Oh my gosh, you have to try this air fryer zucchini with Parmesan – it’s seriously my new favorite snack! I swear, once you taste these crispy little rounds with their golden Parmesan crust, you’ll be making them on repeat like I do. It’s one of those “too good to be true” recipes where you get all the crunch of fried food without the guilt.
I stumbled onto this method last summer when my garden was overflowing with zucchini (as gardens do). After one bite of that first crispy-cheesy batch, I was hooked. Now my kids beg for “those crunchy zucchini coins” instead of potato chips! The air fryer works magic here – it gives you that perfect crisp texture while keeping the inside tender. And that Parmesan coating? Absolute perfection with just the right salty kick.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Zucchini with Parmesan
Let me tell you why this recipe has become my go-to side dish (okay, sometimes my entire lunch – no judgment!). First off, it’s ridiculously quick – from fridge to table in under 20 minutes. When I’m starving after work, this saves me from eating cereal for dinner (again).
But the real magic? That perfect crispy crunch without deep-frying. The air fryer gives you golden, crackly edges that’ll make you forget all about potato chips. And here’s the best part:
- Healthier than fried – just a tablespoon of oil for the whole batch
- Easy cleanup – one bowl, no splattered oil everywhere
- Kid-approved (seriously, my picky eater steals them off my plate)
- Versatile – snack, side dish, or salad topper, it does it all
Trust me, once that Parmesan hits the hot zucchini and gets all toasty? You’ll be making excuses to cook zucchini every night.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Zucchini with Parmesan
Okay, let’s gather the good stuff! This recipe keeps it simple (just how I like it), but every ingredient matters for maximum crispiness. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 medium zucchinis – sliced into 1/4-inch rounds (trust me, thickness matters for that perfect crunch!)
- 1 tbsp olive oil – just enough to help the coating stick
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese – the good stuff, freshly grated if you can
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder – for that savory punch
- 1/2 tsp salt – brings out all the flavors
- 1/4 tsp black pepper – adds just the right kick
See? Nothing fancy – just pantry staples transformed into something magical in the air fryer!
How to Make Air Fryer Zucchini with Parmesan
Alright, let’s get cooking! This recipe couldn’t be simpler, but I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve to make sure your zucchini turns out perfectly crispy every time. Follow these steps, and you’ll have golden, cheesy rounds ready in no time.
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Zucchini
First things first – always preheat that air fryer! I set mine to 375°F (190°C) while I prep the zucchini. Gives it time to get nice and hot for maximum crispiness. For the zucchinis, I slice them about 1/4-inch thick – too thin and they’ll burn, too thick and they won’t crisp up. Then I toss them with just a tablespoon of olive oil in a big bowl. The oil helps all that delicious Parmesan stick!
Step 2: Mix the Parmesan Coating
Now for the magic mixture! In another bowl, I combine grated Parmesan (none of that pre-shredded stuff – it doesn’t melt as well), garlic powder, salt, and pepper. The garlic powder is my secret weapon – it gives that deep, savory flavor without any harsh raw garlic bite. I toss the oiled zucchini slices in this cheesy goodness until every piece is thoroughly coated.
Step 3: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection
Here’s where patience pays off. I arrange the zucchini in a single layer in the air fryer basket – no overlapping or they’ll steam instead of crisp! Cook for 10-12 minutes total, flipping them halfway through. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden brown with crispy edges. If some pieces cook faster than others (they sometimes do!), just remove those and let the rest finish. Warning: They’ll smell so good you’ll want to eat them straight from the basket!
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Zucchini with Parmesan
After making this recipe more times than I can count (seriously, we’re addicted), I’ve picked up some foolproof tricks for perfect zucchini every time. First, slice those zucchinis evenly – I like using my mandoline for uniform 1/4-inch rounds. Uneven pieces mean some will burn while others stay soggy. The horror!
And listen closely to this one: don’t crowd the basket! I know it’s tempting to pile them in, but they need space to crisp up. I cook in batches if needed – it’s worth the wait. My other golden rule? Taste your Parmesan before mixing – some brands are saltier than others, so adjust your added salt accordingly. Oh, and for extra crispiness, give the basket a shake halfway through – those little golden edges are the best part!
Variations for Air Fryer Zucchini with Parmesan
Now that you’ve mastered the basic recipe, let’s play with flavors! One of my favorite things about this zucchini is how easily you can customize it. For a smoky kick, I sometimes add 1/4 teaspoon of paprika to the Parmesan mix – gives it that BBQ vibe without the grill. If you want extra crunch, toss in a tablespoon of panko breadcrumbs with the cheese coating. It creates this incredible crispy texture that makes you keep reaching for “just one more.”
When I’m feeling fancy, I’ll squeeze fresh lemon juice over the hot zucchini or sprinkle with red pepper flakes. My kids go nuts when I serve these with warm marinara sauce for dipping – like healthy mozzarella sticks! The possibilities are endless once you get the basic technique down.
Serving Suggestions
Honestly, I eat these zucchini rounds straight from the air fryer basket half the time (who’s judging?), but they’re amazing with other dishes too. They make the perfect side for grilled chicken or fish – that crispy Parmesan pairs beautifully with simple proteins. Toss them into pasta dishes for a veggie boost, or pile them on salads for crunch. My personal favorite? Serving them as appetizers with a creamy garlic dip – watch them disappear at parties!
Storage and Reheating
Here’s the scoop on keeping leftovers crispy (if you have any – good luck with that!). Store cooled zucchini in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days max. When you’re ready for round two, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes – they’ll crisp right back up like magic. Warning: They never taste quite as amazing as fresh, so I always make extra!
Nutritional Information for Air Fryer Zucchini with Parmesan
Here’s the scoop on what you’re eating (because we all pretend to care before devouring the whole batch!). One serving is about 80 calories with 5g fat, 5g carbs, and 4g protein. But remember – nutrition varies based on your ingredients and brands. These are just estimates to make you feel slightly better about eating half the tray yourself!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen zucchini for this recipe?
Oh honey, I wouldn’t recommend it – frozen zucchini turns to mush when cooked! The key to that perfect crisp is fresh zucchini’s natural firmness. If you’re desperate, thaw and pat the slices bone-dry first, but fresh is always best for air fryer zucchini.
How do I keep my zucchini from getting soggy?
Two words: single layer! Overcrowding is the enemy of crispiness. Also, don’t skip the preheating – a hot air fryer gives you that instant sizzle. And listen – if your zucchini is super watery, pat the slices dry before oiling. Works like a charm!
Can I use different cheeses besides Parmesan?
Absolutely! I’ve tried this with pecorino romano (so salty and good!) and even a sharp cheddar blend. Just grate it fine so it melts evenly. The Parmesan gives that classic flavor, but hey – your kitchen, your rules!
Why do my zucchini slices stick to the basket?
Been there! Make sure you’re giving them enough oil – just a light coating helps. Some air fryers are stickier than others – a quick spritz of oil on the basket never hurts. And don’t peek too soon – let them get golden before flipping!
Share Your Experience
Did you make these crispy zucchini coins? I’d love to hear how they turned out! Drop a comment below with your air fryer adventures – did you add any fun twists? Your tips might just become my new favorite way to make them!
Print
Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini with Parmesan in Just 20 Minutes
- Total Time: 17 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy and flavorful zucchini slices made in the air fryer with a Parmesan cheese topping.
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, toss zucchini slices with olive oil.
- In another bowl, mix Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the zucchini slices evenly with the Parmesan mixture.
- Arrange the zucchini in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Slice zucchini evenly for consistent cooking.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 12 mins
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: air fryer zucchini, Parmesan zucchini, easy side dish