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Air Fryer Zucchini Recipe

Air Fryer Zucchini Recipe

By What’s Baking

Crispy, golden-brown air fryer zucchini coins with a savory Parmesan-herb coating deliver addictive crunch and tender centers in just minutes.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
10 mins
Cook Time:
10 mins
Serves:
4 servings
An overhead shot of perfectly golden-brown zucchini rounds arranged in a rustic ceramic serving dish, their Parmesan-herb crusts glistening under soft natural light. A close-up reveals the satisfying contrast between the crispy, textured exterior and the tender, succulent interior of each piece. Scattered fresh herbs add vibrant green accents against the warm tones of the zucchini, while a small ramekin of creamy dipping sauce sits nearby. A halved zucchini and wedge of Parmesan cheese rest in the background, hinting at the fresh ingredients used in this air-fried creation.

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"> <li class="ingredients-single-item">2 medium zucchini (about 500g)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 large egg</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">40g grated Parmesan cheese</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">35g panko breadcrumbs</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp garlic powder</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp dried Italian herbs</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 tsp paprika</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 tsp salt</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 tsp black pepper</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">Olive oil spray</li> </ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"> <li class="equipment-single-item">Air fryer</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Paper towels</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Shallow bowls for breading station</li> </ul>
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Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4> Wash and dry your zucchini thoroughly. Trim the ends and slice into 6mm-thick rounds. Having evenly sliced pieces ensures they'll cook at the same rate. Lay the rounds on paper towels and sprinkle lightly with salt, allowing them to sit for 5 minutes. This draws out excess moisture - a crucial step for achieving maximum crispiness. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4> While the zucchini rests, prepare your breading station. In one shallow bowl, beat the egg with 1 tablespoon of water. In another bowl, combine the Parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian herbs, paprika, salt, and pepper, mixing thoroughly so the seasoning distributes evenly. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4> Preheat your air fryer to 200°C for about 3 minutes. This preheating step is often overlooked but helps achieve that immediate sear that locks in moisture and begins the browning process right away. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4> Pat the zucchini rounds dry with paper towels, pressing gently to remove as much moisture as possible. Dip each round into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off, then coat thoroughly in the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4> Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray. Arrange the breaded zucchini in a single layer in your air fryer basket, making sure they don't overlap or touch (you'll likely need to cook in batches). Lightly spray the tops of the zucchini with olive oil spray - this helps achieve that beautiful golden-brown color. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4> Air fry for 5 minutes, then flip each piece carefully using tongs or a spatula. Spray again with a light coating of olive oil and cook for another 3-5 minutes until deeply golden and crispy. Watch closely during the final few minutes as the Parmesan can go from perfectly golden to overly browned quite quickly. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4> Transfer the cooked zucchini to a serving plate and immediately sprinkle with a tiny pinch of salt if desired. Serve hot for maximum crispiness. These are delicious on their own or paired with a dipping sauce like tzatziki, marinara, or garlic aioli. </li> </ol>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size: 1 serving
🔥 Calories: 115 calories
🥑 Fat: 7 g
🧈 Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
🍞 Carbohydrates: 8 g
🍭 Sugar: 3 g
🍗 Protein: 6 g
🫀 Cholesterol: 55 mg
🧂 Sodium: 210 mg

Chef’s Notes

A few helpful details for making this recipe.

How can I ensure my air-fried zucchini turns out crispy instead of soggy?

The key to crispy air-fried zucchini is removing excess moisture. Salt the slices and let them sit for 5 minutes, then thoroughly pat dry with paper towels. Don't skip the preheating step, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, and use just enough oil spray to help the coating brown. Serve immediately for maximum crispiness.

Can I make these zucchini rounds gluten-free or keto-friendly?

Absolutely! For gluten-free air-fried zucchini, substitute the panko with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds. For a keto version, replace breadcrumbs entirely with a mixture of almond flour and extra Parmesan cheese. The air frying method works beautifully with these alternatives while keeping the carb count low.

What are the best dipping sauces to serve with crispy air-fried zucchini coins?

These golden-brown zucchini rounds pair brilliantly with creamy dips like garlic aioli, tzatziki, ranch dressing, or a simple marinara sauce. For something special, try a lemon-herb yoghurt dip or sriracha mayo. The cool, tangy sauces create a perfect contrast to the warm, crispy texture.

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