Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini is a quick and tasty side dish that will brighten up any meal! With just a few slices of zucchini and your favorite seasonings, you’re all set.
I love how these little green bites turn out so crunchy without the extra oil! Perfect for snacking or pairing with dinner—you might just want to make a double batch! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh medium zucchinis are essential for this recipe. If zucchinis are not available, you could use yellow squash or eggplant for a similar texture.
Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are my favorite for their extra crunch. If you’re gluten-free, try almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs. You could even crush some corn flakes as a fun alternative.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds great flavor. If you want a different cheese, try pecorino or a dairy-free alternative like nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
Spices: Garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika create a delicious flavor base. Feel free to switch these out; Italian seasoning or chili powder could add a nice twist.
Eggs: Eggs help the breadcrumbs stick to the zucchini. If you’re vegan, you could use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water) as a binding agent.
How Can I Ensure My Zucchini Turns Out Crispy?
Getting that perfect crispy texture can be tricky, but with a few tips, you’ll nail it! Firstly, slicing your zucchini into even 1/4 inch rounds helps them cook consistently.
- Make sure to remove excess water from the zucchini. You can pat them dry with paper towels after slicing.
- Coat the zucchini slices well with the egg mixture before pressing them into the breadcrumb mix. This ensures a nice coating sticks.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cooking in batches allows hot air to circulate around all sides for that crispiness.
- Flipping the slices halfway through cooking helps them brown evenly. Spray with olive oil right before air frying to enhance that crunch.
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 (preferably panko for extra crunch)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Egg Wash:
- 2 large eggs
For Spraying:
- Olive oil spray
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 10-12 minutes to cook. So, in no time at all, you’ll have a delicious and crispy snack or side dish ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure your zucchini gets nice and crispy.
2. Prepare the Coating:
In a shallow bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir it up so all the ingredients are well combined.
3. Beat the Eggs:
In another bowl, crack the eggs and beat them until they’re well mixed. This will help the breadcrumb coating stick to the zucchini slices.
4. Coat the Zucchini Slices:
Take each zucchini slice and dip it into the beaten eggs, letting any extra egg drip off. Then, roll the slice in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently so the crumbs stick well.
5. Arrange in the Air Fryer:
Once all your zucchini slices are coated, place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If you have a lot, it’s best to do this in batches to give them enough space to cook evenly.
6. Spray with Olive Oil:
Lightly spray the zucchini slices with olive oil spray. This little step will help them become perfectly crispy.
7. Air Fry the Zucchini:
Air fry the zucchini slices for 10-12 minutes. Don’t forget to flip them halfway through the cooking time so they crisp up on both sides.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once they’re golden brown and crispy, carefully remove the zucchini from the air fryer. Serve them hot as a delicious snack or a tasty side dish. Enjoy your crispy air fryer zucchini!
Can I Use Frozen Zucchini for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen zucchini, but it may not achieve the same crispiness as fresh zucchini. Make sure to thaw and drain the excess moisture thoroughly before slicing and breading. You can expedite thawing by placing the zucchini in a sealed bag and submerging it in cold water for about 30 minutes.
What Can I Substitute for Panko Breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have panko breadcrumbs, traditional plain breadcrumbs will work too, but you might want to toast them lightly in a pan first to add extra crunch. Alternatively, crushed crackers or even ground nuts can be used as a gluten-free option!
How Do I Store Leftover Zucchini Crisps?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat and maintain their crispiness, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or until heated through, rather than using a microwave which may make them soggy.
Can I Add Different Seasonings or Toppings?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the seasoning blend with your favorites. Adding Italian seasoning, cayenne for heat, or even some lemon zest can elevate the flavor. You can also try different cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar for varied taste profiles!
