These crispy air fryer zucchini sticks are a fun and tasty snack! With a golden outside and soft inside, they make a great side dish or appetizer for any meal.
Whenever I make these, I can’t help but nibble on a few before they reach the table. They vanish quickly, especially with a yummy dip! 🌟
Plus, they are super easy to whip up in the air fryer! Just season, coat, and fry. Now that’s my kind of cooking—fast and tasty!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchinis: Choose firm, shiny zucchinis for the best flavor and texture. If zucchinis aren’t available, yellow squash can work well as a substitute.
Bread Crumbs: Panko breadcrumbs give a lovely crunch. If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs are just fine. For a gluten-free option, try crushed gluten-free crackers or cornflakes.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds great flavor. If you want a lower-fat version, you can use reduced-fat cheese or nutritional yeast for a vegan touch.
Spices: Garlic and onion powders provide a nice base flavor. Feel free to add your favorite spices like Italian seasoning or cayenne pepper for extra kick if you like.
How Do I Get My Zucchini Coating to Stick?
Getting the coating to stick can be tricky, but it’s all about the process. Start with dry zucchini slices to ensure the breading clings well. Cutting your zucchini into even slices is key; stick to about 1/4-inch thickness for uniform cooking.
- First, dunk each slice in the beaten eggs, letting the excess drip off.
- Then, coat the slices in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing down slightly to help the breadcrumbs stick.
Also, don’t forget to preheat your air fryer! It helps achieve that golden texture. If you work in batches, keep the already cooked slices warm in an oven set to low until everything is done.
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Coating:
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crispiness)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Zucchini:
- 2 medium zucchinis
- 2 large eggs
- Olive oil spray
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes for preparation and about 12 minutes for air frying. So, you can enjoy your crispy air fryer zucchini in around 30 minutes total. Quick and easy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Zucchini:
Start by washing the zucchinis under cold water. Slice them into 1/4-inch thick rounds to ensure they cook evenly. Set aside.
2. Mix the Coating:
In a shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to mix all the ingredients together evenly. This will give your zucchini a tasty coating!
3. Beat the Eggs:
In another bowl, crack the two large eggs and beat them until they are well combined and frothy.
4. Coat the Zucchini Rounds:
Take each zucchini slice and dip it into the beaten eggs, letting any excess egg drip off. Then, coat it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing down gently to help the coating stick. Repeat this for all zucchini slices.
5. Preheat the Air Fryer:
While you coat the zucchini, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This step is key to getting that lovely crispy texture!
6. Arrange in the Air Fryer:
Place the coated zucchini slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket; air frying works best when the hot air can circulate around the food. You may need to fry them in batches.
7. Spray with Olive Oil:
Lightly spray the zucchini slices with olive oil spray. This will help them get beautifully golden and crispy!
8. Air Fry the Zucchini:
Air fry your zucchini slices for about 10-12 minutes. Don’t forget to flip them halfway through cooking to ensure they brown evenly. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden brown and crisp!
9. Cool and Serve:
Once they’re perfectly crispy, take the zucchini out of the air fryer and let them cool for just a minute or two before serving. This will help you avoid any burns from hot steam.
10. Enjoy:
Your crispy air fryer zucchini is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve them as a delicious snack or a flavorful side dish. Dig in and savor every crunchy bite!
Can I Use Other Vegetables Instead of Zucchini?
Absolutely! You can use eggplant, yellow squash, or even bell peppers. Just remember to adjust the cooking time slightly, as denser vegetables may require a few extra minutes in the air fryer.
What Can I Use Instead of Panko Breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs work fine, but the texture won’t be as crispy. You can also use crushed cornflakes or ground almonds for a gluten-free option!
How Long Do Leftovers Last?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes or warm them in the oven until crisp again—this helps restore some of that original crunch!
Can I Prepare These Zucchini Slices Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can bread the zucchini slices and store them in the fridge for a few hours or overnight before air frying. Just be sure to let them sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before cooking to ensure even cooking.
