Discover the Best Air Fryer Zucchini Parmesan Recipe Today!

If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and incredibly tasty way to enjoy zucchini, then you’ll love this Air Fryer Zucchini Parmesan recipe. Perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these cheesy zucchini bites are a fantastic side dish or appetizer that the whole family will devour. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a batch of these air-fried zucchini Parmesan slices any night of the week.

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The Benefits of Air Frying Zucchini

Air frying is a game-changer when it comes to cooking vegetables like zucchini. By using hot air circulation, the air fryer is able to achieve a delightfully crispy texture on the outside of the zucchini slices without the need for deep frying or excessive oil. This results in a much healthier snack or side dish that still delivers on flavor and crispiness. Plus, air frying is quick and mess-free, making it an ideal cooking method for busy weeknights.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Zucchini Parmesan

• 1 medium zucchini, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-style)

The key to this recipe is using fresh, high-quality ingredients. Look for a medium-sized zucchini that is firm and free of blemishes. The Italian seasoning and Parmesan cheese work together to create a delicious, savory coating that really makes these zucchini bites shine.

How to Cook Air Fryer Zucchini Parmesan

Making Air Fryer Zucchini Parmesan is a breeze! Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat.
2. Prepare the Zucchini: Slice the zucchini into 1/2-inch thick rounds. Pat the slices dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
3. Season the Zucchini: In a mixing bowl, toss the zucchini slices with the olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese until evenly coated.
4. Coat with Breadcrumbs: Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the seasoned zucchini slices, pressing gently to help them adhere.
5. Air Fry the Zucchini: Arrange the breaded zucchini slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overlapping. Air fry for 5 minutes.
6. Flip and Add Cheese: After 5 minutes, flip the zucchini slices and sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top. Continue air frying for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the zucchini is golden brown and crispy.

The result is a batch of irresistibly crispy, cheesy Air Fryer Zucchini Parmesan that’s perfect for serving as a snack, side dish, or even as a healthier alternative to fried zucchini fries.

Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Zucchini Parmesan

These Air Fryer Zucchini Parmesan bites are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Serve them as a tasty appetizer with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. They also make a fantastic side dish, pairing well with pasta, grilled meats, or even a simple salad. For a complete meal, try topping a plate of your favorite pasta or spaghetti squash with the crispy, cheesy zucchini slices.

The Nutritional Benefits of Zucchini

In addition to being incredibly delicious, zucchini is also a nutritional powerhouse. As a low-calorie vegetable, zucchini is packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. It’s an excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, riboflavin, folate, and manganese. Zucchini also contains antioxidants that can help support overall health and well-being.

Compared to traditional fried zucchini, the air-fried version in this recipe is a much healthier option. By avoiding the need for excessive oil or deep frying, you can enjoy the crispy, flavorful texture of Air Fryer Zucchini Parmesan without the added calories and fat.

Variations and Substitutions

While this Air Fryer Zucchini Parmesan recipe is absolutely delicious as is, there are plenty of ways to customize it to your liking. Try experimenting with different seasoning blends, such as Cajun, Mexican, or even lemon-herb. You can also switch up the cheese, using mozzarella, cheddar, or even a blend of cheeses. For a gluten-free option, simply swap out the breadcrumbs for a gluten-free alternative, such as almond flour or crushed pork rinds.

This recipe can also be adapted to work with other vegetables, such as eggplant, yellow squash, or even Brussels sprouts. The key is to adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the vegetables are cooked through and crispy.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan
• Air Fryer Crispy Brussels Sprouts
• Air Fryer Cauliflower Bites

FAQs About Air Fryer Zucchini Parmesan

What are the benefits of air frying zucchini?

Air frying zucchini offers several benefits compared to traditional frying methods. It results in a crispy exterior without the need for excessive oil, making it a healthier option. Air frying is also quick, easy, and mess-free, allowing you to enjoy delicious, crispy zucchini any time.

How do you cook zucchini in the air fryer?

To cook zucchini in the air fryer, simply slice it into 1/2-inch rounds, toss with oil and seasonings, and then air fry at 375°F for 5 minutes. Flip the slices, add cheese, and continue air frying for an additional 3-5 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

How long to cook Parmesan courgettes in an air fryer?

For this Air Fryer Zucchini Parmesan recipe, the total cooking time is 8-10 minutes. You’ll air fry the zucchini slices for 5 minutes, then flip them, add the remaining Parmesan cheese, and continue air frying for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until they’re perfectly crispy.

How do you make zucchini chips crispy in the air fryer?

To ensure your Air Fryer Zucchini Parmesan slices are crispy, make sure to pat the zucchini dry before seasoning and coating with breadcrumbs. Arranging the slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket is also key for even cooking and maximum crispiness.

Conclusion

Elevate your zucchini game with this delectable Air Fryer Zucchini Parmesan recipe. With its crispy exterior, melty Parmesan cheese, and tender interior, this air-fried zucchini dish is sure to become a new family favorite. Give it a try today and experience the joy of a healthier, yet incredibly flavorful zucchini snack or side dish.

Looking for more visual inspiration? Follow me on Pinterest, where I share new recipes, dinner tips, and behind-the-scenes kitchen moments every week. Buon appetito!

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