This Air Fryer Parmesan Zucchini is Breaded in a Parmesan Cheese mixture for the perfect appetizer idea! These zucchini are air fried into a crispy delicious snack without all the oil. Transform squash into a masterpiece with this easy air fryer recipe!
I'll admit it, I'm at least two years late to the air fryer trend, but I figured I would pick one up and try it. I've been impressed with some recipes, and somethings I just like better fried in oil.
This zucchini recipe really knocked my socks off with how simple and delicious it was. Plus, it's a lot healthier than frying them the traditional way.
Loving air fryer recipes? Try my cajun air fryer salmon bites, air fryer butternut squash, and italian sausage in the air fryer.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe:
- It only takes 10 minutes to prep and 10 minutes to cook..gotta love the air fryer for that
- No mess of frying in the pan with oil
- Super simple ingredients come together to create the perfect appetizer idea
- This air fried zucchini tastes amazing with all kinds of sauces and dips
- It's a great way to get your husband and kids to eat their vegetables
Looking for more easy appetizers? These Asian Turkey Meatballs, Vegetarian Nachos, and Cowboy Caviar.
Ingredients:
Zucchini- The underrated star of the recipe. It is fried perfectly to where it doesn't even taste like a vegetable anymore. Try these Zucchini Rolls with Ricotta too.
Egg- The zucchini is first dipped into the egg, which provides a thick coating for the breading to stick to.
Panko and Italian Breadcrumbs- The breading for the zucchini. You will find in some of my recipes that I like to mix the two together for the perfect texture. It's my little secret to a get a great crunch!
Parmesan Cheese- Salty, nutty cheese added to the breading for extra flavor. It also helps to add to the crispy texture.
Salt, Garlic Powder, Oregano and Basil- For additional flavor.
*Full recipe ingredients and quantities can be found in the recipe card below.
Dipping Sauce for Zucchini Chips:
For dipping sauces, try my Quick Homemade Pasta Sauce, as seen in the photo below.(This makes a big batch, so you could save the rest for an easy weeknight meal like my Couscous Stuffed Bell Peppers).
If you're looking for more spice, go with my 5 Minute Chipotle Mayo, Dijon Mustard Aioli or Homemade Hot Honey (Perfect for drizzling over the top of the whole batch of anything fried). Last but not least, my Avocado Cream Sauce is equally as delicious!
Variations & Substitutions:
If you are dairy free, remove the parmesan cheese.
Depending on the sauce you choose for dipping, you can use substitutions for the seasonings. These current spices taste great with Marinara Pasta Sauce. If you decide to make the avocado cream sauce or serve with Chipotle Mayo, you could substitute the oregano and basil out for cumin and paprika.
How To Make Air Fryer Zucchini:
Step 1: Slice the zucchini into skinny ⅛ inch slices. Set aside.
Step 2: Crack the egg into a bowl and whisk until mixed completely.
Step 3: In a large bowl, add Panko, Italian breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, basil and salt. Stir until combined.
Step 4: One by one dip a zucchini slice into the egg mixture and then dredge it into the breadcrumbs mixture. Sit on a plate or wired rack. Continue until each zucchini is coated in breading.
Step 5: Preheat the air fryer to 400 and set timer for 10 to 12 minutes. Once preheated, spray the air fryer tray with vegetable oil spray (optional), then carefully layer the zucchini into the tray.
Step 6: Halfway through cooking, flip the zucchini over. Remove from the air fryer and enjoy with marinara sauce, ranch, or drizzle with my chipotle mayo.
Expert Tips:
- Wash your hands in between dipping the zucchini if they get too covered in breading.
- Place the zucchini in a single layer in the air fryer. It's ok if they overlap a little bit.
For main dishes to pair with these zucchini, try this Crusted Chicken Romano, Gnocchi with Marinara, and Mini Meatballs.
Recipe FAQs:
Preheat the air fryer at 400 degrees. Add in the breaded zucchini and cook for 10-12 minutes flipping half way through.
First toss the zucchini in egg, followed by a breadcrumb mixture. I use a combination of panko, italian breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese for the ultimate crisp. I also like to slice the zucchini thinly in circular chips rather than fries so both sides get equally crisped up.
Absolutely! You can still get ultra crispy zucchini without the cheese. It's just a bonus.
More Veggie Recipes You Will Love:
If you tried this Air Fryer Parmesan Zucchini Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it goes in the 📝 comments below. I love hearing from you!
PrintRecipe
Air Fryer Parmesan Zucchini
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 2 cups 1x
Description
This Air Fryer Zucchini is Parmesan Breaded and makes the perfect appetizer idea!
Ingredients
- 1 medium sized zucchini
- ⅓ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ⅓ cup plain Italian breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup parmigiano reggiano cheese
- 1 egg
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon oregano
- ¼ teaspoon basil
Instructions
- Slice the zucchini into skinny ⅛ inch slices. Set aside.
- Crack the egg into a bowl and whisk until mixed completely.
- In a large bowl, add Panko, Italian breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, basil and salt. Stir until combined.
- One by one dip a zucchini slice into the egg mixture and then dredge it into the breadcrumbs mixture. Sit on a plate or wired rack. Continue until each zucchini is coated in breading.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 and set timer for 10 to 12 minutes. *It preheats pretty quick*
- Once preheated, spray the air fryer tray with vegetable oil spray (optional), then carefully layer the zucchini into the air fryer tray.
- Halfway through cooking, flip the zucchini over.
- After cooking, enjoy with marinara sauce, ranch, or drizzle with my chipotle mayo. Yum!
Notes
- Wash your hands in between dipping the zucchini if they get too covered in breading.
- Place the zucchini in a single layer in the air fryer. It's ok if they overlap a little bit.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: appetizer
- Method: air fryer
- Cuisine: Italian
Lisa
These were so yummy! Thanks for the recipe.
Tara Smithson
I'm so glad you enjoyed them! Thanks for trying the recipe.