Description
A quick and easy recipe for crispy air fryer zucchini topped with a golden, savory Parmesan herb crust. Perfect as a guilt-free snack or versatile side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 medium zucchini (about 20 ounces / 570g), sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (about 30g)
- 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs (about 30g), gluten-free if desired
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Zest of 1/2 lemon (optional)
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional for spicy kick)
Instructions
- Wash and dry the zucchini, then slice into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Toss lightly with 1 tablespoon olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, dried Italian herbs, lemon zest (if using), salt, and black pepper. Drizzle remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil over mixture and toss until evenly coated and clumpy.
- Lay zucchini slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket or tray. Work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of the Parmesan herb topping over each zucchini slice, pressing lightly to adhere.
- Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 5-6 minutes. Carefully flip each slice using tongs or a spatula and air fry for another 5-6 minutes until topping is golden and crispy and zucchini is tender.
- Serve immediately, optionally with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for best crispiness. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crisp topping. Pat zucchini dry if wet to improve topping adhesion. For gluten-free, use gluten-free panko. To reheat leftovers, air fry at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness. Do not freeze as texture will degrade.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (about
- Calories: 160
- Sodium: 300
- Fat: 11
- Saturated Fat: 3.5
- Carbohydrates: 10
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 6
Keywords: air fryer zucchini, crispy zucchini, Parmesan zucchini, healthy snack, easy side dish, summer vegetables, quick recipe