Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini is a tasty and simple dish that’s perfect for snacking or as a side! You just slice the zucchini, coat it with a bit of seasoning, and let the air fryer work its magic.
Honestly, who knew something so healthy could taste this good? I could munch on these crispy bites all day long. They’re great with some marinara sauce for dipping too! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: The star of the dish! Choose firm, medium-sized zucchinis for the best texture. If you’re not a fan of zucchini, yellow squash can be a great substitute since it has a similar texture and flavor.
Breadcrumbs: Panko is my favorite for that extra crunch, but you can use regular breadcrumbs if that’s what you have on hand. Gluten-free breadcrumbs are another good option for those with dietary restrictions.
Parmesan Cheese: It’s that cheese that adds flavor and helps bind everything together. Don’t have Parmesan? Grated Pecorino Romano works well, or even nutritional yeast for a dairy-free twist!
Eggs: Eggs help the coating stick to the zucchini. If you’re looking for a vegan option, you can use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water) or a store-bought egg replacer.
Seasonings: Garlic and onion powder elevate the flavor. If you like spice, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can also be mixed in!
How Do I Make Sure My Zucchini Stays Crispy?
Crispy zucchini can be tricky, but a few simple steps can help! Start by ensuring your zucchini slices are evenly coated and not overcrowded in the air fryer. Here’s how to achieve that ideal crunch:
- Slice zucchini evenly, about 1/4-inch thick, to ensure uniform cooking.
- After coating, let the zucchini sit for a few minutes before air frying. This helps the coating stick better.
- Don’t skip the olive oil spray! A light spray on both sides will help them crisp without excess oil.
- Air fry in batches if necessary. Overcrowding can cause steaming rather than crisping!
- Flip halfway through to get that crispy golden finish all around.
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Zucchini:
- 2 medium zucchini, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
For the Coating:
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko recommended for extra crispiness)
- 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 Italian seasoning (optional)
For the Egg Wash:
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Olive oil spray
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty dish requires about 15 minutes of prep time and takes another 10-12 minutes to cook in the air fryer. So, you can have crispy zucchini ready in just around 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Air Fryer:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This step is essential for making sure your zucchini gets perfectly crispy!
2. Mix the Coating:
In a shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning (if using). Stir everything together until well mixed. This mixture will give your zucchini a delicious crust.
3. Beat the Eggs:
In another bowl, take your beaten eggs and give them a quick whisk to make sure they’re nice and smooth. This will help the breadcrumbs stick to the zucchini slices.
4. Coat the Zucchini Slices:
Take a slice of zucchini and dip it into the beaten eggs, letting any extra egg drip off. Then, roll it in the breadcrumb mixture and press gently to help the crumbs stick. Place the coated zucchini slice on a plate. Repeat this for all the zucchini rounds!
5. Prepare the Air Fryer Basket:
Before placing the zucchini inside, spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the zucchini slices in a single layer, making sure not to crowd them too much for even cooking.
6. Cook the Zucchini:
Lightly spray the tops of the zucchini slices with olive oil to help them crisp up. Air fry them for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. You’re looking for a nice golden brown color and crispy texture.
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Once cooked, carefully remove the crispy zucchini from the air fryer. Serve them immediately and enjoy your delicious, crunchy snack or side dish! They’re perfect on their own or with your favorite dipping sauce.
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?
Absolutely! While Parmesan is delicious, you can substitute it with other cheeses like Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor or mozzarella for a gooey texture. Just keep in mind that the results will vary slightly in flavor and crispiness.
How Do I Store Leftover Zucchini Chips?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To re-crisp them, simply place them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 3-5 minutes until heated and crispy again!
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! You can use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of traditional breadcrumbs. Ensure that your Parmesan cheese is also gluten-free, and you’ll have a delicious gluten-free snack!
What if I Don’t Have an Air Fryer?
If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the zucchini slices in a conventional oven. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and place the coated zucchini on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy!
