This crispy air fryer zucchini is a fun and tasty snack or side dish! It’s quick to make, using just a few simple ingredients like fresh zucchini and your favorite seasonings.
Honestly, it’s hard to stop munching on these delights! I love pairing them with a dipping sauce for an extra punch. Perfect for when I want something crunchy but healthy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchinis: Fresh, firm zucchinis are best for this recipe. If zucchini isn’t available, you can try eggplant or yellow squash as a good substitute. They also crisp up nicely in the air fryer.
Breadcrumbs: I prefer panko for an extra crunch, but you can use regular breadcrumbs or even crushed crackers. If you want a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free breadcrumbs, or use ground almond flour.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds great flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter version, nutritional yeast is a great cheese substitute with that umami taste. Or try Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.
Egg: For a vegan option, use a flaxseed meal – mix one tablespoon of flaxseed with three tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens. This acts as a great binder!
How Do I Get My Zucchini Extra Crispy?
Getting that perfect crispness is key when using an air fryer. Here’s how you can ensure your zucchini turns out fabulously crispy:
- Start by removing as much moisture from the zucchinis as possible. After cutting, you can sprinkle some salt over them for about 10 minutes. Then, pat them dry with paper towels.
- Lay the zucchini slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd them; it’s okay to do this in batches.
- Make sure to flip the slices halfway through the cooking process. This will help them brown evenly.
- Finally, a light spray of cooking oil before frying can help achieve that golden crispiness. Just a little goes a long way!
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Zucchini:
- 2 medium zucchinis
For the Breading Mixture:
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 large egg
For Cooking:
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for preparation and another 10-12 minutes for cooking in the air fryer. In total, you’re looking at about 20-25 minutes to make a delicious snack or side dish. Quick and easy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Zucchini:
Start by washing the zucchinis under cool water. Dry them well with a kitchen towel. Next, slice each zucchini into rounds that are about 1/4-inch thick. Take your time to make them even for better cooking. Set the slices aside for later.
2. Make the Breading Mixture:
In a medium bowl, add the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together with a spoon until均匀 combine. This will give your zucchini a lovely flavor!
3. Prepare the Egg Wash:
In a separate bowl, crack the egg and beat it with a fork or whisk until it’s smooth. This is going to help the breadcrumbs stick to the zucchini.
4. Coat the Zucchini:
Now it’s time to bread the zucchini! Take each zucchini round and first dip it into the beaten egg, letting any excess egg drip off. Then roll it in the breadcrumb mixture, making sure each piece is well covered. You want them to be crispy and delicious!
5. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Turn on your air fryer and preheat it to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This helps get the zucchini nice and crispy.
6. Air Fry the Zucchini:
Once preheated, place the coated zucchini rounds in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Be careful not to overcrowd them; cook in batches if necessary. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray or olive oil spray to help them crisp up.
7. Cook Time:
Air fry the zucchini for about 10-12 minutes. Be sure to flip them halfway through the cooking process so they crisp evenly. They’ll be ready when they’re golden brown and crispy!
8. Serve:
When they’re done, carefully remove the zucchini from the air fryer. Serve warm as a tasty snack or a side dish. Enjoy your crispy air fryer zucchini!
Can I Use Other Types of Cheese Instead of Parmesan?
Absolutely! You can substitute Parmesan with other cheeses like Pecorino Romano or even cheddar for a different flavor. Just be mindful that it may alter the crispiness slightly, so experiment to find what you enjoy best!
What If I Don’t Have Breadcrumbs?
No worries! You can use crushed crackers, cornmeal, or even oats as a substitute. Just ensure they’re crushed finely enough to adhere to the zucchini. For a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free breadcrumbs or use ground almonds.
How to Store Leftover Zucchini?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply pop them back into the air fryer for a few minutes to crisp them up again, or use the oven to keep them crunchy!
Can I Make This Recipe Without Eggs?
Yes! You can use a flaxseed meal mixed with water (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water = 1 egg) as a vegan substitute. You could also use unsweetened applesauce or even a mixture of water and cornstarch for binding!
