Name: Crispy Zucchini in the Air Fryer Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1½ cups panko breadcrumbs; ½ cup grated parmesan cheese; 2 teaspoons onion powder; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper; 2 medium-sized zucchini (each about 7 ounces); 1 large egg; 4 tablespoons half and half

Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 25 reviews

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve turned to this Crispy Zucchini in the Air Fryer Recipe when I needed a quick, delicious snack that feels like a treat but is still pretty healthy. What makes this zucchini stand out for me is that perfect crispy crumbly crust that the air fryer achieves without the mess or fuss of deep frying. It’s got that satisfying crunch with a cheesy, herby punch from the parmesan and Italian seasonings that you’ll want to make again and again.

This recipe works beautifully as a simple appetizer for casual get-togethers, an easy side for weeknight dinners, or even as a fun way to get more veggies into your day. I love it because it’s fast, uses minimal ingredients, and honestly—if you’re like me, it saves you from reaching for chips or fries when you want something crunchy and flavorful. Trust me, once you try this Crispy Zucchini in the Air Fryer Recipe, your air fryer will thank you!

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Why This Recipe Works

Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy days or last-minute snacks.
Healthy Crispy Texture: Thanks to the air fryer, you get that crunchy, golden crust without deep frying or excess oil.
Flavor-Packed Coating: The combination of panko, parmesan, and Italian seasoning brings a savory, cheesy, and herbaceous flavor that elevates simple zucchini.
Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing: This dish easily fits as a snack, side, or appetizer, and it’s loved by kids and adults alike!

A white plate with a thin dark rim holds a stack of crispy baked zucchini rounds. Each slice is green on the outer edge with a light green inside, topped with a golden brown, crunchy breadcrumb layer that has small bits of herbs mixed in. The zucchini slices are arranged in a slightly overlapping pile. The plate is set on a white marbled surface with a black and white patterned cloth partially visible to the side. Small crumbs are scattered around the plate, adding texture to the scene photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Crispy Zucchini in the Air Fryer Recipe plays a key role, balancing texture and flavor to make it irresistible. Plus, they’re all pantry staples or easy to grab at any grocery store.

Panko breadcrumbs: These are lighter and crispier than regular breadcrumbs, crucial for that delicate crunch you want.
Parmesan cheese: Adds savory depth and helps the crust brown beautifully with a rich cheesy flavor.
Onion powder: Boosts flavor subtly without overwhelming the zucchini’s fresh taste.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings herby warmth and complexity.
Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential basics for seasoning that wake up the flavors evenly.
Zucchini: The star veggie here, choose medium-sized and firm zucchini for the best texture and moisture balance.
Egg and half and half: Used to help the breadcrumb mixture stick, creating that glorious crispy crust.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I always encourage friends to experiment a bit with this recipe and adjust to their taste. Whether you want to swap herbs, try a different kind of cheese, or add a bit of spice, it’s easy to personalize while keeping it just as crunchy and satisfying.

Variation: I once added a sprinkle of smoked paprika and cayenne for a smoky, spicy kick — it totally changed the mood and made the zucchini feel perfect for game day!
Gluten-Free: Try using gluten-free panko or crushed gluten-free cornflakes for a safe swap without losing crunch.
Dairy-Free: Swap parmesan for nutritional yeast and use a plant-based milk instead of half and half for a dairy-free version.
Thicker Slices: If you like zucchini chunks a bit thicker, just remember to increase air frying time slightly to get them crispy throughout.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Zucchini in the Air Fryer Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Crispy Coating Mixture

Start by combining the panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan, onion powder, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and fresh cracked black pepper in a medium bowl. Give everything a good stir so all the flavors meld and you’ve got a delicious, evenly seasoned crumb coating ready. Setting this aside lets the parmesan mingle with the herbs while you prep the zucchini slices.

Step 2: Slice the Zucchini Thin

Trim off the ends of your zucchini, then slice it into thin rounds about 1/8 inch thick. This makes them perfect for crisping up in the air fryer quickly. Pro tip: thinner slices crisp better and cook faster, but if you like a bit more bite, just slice a little thicker and add a couple of extra minutes to your cook time.

Step 3: Whisk the Egg Mixture

In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and half and half until fully blended—you want a smooth mixture that will help the breadcrumbs stick like a charm. This also adds a little richness to the coating.

Step 4: Dip and Coat the Zucchini

One by one, dunk the zucchini slices first into the egg mixture, letting excess drip off, then into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly so the crumbs stick well. Lay the coated slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet as you go. This assembly line works better than trying to coat them all at once!

Step 5: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection

Spray your air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray and preheat it to 400°F for about 3 minutes. Arrange the breaded zucchini slices in a single layer — don’t overcrowd the basket or they won’t get crispy. Spray the top of the slices generously with cooking spray for a beautiful golden crust. Cook for 9-10 minutes, flipping halfway if your model requires it. If you have thicker slices, add a few more minutes. I usually do this in batches because I want each piece perfectly crisp!

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Tips from My Kitchen

Pat Dry Zucchini: I always pat the zucchini slices dry before dipping to prevent sogginess and help the coating stick better.
Spray Generously: Don’t skimp on the cooking spray on both the basket and zucchini slices—it creates a stunning crispy crust without deep frying.
Single Layer Cooking: Cooking in a single layer is key—no overcrowding, so they crisp evenly.
Batch Air Frying: If you’re making a lot, air fry in batches to keep that crunch consistent from first bite to last.

How to Serve Crispy Zucchini in the Air Fryer Recipe

The image shows a stack of crispy baked zucchini rounds on a white plate. Each round has two visible layers: a green zucchini slice base, and a thick, golden-brown breadcrumb coating on top that looks crunchy and slightly uneven. The breadcrumb layer is toasted with some darker brown spots, adding texture. More zucchini rounds are blurred in the background on a wooden surface, and a white cup with a reddish sauce is partially visible to the right. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love sprinkling just a little extra parmesan or some freshly chopped parsley on top for bright color and fresh flavor. A squeeze of lemon juice right before serving adds a nice tangy lift that balances the rich, crispy coating beautifully.

Side Dishes

This crispy zucchini goes great with a creamy dipping sauce like ranch, garlic aioli, or marinara. For a full meal, I often pair it with grilled chicken or a fresh summer salad—totally hits the spot!

Creative Ways to Present

One fun idea I tried at a potluck was serving the crispy zucchini stacked in little mini towers with toothpicks and drizzled with a spicy sriracha mayo. It made for a playful finger food presentation that got compliments all night!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store my leftover crispy zucchini in an airtight container lined with paper towels in the fridge. This helps absorb any moisture and keeps them crisp for up to 2 days—though the crunch is definitely best fresh!

Freezing

Freezing this is a bit tricky because of the breading, but I’ve had decent results by flash freezing the baked slices on a tray first, then transferring them to a freezer bag. When ready, reheat straight from frozen in the air fryer to refresh the crispiness.

Reheating

To reheat and keep that crunch, pop the zucchini back into the air fryer at 375°F for about 3-5 minutes until heated through. Avoid the microwave—it makes them soggy real quick!

FAQs

Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko in this Crispy Zucchini in the Air Fryer Recipe?

Yes, you can use regular breadcrumbs if that’s what you have on hand. However, panko is preferred because it’s lighter and flakier, resulting in a crispier texture. If you use regular breadcrumbs, your zucchini might come out slightly less crunchy.
What’s the best way to slice zucchini for this recipe?

For the crispiest results, slice the zucchini into thin rounds about 1/8 inch thick. Thinner slices cook quickly and get super crispy, but if you prefer thicker slices, just increase the air frying time accordingly so they cook through and remain crispy.
Can I prep the zucchini ahead of time?

You can slice and bread the zucchini ahead, then refrigerate them on a baking sheet covered with plastic wrap for a couple of hours before air frying. Just note that the coating might get a bit soggy, so it’s best to cook them soon after breading for maximum crispiness.
Is this Crispy Zucchini in the Air Fryer Recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids love the crispy, cheesy coating, and it’s a great way to sneak veggies into their diet. Serve with a favorite dipping sauce to make it even more fun for them.
Can I use this recipe with other vegetables?

Yes, this breadcrumb coating and air frying technique work beautifully with veggies like eggplant, green beans, or even sliced mushrooms. Just adjust the cooking time depending on the vegetable and slice thickness.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Zucchini in the Air Fryer Recipe holds a special place in my weekly meal rotation because it’s simple, flavorful, and guilt-free crunch in every bite. Whether you’re a seasoned zucchini fan or just looking for a fun, healthy appetizer, I truly think you’ll enjoy the ease and deliciousness this recipe brings. Go ahead, fire up your air fryer and give it a try — I’m betting it’ll become one of your go-to dishes too!