Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini is a tasty and healthy snack! With just a few slices of zucchini, some seasoning, and an air fryer, you can whip up a crunchy treat everyone will love.
I love how quick and easy this is to make! It’s a great way to sneak in some veggies. Plus, they disappear fast—just like my willpower in front of a big bowl of chips! 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh, medium zucchini is perfect for this recipe. They should be firm and without blemishes. If zucchini is not available, you could substitute with yellow squash or even eggplant for a different taste.
Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are my favorite because they give an extra crunch. If you can’t find panko, regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers will work too, though they might not be as crispy.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a wonderful flavor. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese that melts well.
Eggs: Eggs act as a binder in this recipe. If you’re vegan or allergic to eggs, you can use a flaxseed mixture (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) as a substitute.
How Do I Get the Zucchini Crispy Without Frying?
Achieving crispy zucchini without deep frying is all about the coating and air frying technique. Follow these steps for great results:
- First, make sure to slice the zucchini evenly to ensure consistent cooking. Thin slices will crisp up better than thick ones.
- Use a light hand when coating with the egg and breadcrumbs. Let the excess dip off to avoid soggy coating.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; air circulation is key for crispiness. Fry in batches if necessary.
- Spraying with oil helps the coating become golden and crispy, so don’t skip this step!
- Flip the zucchini halfway through cooking to ensure both sides are perfectly crispy.
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Zucchini:
- 2 medium zucchinis
For the Coating:
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crispiness)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Binding:
- 2 large eggs
- Cooking spray or olive oil for spraying
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 12-15 minutes to cook in the air fryer. So, you can have a tasty side dish ready in less than 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This is important for getting your zucchini nice and crispy!
2. Prepare the Zucchini:
Wash the zucchinis well, then slice them into rounds that are about 1/4-inch thick. Try to keep the slices uniform so they cook evenly.
3. Make the Coating Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix them all together until they are well combined. This mixture is what will make your zucchini crispy and flavorful!
4. Whisk the Eggs:
In a separate bowl, whisk the two large eggs until they are fully beaten. This egg mixture will help the breadcrumbs stick to the zucchini slices.
5. Coat the Zucchini Slices:
Take each zucchini slice and dip it into the egg mixture, allowing any excess egg to drip off. Then, coat the slice in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help the crumbs stick. Repeat this for all the slices!
6. Air Fry the Zucchini:
Place the coated zucchini slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they aren’t overlapping. Lightly spray them with cooking spray or drizzle a little olive oil on top to help them get crispy.
7. Cook Until Crispy:
Air fry the zucchini slices for about 12-15 minutes. Flip them halfway through cooking to ensure they brown evenly. You want them to be golden brown and crispy!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once they are done, carefully remove the zucchini from the air fryer. Serve them immediately while they’re hot and crispy! They go great with a dipping sauce like marinara or ranch. Enjoy your deliciously crispy air fryer zucchini!
Can I Use Other Vegetables Instead of Zucchini?
Absolutely! You can substitute zucchini with other vegetables such as eggplant, squash, or even bell peppers. Just be sure to slice them into similar thickness for even cooking time!
What if I Don’t Have Panko Breadcrumbs?
No problem! Regular breadcrumbs will work just fine, but for a bit of extra crunch, try crushing some plain crackers or using cornmeal as a substitute. Adjust the seasoning if you’re using flavored breadcrumbs or crackers!
Can I Prep This Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the zucchini slices and coat them in the breadcrumb mixture up to a few hours in advance. Just cover them and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to air fry. This helps the coating stick better!
How to Store Leftover Crispy Zucchini?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them back into the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to regain their crispiness.
