Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini

$- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into rounds or sticks - 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular) - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 teaspoons garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1 large egg - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped - Cooking spray - Seasoning variations (Italian herbs, cayenne pepper) - Alternative cheeses (Mozzarella, Cheddar) - Dipping sauces suggestions When cooking with zucchini, the right ingredients make all the difference. Start with fresh zucchinis. Choose ones that are firm and bright in color. This ensures a tasty outcome. You can slice them into rounds or sticks based on your preference. Next, you’ll need breadcrumbs. Panko works great for that extra crunch. Combine it with grated Parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor. Garlic powder and onion powder add depth. Smoked paprika gives a nice touch of warmth. Don’t forget salt and black pepper to enhance all the flavors. Finally, one large egg helps bind everything together. For a fresh finish, add chopped parsley. This mix of ingredients makes your crispy air fryer zucchini so tasty. If you want to spice things up, consider adding some Italian herbs or a pinch of cayenne pepper. Different cheeses like Mozzarella or Cheddar can also change the flavor profile. For dipping, marinara sauce or tzatziki are great options. These simple ingredients will transform zucchini into a delightful snack or side dish. Check out the Full Recipe for all the details. Start by washing your zucchinis well. Slice them into rounds or sticks, about half an inch thick. This size helps them cook evenly. For a fun twist, try cutting them into fun shapes. Next, you need to coat your zucchini slices. First, whisk one large egg in a bowl until it’s smooth. In another bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Now, dip each zucchini slice into the egg, making sure it’s well-coated. Then, roll it in the breadcrumb mix. Make sure every slice is covered, so it turns out crispy. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Once it's ready, arrange the coated zucchini slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid stacking them, as this may lead to uneven cooking. Cook the zucchini for 10-12 minutes. Flip them halfway through to ensure they cook evenly. Keep an eye on them; you want them golden brown and crispy. After cooking, let the zucchini rest on a paper towel for a minute. This helps absorb any extra oil, making them crispier. Serve your crispy zucchini right away for the best taste. They go great with marinara sauce or tzatziki for dipping. If you like, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color. For the full recipe, check out the section above. Enjoy your crispy air fryer zucchini! To get the best texture, it's key to dry the zucchini. After slicing, place the rounds or sticks on paper towels. Let them sit for about 10 minutes. This step helps remove excess moisture. A dry zucchini will fry better and become crispier. Using panko breadcrumbs is another smart choice. They give a light and crunchy texture. Panko absorbs less oil and creates a wonderful crust. For a really crispy finish, mix panko with regular breadcrumbs. This gives you the best of both worlds. For cooking, I recommend setting your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This temperature helps the zucchini cook evenly and get that nice golden brown color. The cooking time should be around 10-12 minutes. Keep in mind that each air fryer model can vary slightly. If your zucchini is not browning, you may need to increase the cooking time by a couple of minutes. Always check for doneness by looking for a golden color. One big mistake is overcrowding the air fryer basket. When you place too many zucchini slices at once, they won’t cook evenly. It’s best to fry them in batches if needed. This ensures each piece gets enough hot air to crisp up. Another mistake is skipping the cooking spray. A light spray helps the breadcrumbs stick and crisp up. Without it, the zucchini may turn out soggy. Just a quick spray before cooking makes a big difference! {{image_2}} You can make your crispy air fryer zucchini even more exciting! - Spicy version: Add some chili flakes to the breadcrumb mix for a kick. The heat works well with the mild zucchini. - Herbs and spices: Customize the mix by adding your favorite herbs. Try Italian seasoning or even Cajun spice for a unique twist. If you don’t have an air fryer, don’t worry! You can still enjoy crispy zucchini. - Oven-baked zucchini: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the coated zucchini on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through until crispy and golden. - Pan-fried option: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the zucchini for 3-4 minutes on each side. This gives you a nice golden color and crispiness without the air fryer. Crispy zucchini pairs well with many dishes and dips. - Dips: Serve with marinara sauce, tzatziki, or even ranch dressing. Each adds a fresh taste to the crunch. - Pairing options: Enjoy the zucchini as a side with grilled chicken or fish. It also works great in salads or as a topping for pasta. For the full recipe, check the Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Delight! To keep your cooked zucchini fresh, let it cool first. Place the leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps moisture out and keeps the zucchini tasty. I recommend using glass or plastic containers with tight lids. They are easy to stack in your fridge. When you want to enjoy your crispy zucchini again, use the air fryer or oven. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the zucchini in the basket for about 3-5 minutes. This method keeps them crispy. Avoid using the microwave, as it makes them soggy. To freeze your zucchini, start by letting it cool completely. Then, lay the pieces on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze them for about an hour until solid. After that, transfer the zucchini to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you want to use them, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. This keeps the flavor and texture good. To make your air fryer zucchini extra crispy, start by drying the zucchini slices. Use a paper towel to remove moisture. Moisture can make them soft. Next, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. Panko gives a crunchier texture. Also, spray the zucchini lightly with cooking spray before cooking. This helps them brown better. Lastly, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Give each piece space for air to flow. Yes, you can use yellow squash instead of zucchini. Both have similar textures, but yellow squash is a bit sweeter. The cooking method stays the same. You can mix them for a colorful dish. Just cut the yellow squash in similar sizes as the zucchini. This ensures even cooking. The taste will change slightly, but it will still be tasty. Cooking zucchini in the air fryer takes about 10 to 12 minutes. The time varies based on thickness. If your slices are thick, they may need more time. Thin slices cook faster, around 8 to 10 minutes. Always check for a golden-brown color. Flip them halfway through cooking for even crispiness. Enjoy your perfectly cooked zucchini! In this post, we covered how to make crispy air-fried zucchini. You learned about the ingredients, and step-by-step cooking instructions, and explored helpful tips to achieve the best results. Remember, choosing the right seasonings and cooking technique makes a big difference. Experiment with flavors and cooking methods to find your favorite. Storing and reheating your leftovers correctly keeps them delicious. Enjoy creating tasty zucchini dishes that are sure to impress!$

Discover the ultimate crispy air fryer zucchini delight that's sure to impress! This easy recipe combines fresh zucchini with a crunchy breadcrumb and Parmesan coating, perfect for a healthy snack or appetizer. In just 20 minutes, you can whip up this tasty dish that’s both flavorful and guilt-free. Click to explore the full recipe and elevate your cooking game with this delicious air fryer treat!

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Ingredients

2 medium zucchinis, sliced into rounds or sticks

1 cup breadcrumbs (can use panko for extra crunch)

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 teaspoons garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 large egg

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Cooking spray

Instructions

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).

In a mixing bowl, combine breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.

In another bowl, whisk the egg until smooth.

Dip each zucchini slice into the egg, coating it well, then roll it in the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated.

Arrange the coated zucchini slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If needed, spray them lightly with cooking spray to enhance crispiness.

Cook the zucchini in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

Once done, remove the zucchini from the air fryer and place them on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil.

Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: Serve in a small bowl or plate with a side of marinara sauce or tzatziki for dipping. Add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top for an appealing finish!