Looking for a delicious and healthier alternative to fried snacks? This Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini recipe delivers all the crunch and flavor without the excess oil. Coated in a savory Parmesan and panko breadcrumb mixture, these zucchini rounds are perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or snack. Using an air fryer ensures a golden, crispy texture that’s both light and satisfying. With simple ingredients and a quick cooking time, these zucchini rounds are bound to become a new favorite. Let’s dive into this easy, guilt-free recipe!
Ingredients:
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or Italian seasoning)
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 large eggs
- Cooking spray (for the air fryer)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Coating
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, dried oregano (or Italian seasoning), paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until evenly mixed.
- Beat the eggs: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth. This will act as the binder for the breadcrumb coating.
Step 2: Coat the Zucchini
- Dip the zucchini rounds: Working in batches, dip each zucchini slice into the beaten eggs, ensuring both sides are coated.
- Bread the zucchini: Immediately after dipping in the egg, press the zucchini slices into the breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides well. Place the coated rounds on a plate or tray while you prepare the rest.
Step 3: Preheat and Prepare the Air Fryer
- Preheat the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
- Prepare the basket: Give the air fryer basket a quick spritz with cooking spray to avoid sticking.
Step 4: Air Fry the Zucchini
- Arrange the zucchini: Place the breaded zucchini rounds in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap. Depending on your air fryer’s capacity, you might need to cook the items in multiple batches.
- Cook: Air fry the zucchini for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Check for doneness: If needed, add an extra 1-2 minutes to ensure they reach your desired level of crispiness.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve hot: Once the zucchini rounds are done, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately.
- Optional dipping sauce: Pair these crispy air fryer zucchini rounds with your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara, ranch, or a garlic aioli.
Conclusion:
These Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini rounds are the perfect guilt-free snack or side dish, offering a delightful crunch without the excess oil. With a Parmesan-panko coating and a blend of seasonings, each bite is bursting with flavor. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or enjoying them as a light snack, these zucchini rounds are a tasty, healthy way to satisfy your craving for something crispy. Enjoy them fresh out of the air fryer with your favorite dipping sauce!