Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini is a fun and tasty way to enjoy veggies! Perfectly seasoned, these slices get wonderfully crunchy on the outside while staying tender inside.
Honestly, who knew eating your greens could be this exciting? I love dipping them in ranch sauce—it’s like a party for my taste buds! 🎉
Making this is super easy. Just slice the zucchini, coat them lightly, and let the air fryer do its magic. It’s perfect as a snack or a side dish!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchinis: These are the star of the dish! Look for firm and shiny zucchinis. If zucchinis are not available, you could use eggplant or yellow squash as a tasty alternative.
Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs give a lovely crunch. If you’re out, regular breadcrumbs work too. For gluten-free options, try crushed rice cereal or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds fantastic flavor. If you prefer a different taste, Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast (for a vegan option) can be great swaps.
Spices: Garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika enhance the flavor beautifully. Feel free to experiment with other spices like Italian seasoning or cayenne if you like a bit of heat!
How Do I Get My Zucchini Extra Crispy in the Air Fryer?
Achieving that perfect crispy texture can be a challenge, but following these steps can help! The key lies in the coating and cooking process.
- Make sure your zucchini slices are not too thick—about 1/4 inch works best.
- After coating in egg and breadcrumbs, let them sit for a minute; this helps the breadcrumbs stick better.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. This ensures hot air circulates around each piece for even crisping.
- Lightly spray with olive oil. This boosts crunchiness without using too much fat.
- Flipping halfway through cooking ensures both sides become golden brown.
With these tips, your air-fried zucchini will come out crispy and delicious every time!
Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Coating:
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred for extra crunch)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional for a smoky flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For The Zucchini:
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into thin rounds
- 2 large eggs
- Olive oil spray
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take about 10 minutes to prepare and around 12 minutes to cook in the air fryer. Total time is approximately 22 minutes from start to finish. A quick and healthy treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Preheating ensures that your zucchini slices will cook evenly and get that perfect crispiness!
2. Prepare the Coating:
In a shallow bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This mix will give your zucchini a wonderful flavor and crunch.
3. Beat the Eggs:
In another bowl, crack the two large eggs and beat them until they’re well mixed. This will help the breadcrumbs stick to the zucchini slices.
4. Coat the Zucchini:
Take a slice of zucchini and dip it into the beaten eggs, letting any excess run off. Then, coat it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly so it sticks well. Repeat this for all the zucchini slices.
5. Arrange in the Air Fryer:
Place the coated zucchini slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. It’s important not to overcrowd them, so work in batches if necessary. A little space helps with even cooking!
6. Spray with Olive Oil:
Lightly spray the zucchini slices with olive oil. This step adds an extra layer of crispiness—just what we want!
7. Air Fry to Perfection:
Cook the zucchini in the air fryer for about 10-12 minutes. Remember to flip them halfway through to ensure they get golden brown on both sides.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once they’re done, carefully remove the crispy zucchini from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. Serve warm as a delightful snack, side dish, or appetizer with your favorite dipping sauce!
Can I Use Different Types of Zucchini?
Absolutely! While medium zucchinis work well, you can also use smaller or larger varieties like yellow squash or even pattypan squash. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly based on thickness, so adjust accordingly!
What If I Don’t Have Panko Breadcrumbs?
No worries! You can use regular breadcrumbs, but for the best crunch, you might want to toast them slightly in the oven first. Alternatively, crushed cornflakes or even crushed crackers can make a great substitute for that extra crunch!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover crispy zucchini in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat and retain some of the crispiness, consider popping them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
Can I Add More Seasonings or Herbs?
Of course! Feel free to get creative with your seasonings. Herbs like Italian seasoning, dried oregano, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat can add great flavor. Just remember to adjust the salt accordingly if you’re adding salty seasonings.
