Air Fryer Zucchini with Parmesan Recipe

Air Fryer Zucchini with Parmesan is the ultimate way to turn humble vegetables into a show-stopping snack or side dish. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and finished with a shower of savory cheese, these zucchini rounds are packed with flavor yet incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re looking to impress your family on a busy weeknight or need a quick appetizer for a gathering, this recipe is a surefire hit. It offers that perfect balance between indulgence and wholesome goodness, making it a go-to for anyone who wants a little crunch without the guilt.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe for Air Fryer Zucchini with Parmesan keeps things wonderfully simple—the magic comes from using the right essentials, each playing a vital role. Fresh zucchini brings the mild sweetness, while Parmesan and breadcrumbs create that crave-worthy golden crust. Here’s what you’ll need and why each ingredient matters:

• 2 medium zucchinis: Choose firm, unblemished zucchini for the best texture and flavor in your finished dish.
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds irresistible savory depth and helps form the crispy coating you’ll love.
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs: These give each slice that crunch factor and help bind all the seasonings together.
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Gives the coating a subtle kick and lots of aromatic flavor without overwhelming the zucchini.
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A dash of these herbs brings a beautiful brightness and classic Mediterranean flair.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Essential for drawing out the zucchini’s natural sweetness and balancing the cheese.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: A touch of pepper rounds out the flavor with just the right amount of warmth.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps the coating adhere and encourages even browning in the air fryer.
• Cooking spray: Keeps the zucchini slices from sticking to the basket and aids in extra crispiness.

How to Make Air Fryer Zucchini with Parmesan

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This step is important because it ensures every slice of zucchini starts cooking immediately, which is key for achieving an even, crispy finish instead of steaming the vegetables.

Step 2: Prepare the Parmesan Coating

In a medium bowl, stir together the grated Parmesan, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. This mix is what transforms each zucchini round into a golden, cheesy delight, marrying all those bold flavors in every bite.

Step 3: Coat the Zucchini

Lightly toss the zucchini slices with olive oil to ensure they’re evenly slicked and ready to hold their coating. Then, gently press each round into the Parmesan mixture so every bit is blanketed with flavor. Take your time—thorough coating makes all the difference for perfectly crisp Air Fryer Zucchini with Parmesan.

Step 4: Prep the Air Fryer Basket

Lightly spray your air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking and encourage that satisfying crunch. Arrange the coated zucchini in a single layer without overlapping so the hot air can circulate and crisp each piece.

Step 5: Air Fry to Perfection

Air fry the zucchini at 400°F for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’ll notice them turning beautifully golden and irresistibly crisp. Keep a close eye near the end—since every air fryer can vary a bit, don’t be afraid to pull them out early if they’re already crispy, or let them go another minute if you want extra crunch.

How to Serve Air Fryer Zucchini with Parmesan

Garnishes

Add the perfect finishing touch by sprinkling your crispy zucchini rounds with a little extra fresh Parmesan or finely chopped parsley right as they come out of the air fryer. A squeeze of fresh lemon can also brighten up the flavors, making them taste even more irresistible!

Side Dishes

Air Fryer Zucchini with Parmesan shines alongside simple proteins like grilled chicken, baked salmon, or even as a crispy component on a salad. They work beautifully as a snack with your favorite dipping sauces—think marinara, ranch, or a zesty garlic aioli.

Creative Ways to Present

You can stack these rounds for a fun appetizer tower, arrange them on a platter with colorful vegetable crudités, or even tuck them into pita bread with greens for a quick sandwich. Kids also love dipping them into their favorite sauces for an easy, healthy treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare—they disappear fast!), place them in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to two days. They’ll lose some crispness, but reheat beautifully for a nearly fresh-from-the-fryer texture.

Freezing

While freezing Air Fryer Zucchini with Parmesan is possible, the texture may become softer after thawing. If you do freeze them, place slices in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid before transferring to a bag or container. Reheat directly from frozen for best results.

Reheating

To revive the crispiness, reheat your zucchini rounds in the air fryer at 375°F for 3-5 minutes. Microwaving is quick, but can leave them a bit soggy, so the air fryer is definitely your friend for making leftovers feel like Day One again.

FAQs

Can I use yellow squash instead of zucchini?

Absolutely! Yellow squash works beautifully and offers a slightly different flavor. The preparation and cooking method remains exactly the same, so feel free to swap or mix both for a colorful twist.

How do I keep the coating from falling off?

Pattering the zucchini slices dry before coating is the key to helping everything stick. Also, pressing each slice into the Parmesan mixture ensures maximum adherence and crunch.

What kind of breadcrumbs should I use?

Plain or Italian-style breadcrumbs both work well. Panko crumbs will give extra crunch but may not cling quite as tightly as standard breadcrumbs, so if you love extra crispiness, give them a try!

Can I make Air Fryer Zucchini with Parmesan gluten-free?

You sure can. Substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs in the recipe and double-check that your Parmesan hasn’t been processed with any gluten-containing additives. Simple swaps make it easy to suit your needs.

Is it necessary to flip the zucchini slices halfway?

Flipping ensures every round gets crispy and golden on both sides. It only takes a moment but really helps achieve that signature Air Fryer Zucchini with Parmesan crunch!

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a crowd-pleasing snack or an easy way to eat more veggies, give Air Fryer Zucchini with Parmesan a try. You’ll be amazed at how simple ingredients and an air fryer can transform everyday zucchini into something truly addictive. I can’t wait for you to fall in love with this recipe, just like I have—happy cooking!

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