluten-free if you have a strict gluten intolerance.
What Can I Use Instead of Parmesan Cheese?
If you don’t have Parmesan cheese or prefer a dairy-free option, you can try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Alternatively, use any hard cheese you have on hand, like pecorino or a dairy-free cheese substitute, keeping in mind that it may alter the flavor slightly.
