This Air Fryer Zucchini is an easy and tasty way to enjoy veggies! They’re crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with just a sprinkle of seasoning.
I love how simple it is to whip up a batch—just slice, season, and let the air fryer do its magic. Plus, they disappear faster than I can serve them! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh medium zucchinis are the star here. If zucchinis aren’t in season or available, try using yellow squash or eggplant for a different taste and texture!
Panko Breadcrumbs: These give a super crispy texture. If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs work, but they won’t be as crispy. You can also make your own by processing bread until coarse.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a nice salty flavor. If you’re dairy-free, nutritional yeast can provide a cheesy flavor, or try a vegan Parmesan alternative.
Egg: This helps the breadcrumbs stick to the zucchini. If you prefer a vegan option, try using a flaxseed meal or a whisked aquafaba (chickpea water) instead.
What’s the Best Way to Get Crispy Zucchini in an Air Fryer?
To ensure perfectly crispy zucchini, there are a few important steps. Start by making sure your zucchini slices are thin and uniform. This helps them cook evenly. Once you’re ready to coat, let excess egg drip off to avoid sogginess.
- Mix panko and seasonings well for even flavor.
- Gently press the breadcrumb mixture onto each slice to help it adhere.
- Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray; this boosts crunchiness.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches for the best results!
Following these tips will lead to beautifully golden and crispy zucchini that everyone will love!
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Zucchini Components:
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into thin rounds
Breading Mixture:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Coating:
- 1 large egg
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 12 minutes to cook in the air fryer. So, in just under 30 minutes, you can have crispy and delicious zucchini ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This helps the zucchini get that nice crispy texture.
2. Prepare the Breading Mixture:
In a large bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper together. This mixture will give your zucchini a tasty coat!
3. Whisk the Egg:
In another bowl, crack the egg and whisk it until it’s well beaten. This will help the breadcrumbs stick to the zucchini.
4. Coat the Zucchini:
Take a zucchini slice and dip it into the beaten egg, letting any extra egg drip off. Then, transfer the slice to the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to make sure the crumbs stick well. Repeat this for all slices.
5. Arrange in Air Fryer:
Place the breaded zucchini slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If you have a lot, it’s best to do this in batches so they cook evenly.
6. Spray for Crispiness:
Give the tops of the zucchini slices a light spray with cooking spray or olive oil spray. This will help them get extra crunchy!
7. Air Fry the Zucchini:
Cook the zucchini in the air fryer for about 10-12 minutes. Remember to flip them halfway through for even cooking. They should turn golden brown and crispy.
8. Cool and Serve:
Once they’re done, carefully remove the zucchini from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. They’ll be hot!
9. Enjoy!
Serve the crispy zucchini warm as a delightful side dish or appetizer. They’re great on their own or with marinara sauce or a yogurt dip. Enjoy your crispy treats!
Can I Use Different Types of Breadcrumbs?
Absolutely! If you don’t have panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs will work just fine, though they might not give the same level of crunch. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try using gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes for a similar texture.
How Do I Store Leftover Zucchini Chips?
Store any leftover zucchini chips in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To re-crisp them, pop them back into the air fryer for a couple of minutes at 400°F (200°C) before serving again!
Can I Make This Recipe Without Eggs?
Yes! For an egg-free version, you can use a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water, let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken) or unsweetened applesauce. Both will help the breadcrumbs adhere to the zucchini.
What Other Seasonings Can I Use?
Feel free to get creative with the seasonings! You could add some smoked paprika, cayenne pepper for a kick, or even some fresh herbs like parsley or basil for extra flavor. Adjust according to your taste!
