Quick Description
Air Fryer Parmesan Zucchini is a crispy, cheesy vegetable side dish that’s full of flavor. With a light olive oil spray, Italian seasoning, and a generous sprinkle of parmesan, this dish is easy to make and can be ready in under 15 minutes. It’s the perfect way to enjoy zucchini!
Servings & Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8–10 minutes
- Total Time: 13–15 minutes
Ingredients List
- 3 medium zucchini, cubed (about 4 cups)
- Spray olive oil (for coating)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 heaping tablespoons grated parmesan
Instructions
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Prepare the Zucchini:
- Quarter the zucchini into small cubes, about 1-inch pieces.
- Spray the zucchini evenly with olive oil. Add Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste. Toss the zucchini to coat evenly.
-
Add the Parmesan:
- Sprinkle 3 heaping tablespoons of grated parmesan over the zucchini. Toss gently to combine — don’t overmix, just enough so the parmesan is evenly distributed.
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Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer at 390°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
-
Cook the Zucchini:
- Carefully line the air fryer basket with a liner and add the zucchini in an even layer.
- Air fry for 4 minutes, then toss the zucchini to ensure even cooking.
- Continue air frying for an additional 4–5 minutes until the parmesan is browned and crispy and the zucchini is tender.
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Serve:
- Remove from the air fryer and serve immediately as a side dish or snack.
Additional Notes
- Avoid Overcrowding: To get crispy zucchini, ensure that the zucchini is in an even layer in the air fryer basket. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Variation: Add a pinch of garlic powder or red pepper flakes for an extra kick of flavor.
- For Extra Crispiness: Add a light coating of almond flour before spraying with olive oil for a crispy coating.
Dietary Info
- Low-Carb
- Keto-Friendly
- Gluten-Free
- Vegetarian
Ingredient Details & Substitutions
- Zucchini: You can substitute zucchini with yellow squash or eggplant for variety.
- Parmesan Cheese: Use fresh grated parmesan for the best flavor, but pre-grated will work too.
- Italian Seasoning: You can swap this with dried basil, oregano, or thyme for a different taste.
Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions
- Zucchini Chips: Slice zucchini thinner and cook at a lower temperature (around 350°F) for 10–12 minutes to make zucchini chips.
- Zucchini Boats: Hollow out the zucchini pieces, stuff them with your favorite filling, and air fry.
- Serve with Dips: This goes great with ranch dressing, marinara sauce, or tzatziki for dipping.
- Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
Storage & Make-Ahead
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: To keep the zucchini crispy, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 130 kcal
- Protein: 7 g
- Fat: 10 g
- Total Carbs: 5 g
- Net Carbs: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen zucchini?
It’s best to use fresh zucchini for this recipe, as frozen zucchini can get mushy when air fried.
Q: Can I make this in the oven?
Yes! Preheat your oven to 400°F and bake on a lined baking sheet for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Q: Can I add other cheese?
Yes, you can substitute parmesan with mozzarella or cheddar for a different flavor.
Optional Personal Story
I started making this recipe when I was looking for a healthier snack that still had that indulgent, cheesy crunch. It’s now one of my go-to sides whenever I want something quick and flavorful that pairs well with just about any main dish!
