Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini is a tasty treat that turns fresh zucchini into a crunchy snack without all the oil. It’s quick and easy to make, perfect for busy days!
I love serving these little golden bites with a side of marinara for dipping. You’ll find them disappearing fast—it’s like magic watching everyone enjoy their veggies! 🥒✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini is the star here! Medium zucchinis work best for an even cook. If you can’t find zucchini, eggplant or yellow squash can be a nice alternative, offering a similar texture.
Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs give a great crunch. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, check for gluten-free breadcrumbs or use crushed cornflakes. Sometimes I blend oatmeal into a fine crumb as a healthier choice!
Parmesan Cheese: This adds a wonderful flavor. If you want a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast provides a cheesy flavor. Grated Pecorino Romano can also be a nice substitute for a stronger taste.
Spices: The garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika are great for flavor. Feel free to tweak these based on your taste. For some heat, try adding cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
How Do I Get the Zucchini Super Crispy in the Air Fryer?
The trick to crispy zucchini is all about the coating and cooking method. Start with a good egg dip and make sure to fully cover each slice with breadcrumbs. This helps create that crunchy outer layer.
- Ensure your air fryer is preheated to create a perfect crispy texture from the start.
- Don’t crowd the air fryer basket! This will allow hot air to circulate evenly around each piece.
- Spraying olive oil on top before frying helps the breadcrumbs crisp up beautifully. Just a light spray is all you need.
- Flipping the zucchini halfway through helps brown each side evenly, so don’t skip this step!
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Zucchini:
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
For the Coating:
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko preferred for extra crunch)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional for color)
Other Ingredients:
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Olive oil spray
How Much Time Will You Need?
This crispy zucchini recipe will take you about 15 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s a quick and easy option that delivers delicious results in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Air Fryer:
Begin by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This step is important for getting your zucchini nice and crispy!
2. Prepare the Coating:
In a medium bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Stir the mixture well until everything is combined evenly. This will be the tasty coating for your zucchini.
3. Coat the Zucchini Slices:
Take each zucchini slice and dip it into the beaten eggs. Let any excess egg drip off, then place it in the breadcrumb mixture. Press lightly on the breadcrumbs to help them stick to the zucchini. Repeat this step until all the zucchini slices are coated.
4. Arrange in the Air Fryer:
Place the coated zucchini slices in a single layer in the basket of your air fryer. If your air fryer is small, you may need to cook them in batches to prevent overcrowding, which helps them cook evenly.
5. Add Olive Oil for Crispiness:
Give the tops of the zucchini slices a light spray with olive oil spray. This will help them crisp up beautifully while cooking.
6. Cook the Zucchini:
Cook the zucchini in the air fryer for about 10-12 minutes. Make sure to flip them halfway through to ensure they cook evenly on both sides. You’re looking for a lovely golden brown color and a crispy texture!
7. Cool and Serve:
Once cooked, carefully remove the zucchini from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. They’ll be hot! You can now enjoy them warm as a snack or side dish. Feel free to serve them with your favorite dipping sauce if you like!
Enjoy your crispy air fryer zucchini—scrumptious and healthy!
Can I Use Other Vegetables in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute zucchini with other vegetables like eggplant, yellow squash, or even carrot sticks. Just remember that cooking times may vary based on the vegetable’s thickness and moisture content, so adjust accordingly for a perfect crisp!
What If I Don’t Have Panko Breadcrumbs?
No problem! You can use regular breadcrumbs instead, but you might lose a bit of that extra crunch. If you’d like to enhance crunchiness, consider toasting the regular breadcrumbs lightly in a skillet before using them in the recipe.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover crispy zucchini in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to restore their crispiness. You can also reheat them in the oven if you prefer!
Can I Make This Dish Vegan?
Yes! To make this dish vegan, substitute the eggs with a mixture of flaxseed meal and water or use a dairy-free egg replacer. You can also opt for a vegan Parmesan cheese alternative. Enjoy your crispy snack without the animal products!
