Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini is a fun and tasty way to enjoy your veggies! This dish turns fresh zucchini into golden, crunchy bites without frying. Yum!
I love how easy this recipe is! Just slice, season, and air fry for that perfect crunch. Great for a snack or a side dish—you might find them disappearing fast!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchinis: Fresh zucchinis are essential for this recipe. Look for firm, glossy ones. If zucchinis aren’t available, yellow squash is a nice alternative that provides a similar texture.
Breadcrumbs: Panko gives a crunchier texture. However, regular breadcrumbs work well too. For a gluten-free version, use crushed cornflakes or gluten-free breadcrumbs. My favorite is the seasoned panko for added flavor!
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a salty, cheesy flavor. You can use Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste, or nutritional yeast for a vegan option. Just keep in mind, it won’t melt quite the same!
Spices: Garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika bring depth to your zucchini. Feel free to swap paprika with cayenne for heat, or Italian seasoning for a herbier twist!
How Do I Get My Zucchini Extra Crispy?
Achieving crispy air-fried zucchini relies on a few tips. Here’s how to make sure they come out perfectly crunchy:
- Slice the zucchinis evenly. Aim for 1/4-inch thick rounds so they cook uniformly.
- Coat each slice well. Dip in egg first, then coat generously in the breadcrumb mix, pressing slightly to ensure it sticks.
- Space them out in the air fryer. Avoid overcrowding to allow hot air to circulate around each piece, leading to that perfect crisp.
- A light spray of oil helps too! Spritzing the coated zucchini lightly before cooking gives them an added crunch.
- Turn them halfway through cooking. This ensures even browning on both sides.
Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Zucchini:
- 2 medium zucchinis
For the Coating:
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 large egg
For Cooking:
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare and an additional 10 to 12 minutes to cook in the air fryer. In total, you’ll spend about 20 to 25 minutes from start to finish. Easy and quick, perfect for a tasty snack or a side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
First, set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) to get it nice and hot while you prepare the zucchini. This helps ensure your zucchini turns out perfectly crispy!
2. Prepare the Zucchini:
Wash the zucchinis, then slice them into rounds that are about ¼ inch thick. Make sure the slices are uniform in size for even cooking!
3. Make the Coating:
In a shallow bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This tasty mixture will give your zucchini a wonderful flavor!
4. Beat the Egg:
In a different bowl, beat the large egg until it’s well mixed. This will help the breadcrumb coating stick to the zucchini slices.
5. Coat the Zucchini Slices:
Take each zucchini slice and dip it into the beaten egg, letting any excess egg drip off. Then, coat it well in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently so the breadcrumbs stick nicely.
6. Arrange in the Air Fryer:
Place the coated zucchini slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. It’s best not to overcrowd them to ensure they get crispy. If you’d like, spritz them lightly with cooking spray to help them brown even more!
7. Cook Until Crispy:
Cook the zucchini in the air fryer for about 10 to 12 minutes. Remember to flip the slices halfway through the cooking time so they cook evenly and become golden brown and crispy.
8. Serve & Enjoy!
Once they’re cooked, carefully remove the zucchini from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. Serve warm as a delicious snack or a side dish. Enjoy your crispy air fryer zucchini!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! If you don’t have Parmesan cheese on hand, you can try using shredded mozzarella, cheddar, or even nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option. Just remember that different cheeses may alter the flavor and texture slightly, so choose one that complements your dish.
What If I Don’t Have Breadcrumbs?
No problem! If you’re out of breadcrumbs, you can substitute crushed crackers, cornflakes, or even ground oats. Just remember to adjust the seasoning since store-bought options might already be flavored.
How to Store Leftover Zucchini Chips?
Store any leftover crispy zucchini in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To maintain crispiness, consider reheating them in the air fryer for a few minutes at 350°F (175°C) instead of a microwave, which can make them soggy.
Can I Prepare the Coated Zucchini in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the coated zucchini slices ahead of time! Once coated, lay them on a baking sheet in a single layer and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, just pop them in the air fryer as directed. They may need an extra minute or two to cook through.
