Description
This Crispy Zucchini Air Fryer recipe delivers perfectly crunchy, golden zucchini slices coated in a flavorful mixture of panko breadcrumbs, parmesan, and Italian spices. Quick to prep and cook, it’s a healthy and delicious appetizer or side dish that’s easy to make in the air fryer for a guilt-free snack or accompaniment.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Breading Mixture
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
Zucchini and Coating
- 2 medium-sized zucchini (each about 7 ounces)
- 1 large egg
- 4 tablespoons half and half
Instructions
- Prepare Breadcrumb Mixture: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, onion powder, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper. Stir well to evenly mix all ingredients. Set aside this breading mixture.
- Slice Zucchini: Trim off the ends of the zucchini and discard. Slice each zucchini into ⅛-inch thin rounds for optimal crispiness. If you prefer thicker slices, increase cooking time accordingly.
- Mix Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the large egg and half and half until fully combined to create the coating liquid.
- Bread the Zucchini: Dip each zucchini slice first into the egg mixture to coat, then press it into the breadcrumb mixture to cover fully. Lay the breaded slices onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Repeat for all slices.
- Prepare Air Fryer Basket: Remove the air fryer basket and spray it generously with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 400°F and preheat for 3 minutes to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Cook Zucchini: Place the breaded zucchini slices in a single layer inside the preheated air fryer basket. Spray the tops generously with non-stick cooking spray for extra crunch. Cook at 400°F for 10 minutes. For thicker slices, add extra cooking time as needed. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Serve: Once cooked to golden and crispy perfection, serve the zucchini slices hot as a tasty appetizer, side dish, or snack.
Notes
- For a dairy-free alternative, substitute parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast and use a plant-based milk instead of half and half.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the zucchini on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 425°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Adjust the thickness of zucchini slices depending on your preferred texture, but thinner slices yield crispier results.
- Spraying the zucchini slices with non-stick spray before cooking helps achieve an even golden crust and prevents sticking.
- Use low-sodium seasoning if you prefer a lower salt version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ½ cup
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
