Air Fryer Zucchini with Parmesan

Crispy, Cheesy, and Ready in Minutes!

This quick and easy Air Fryer Zucchini with Parmesan is a delicious way to enjoy the natural goodness of zucchini. Lightly coated in a cheesy, golden Parmesan crust, these tender slices are crispy on the outside and perfectly cooked on the inside. Whether served as a healthy side dish or a satisfying snack, this recipe will become your go-to for zucchini lovers everywhere!

Ingredients

• 2 medium zucchinis (about 1 lb total), sliced into ¼-inch rounds
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or oregano)
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
• Cooking spray or olive oil spray (for air fryer basket)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Coating

1. In a shallow bowl, mix together the grated Parmesan cheese, flour, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
2. Place the beaten egg in another shallow bowl for dipping the zucchini slices.

Step 2: Coat the Zucchini

1. Working one slice at a time, dip each zucchini round into the beaten egg, ensuring it’s fully coated.
2. Roll the egg-coated zucchini slice in the Parmesan mixture, pressing gently so the cheese adheres. Place the coated slices on a plate until ready to cook.

Step 3: Air Fry

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Arrange the coated zucchini slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap.
3. Spray the tops of the zucchini slices lightly with cooking spray or drizzle with a bit of olive oil for extra crispiness.
4. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the zucchini is tender and the Parmesan coating is golden brown and crispy.

Step 4: Serve

1. Remove the zucchini from the air fryer and let it rest for a minute before serving.
2. Garnish with additional grated Parmesan or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley if desired.

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overcrowd : For best results, cook the zucchini in batches to ensure even browning and crispiness.
• Thinner Slices : Cutting the zucchini into thinner rounds helps them cook faster and achieve better crispiness.
• Gluten-Free Option : Replace the all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.
• Spice It Up : Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Parmesan mixture for a little heat.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving)

(Based on 4 servings)

• Calories: 75
• Total Fat: 4g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Cholesterol: 35mg
• Sodium: 250mg
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 2g
• Protein: 4g

Variations

• Herby Zucchini : Mix chopped fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or rosemary into the Parmesan coating for added flavor.
• Cheese Lovers : Substitute half of the Parmesan with shredded mozzarella or pecorino for a richer taste.
• Veggie Combo : Toss other vegetables like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or mushrooms into the air fryer alongside the zucchini for a complete medley.

Crisp, cheesy, and packed with flavor, this Air Fryer Zucchini with Parmesan is sure to be a hit at any meal! Perfectly balanced between savory and cheesy, it’s a guilt-free delight that everyone will love.