Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini is a tasty and crunchy way to enjoy this healthy veggie! It’s quick and easy, making it perfect for a snack or side dish.
You won’t believe how crispy they get in the air fryer! I love sprinkling a little cheese on top for extra flavor. Give it a try—your taste buds will thank you! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini is a must! If you’re not a fan or can’t find it, you can use yellow squash. They have a similar texture and flavor.
Breadcrumbs: Panko is great for extra crunch, but regular breadcrumbs work too. For gluten-free diets, you can use crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a nice savory flavor. If you’re dairy-free, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste without the dairy.
Egg: The egg helps the breadcrumbs stick. If you’re vegan, use a flaxseed meal mix (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water, let it sit for a few minutes) as a binder.
How Do You Get Zucchini Extra Crispy in the Air Fryer?
Getting your zucchini crispy is all about moisture control. Zucchini has a lot of water, so you need to remove some before cooking:
- After slicing, sprinkle the zucchini with salt and let them sit for about 15 minutes. This draws out moisture.
- Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove the excess water.
- Coat with breadcrumbs and ensure they are not overlapping in the air fryer to achieve that perfect crispiness.
Using cooking spray or a light mist of olive oil before air frying will help them brown beautifully. Make sure to flip them halfway through cooking for even crisping!
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Zucchini:
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into thin rounds
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 large egg, beaten
- Cooking spray or olive oil for spritzing
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take approximately 10 minutes to prep and about 12 minutes to cook in the air fryer. So, in just about 22 minutes, you can enjoy a delicious, crispy side dish or snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your zucchini cooks evenly and gets nice and crispy!
2. Prepare the Coating:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well so the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the breadcrumbs.
3. Dip the Zucchini:
Take each zucchini slice and dip it into the beaten egg. Make sure to let any excess egg drip off before moving to the next step. This helps the breadcrumbs stick better!
4. Coat the Zucchini Slices:
Now, it’s time to coat the egg-dipped zucchini slices with the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently on the slices to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well.
5. Arrange in the Air Fryer:
Carefully arrange the coated zucchini slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Be sure not to overlap them to allow for even cooking.
6. Spritz for Crisping:
Lightly spray the zucchini with cooking spray or mist with a little olive oil. This extra touch will give them a nice crispiness as they cook!
7. Cook the Zucchini:
Cook the zucchini in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes. Remember to flip them halfway through cooking for even browning. They’re ready when they’re golden brown and crispy!
8. Cooling and Serving:
Once done, carefully remove the zucchini from the air fryer and allow them to cool slightly. Serve them warm and enjoy!
9. Enjoy!
Your crispy air fryer zucchini makes for a delicious and healthy snack or side dish. Dig in and enjoy the crunch!
Can I Use Frozen Zucchini for This Recipe?
It’s best to use fresh zucchini for this recipe to achieve that crispy texture. If you only have frozen zucchini, make sure to thaw and drain it well to remove excess moisture, but keep in mind it may not get as crispy as fresh zucchini.
What Can I Substitute for Panko Breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have panko breadcrumbs, you can use regular breadcrumbs, but the texture may be less crunchy. For a gluten-free option, try crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour as a substitute!
How to Store Leftover Zucchini?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. They can lose their crispiness, so be sure to reheat them in the air fryer or oven to regain that crunch!
Can I Make These Zucchini Slices Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can bread the zucchini slices ahead of time and refrigerate them for a few hours before air frying. This can help the coating stick better! Just make sure to spritz with cooking spray right before cooking for the best texture.
