Air Fryer Zucchini

Here is my healthy air fryer zucchini recipe loaded with crunch and flavor. Zucchini on its own is somewhat humble and bland – this recipe bursts with seasoning and is full of delicious parmesan cheese. It’s got to be the best way to eat zucchini!

Why You’ll Love My Air Fryer Zucchini Recipe

• Healthy cooking: Unlike traditional frying methods, this is a low-oil way to get crunchy zucchini.

• Quick and easy: Air fryers cook food faster than conventional ovens! Zucchini cooks relatively quickly in an air fryer.
• Crispy texture: This recipe delivers a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender. Can we all just agree that crunchy, crispy food is the most delicious?
• Minimal clean-up: Since there’s no deep frying involved, there’s less oil splatter and minimal clean-up required.
• Kid-friendly option: The crispy texture and mild taste can make it appealing to children who might otherwise run for the hills at the sight of zucchini!
• Customizable seasonings: You can adjust and add different seasonings to your air-fried zucchini.
• Great for snacking or side dishes: These make a delicious snack or a flavorful side dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Zucchini: When selecting zucchini, opt for firm ones that are medium-sized and free from bruises or soft spots. Medium-sized zucchinis work well for slicing into rounds or sticks suitable for air frying.
• Panko breadcrumbs: These are Japanese-style breadcrumbs known for their light, crispy texture. They work brilliantly for coating zucchini before air frying, providing that crunchy outer layer that dreams are made of!
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor, but pre-grated Parmesan works well too. Adjust the amount based on your preference for cheesiness.
• Olive oil: This helps the breadcrumbs stick to the zucchini and aids in achieving a crispy texture during the air frying process.
• Salt and pepper: These basic seasonings are essential for enhancing the flavor of the zucchini. You can totally adjust the seasonings you use.

How To Make Air Fryer Zucchini

Step 1: Prepare the zucchini.

Start by slicing off the ends of the zucchini and cut into quarters. The zucchini pieces should be about 3 cm. Place the zucchini in a large mixing bowl and drizzle with oil.

Step 2: Prepare the crumbs.

In a separate bowl, combine the panko, parmesan, salt, and pepper. Add to the bowl with the zucchini and mix everything.

Step 3: Air fry the coated zucchini. Preheat the air fryer to 380 °F. Place the zucchini in an even layer in the frying basket. Air fry the zucchini for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking the frying basket a few times until the breadcrumbs are golden brown. The zucchini should be tender.

Recipe Tips

• Slice into even slices and shapes. This will really help your zucchini pieces to come out evenly cooked and without raw “spots.”
• Dry the zucchini. My top tip is to dry the zucchini before coating them to prevent them from getting soggy.
• Single layer in the basket. This is another pearl of wisdom to help you achieve the best, crispy coating.
• Serve straight away. Get ‘em while they’re hot!

Storage Tips

I recommend eating these fresh from the air fryer. They can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about three days, but they won’t be as crispy as you’d like. This is not a freezer-friendly recipe.

Other Air Fryer Sides

Here are a couple of other drop-dead delicious air fryer sides for you to try:

• These easy air fryer green beans are the ultimate healthy side – great for the holidays or just a regular mid-week meal.
• My crispy air fryer chickpeas are great as a side, a salad topper, or a quick snack.
• 10-minute air fryer broccoli is the easiest way to add healthy veggies to a meal.
• My crispy air fryer bacon has all the flavor without all of the oil.
• Easy air fryer potatoes are a quick and healthy potato side!

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