Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini is a delicious way to enjoy veggies! These zucchini slices are coated lightly and cooked until golden brown and crunchy. Perfect for snacking!
I love munching on these without feeling guilty. It’s like having fries, but way healthier! Just a sprinkle of salt and you’re good to go. Who needs a deep fryer, right? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh, medium zucchinis are best for this recipe. If zucchinis aren’t available, you can substitute with yellow squash or eggplant for a similar texture.
Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs offer an amazing crunch, but regular breadcrumbs work too. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed nuts!
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a tasty, cheesy flavor. If you want a dairy-free alternative, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste without the dairy.
Egg: The egg helps the coating stick. For an egg-free version, you can use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) or unsweetened applesauce.
Seasonings: Feel free to play around! If you like it spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. You could also use fresh herbs like basil or oregano for an added freshness.
How Do I Get My Zucchini Extra Crispy?
Getting that perfect crispy texture can be tricky, but with the right steps, it is easily achievable!
- Make sure to slice your zucchini about 1/4-inch thick. Thicker slices may not cook evenly.
- Press the breadcrumb mixture firmly onto each slice to ensure it sticks well during frying.
- Lightly spray with cooking spray just before air frying — this helps create that crispy finish.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket! Give the zucchini space to cook evenly; doing this in batches might be necessary.
- Flipping the slices halfway through cooking helps them brown on both sides.
Enjoy these tips for perfectly crispy zucchini every time!
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Zucchini Coating:
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20 minutes, including 5 minutes for preparation and 10-12 minutes for cooking in the air fryer. It’s a quick, delicious snack that doesn’t take long to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
First things first, turn on your air fryer and set it to 400°F (200°C) to preheat. This helps get your zucchini nice and crispy!
2. Prepare the Coating Mixture:
In a shallow bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir it well so that the seasonings are evenly spread throughout the mixture. This is going to add amazing flavor to your zucchini!
3. Beat the Egg:
In another bowl, crack the large egg and beat it with a fork until it’s mixed well. This will help the breadcrumbs stick to the zucchini.
4. Coat the Zucchini Slices:
Take each zucchini slice and dip it into the beaten egg. Make sure to let any extra egg drip off, then roll the zucchini in the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to make sure the crumbs stick well. Repeat this for all the slices!
5. Arrange in the Air Fryer:
Place the coated zucchini slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer. If your air fryer is small, you might need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding.
6. Spray for Extra Crispiness:
Give the zucchini a light spray with cooking spray or olive oil spray. This little step helps make them even crunchier!
7. Air Fry the Zucchini:
Cook the zucchini in the air fryer for about 10-12 minutes. Remember to flip them halfway through cooking so they get golden brown on both sides. They should look crispy and delicious when they’re done!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once they are cooked, carefully remove the zucchini from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute or two. They taste best while they’re hot and fresh! Feel free to serve them with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce!
Can I Use Other Types of Bread Crumbs?
Absolutely! While panko breadcrumbs give the zucchini a great crunch, you can use regular breadcrumbs or even crushed crackers if that’s what you have on hand. Just keep in mind that the texture might be slightly different, but they will still be delicious!
What If I Don’t Have Parmesan Cheese?
No worries! You can substitute with another hard cheese like Pecorino Romano or even nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option. The flavor will vary slightly, but it will still add a nice cheesy touch.
Can I Prepare These Zucchini Slices Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the zucchini slices and coat them with the breadcrumb mixture, then cover them and refrigerate for up to a day. Just let them come to room temperature before air frying for the best results.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore their crispiness, or use a toaster oven if you don’t have an air fryer.
