This crispy air fryer zucchini is a tasty and healthy treat! With just slices of fresh zucchini and a light coating, it becomes golden and crunchy in no time.
I love how quick and easy it is to whip up a batch. It’s the perfect side dish or snack. Plus, your kids will never say no to veggies that are this fun to eat! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Medium zucchinis are perfect for slicing. If zucchinis are not in season, you can use yellow squash or eggplant as alternatives. I enjoy mixing different colors for a vibrant dish!
Breadcrumbs: I recommend using Panko breadcrumbs for an extra crunchy texture. If you’re gluten-free, look for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes as a substitute. Both work great!
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a lovely flavor and helps bind the breadcrumbs. If you don’t have Parmesan, you can try Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a vegan option.
Spices: The blend of garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika makes the flavors pop. Feel free to add dried herbs like oregano or Italian seasoning if you want an extra kick!
How Do You Get the Zucchini Extra Crispy in the Air Fryer?
Getting that crispy texture is all about the preparation! Here are some tips to ensure your zucchini turns out perfectly crunchy:
- Start by slicing the zucchini into even 1/4 inch rounds. This helps them cook uniformly.
- Make sure to coat the zucchini slices well in the beaten eggs. This helps the breadcrumb mixture stick.
- Press the zucchini firmly into the breadcrumb mix so it adheres better.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket! Air circulation is key for crispiness.
- A light spray of olive oil on top before frying adds that desired crunch.
- Flipping the slices halfway through ensures even cooking and browning.
With these tips, you’ll have golden, crispy zucchini that’s perfect for snacking or serving as a side!
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Zucchini:
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into 1/4 inch rounds
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Olive oil spray
For the Coating:
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko for extra crunch)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take approximately 25 minutes in total. You’ll spend around 10 minutes preparing the ingredients and about 12 minutes cooking in the air fryer. Get ready for a deliciously crispy 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 step is essential for getting your zucchini nice and crispy!
2. Prepare the Coating:
In a large bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This flavorful coating will add a delightful crunch to your zucchini slices.
3. Dip the Zucchini Slices:
Take each zucchini slice and dip it into the beaten eggs. Make sure each slice gets coated well with the egg, which will help the breadcrumb mixture stick.
4. Coat the Zucchini:
After dipping in the eggs, press the zucchini slice into the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure to coat it thoroughly so it’s covered in crunchy goodness. Set each coated slice aside as you finish with the rest.
5. Arrange in the Air Fryer:
Once all your zucchini slices are coated, place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer. It’s important not to overcrowd the basket to ensure they cook evenly and get crispy.
6. Add Olive Oil Spray:
Lightly spray the tops of the zucchini slices with olive oil spray. This helps them become extra crispy while cooking.
7. Air Fry to Perfection:
Air fry the zucchini slices for about 10-12 minutes. Remember to flip them halfway through to ensure they’re golden brown and crispy on both sides.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once they’re done, carefully remove the zucchini from the air fryer and serve them immediately. Enjoy your crispy air fryer zucchini as a tasty snack or a delicious side dish!
Can I Use Different Types of Zucchini for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use any variety of zucchini, like yellow squash or globe zucchini. Just keep in mind that different types and sizes may affect cooking time slightly, so be sure to adjust as needed for optimal crispiness!
What Can I Substitute for Parmesan Cheese?
If you don’t have Parmesan cheese on hand, you can substitute with any hard cheese such as Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano for a similar flavor. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast, which adds a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
How Do I Store Leftover Zucchini?
Store leftover crispy zucchini slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To keep them crispy, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes or until hot again, rather than using the microwave.
Can I Make These Zucchini Slices Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep the zucchini slices in advance! Coat them with the breadcrumb mixture, and place them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before air frying. If you like, you can also freeze the coated slices; just ensure they are in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the air frying time.
