Air fryer Zucchini parmesan is made with just 3 main ingredients and is ready in under 15 minutes. It's simple, speedy and super flavorful with parmesan crust and made with very little effort. A tasty way to enjoy garden fresh zucchini!
If you are looking for more delicious air fryer vegetable recipes, try my air fryer brussels sprouts or air fryer carrot fries next!
Eating vegetables never tasted so good! Air fryer zucchini parmesan is a healthy and speedy side dish for weeknight dinner or just as snack!
This roasted zucchini parmesan is so good that my kids end up finishing them before even it reaches the dinner table.
As mentioned in the zucchini pakoda recipe, zucchini has a high water content, which can make it soggy when cooked.. However, using an air fryer can enhance its flavor and texture, with the air fryer delivering crisp results in less time.
This easy air fryer zucchini parmesan bites recipe goes well with almost any meal like this grilled boneless chicken thighs and takes almost no prep time, since there is no breading. Have you tried our zucchini frittata or gluten free zucchini fritters recipe?
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Reasons to love
Quick and easy: Just 2 minutes of prep and cooks in about 10 minutes.
3 ingredients: All you need is zucchini, parmesan cheese and olive oil! Seasonings are optional!
Texture: Air frying helps the zucchini to achieve a crisp exterior and sweet taste.
Kid favorite: It's so delicious that even picky eaters will happily devour this air-fried zucchini.
Featured comment
From Karen Mann: "Absolutely amazing! The best zucchini of my life and I eat a lot of vegetables" ⭐️⭐️ ⭐️⭐️ ⭐️
Ingredients you'll need
Scroll down to the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and amounts.
A straightforward air fryer zucchini parmesan recipe with only 3 main pantry ingredients. The ingredient list is very short making this recipe quick and easy.
- Zucchini - I use medium to large sized zucchinis that are crisp and firm to the touch. Avoid using very large over grown ones, since they’ll be too seedy and watery when cooked.
- Oil - A good quality extra virgin olive oil adds richness and more flavor.
- Parmesan cheese - Like in all parmesan cheese recipes, freshly grated gives the best flavor and melts into the slices. But go ahead and use pre grated if that's what you have around.
Variations
- Add more flavor Italian seasoning, minced garlic, garlic powder, paprika or minced fresh or dried herbs.
- Love garlic? Toss in minced garlic and garlic powder.
- Add some ranch seasoning mix.
- A squeeze of lemon when it's piping hot (like this pan seared asparagus recipe)
Do you need to peel zucchini?
No, you don't need to peel zucchini before cooking. The skin is soft, edible and adds texture, flavor, and nutrients. Most of the store bought zucchinis are young and the seeds are very tender, edible and unnecessary to remove. So, simply wash, cut off the stem end and slice away.
The skin also helps keep the slices intact if overcooked, as the zucchini's high moisture content can cause the interior to fall apart if cooked too long.
How to make zucchini in air fryer ?
You can find full printable recipe below, but here is a quick overview of the procedure along with step-by-step photos.
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👩🍳 Pro tip: Slicing the zucchini too thin can make them mushy, while slicing too thick may leave them undercooked before the parmesan browns.
Step 5 - Place the zucchini bites in a pre heated 400 degree air fryer, spread into a single layer, sprinkle parmesan cheese on top and cook for about 10 minutes or until golden brown.
👩🍳Tip: Remove promptly! Air frying it too long will make the parmesan topping brown too much.
Tips to avoid soggy zucchini in air fryer
- Don't slice them too thin (we like ½-inch rounds or slices).
- Avoid overcrowding. Cook in batches if needed.
- Remove the air fryer zucchini promptly after cooking.
Serving suggestions
Air fryer zucchini is best served piping hot! It is juicy with a slight crisp top but softens after some time. This vegetable side dish is perfect to be served with the air fryer chicken burger for a complete dinner made in the air fryer.
How to store and reheat leftovers?
It is best when freshly made. Should you have leftovers, keep them stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, return to the air fryer and cook at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 to 5 minutes cook time, until they are warmed.
Recipe tips
- Thickness - Cut zucchini into ½-inch thick slices for a bit sturdier yet well cooked vegetable.
- Don't overcrowd - Make sure to place the rounds in a single layer in the basket, leaving a little space around each one. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to work in batches.
- Parmesan: Use freshly grated parmesan rather than pre shredded, if possible. Fresh will have a better flavor and a less gritty texture.
- Make sure to sprinkle parmesan on top of slices rather than the basket.
- Like a different shape? Cut your zucchini into thick fries or long slices instead of rounds.
Recipe FAQs
It’s commonly served cooked, but can be enjoyed eating raw too. It works great in salads, wraps or even made into low-carb noodles.
Prepare as instructed, spread them into a single layer in a baking sheet, top with parmesan and bake in a pre heated 450 degree oven for about 10 minutes. Switch to broiler for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to get a nice color.
More air fryer side dishes
Air fryer Zucchini Parmesan
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 large zucchini
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt or less if desired
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ⅓ cup to ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Wash, pat dry zucchini and slice them into ½-inch thick discs.(Slicing the zucchini too thin can make them mushy, while slicing too thick may leave them undercooked before the parmesan browns)
- Add sliced zucchini, olive oil, salt, red pepper flakes and ground black pepper into a large bowl and toss well until thoroughly combined.
- Pre heat air fryer at 400°F for 11 minutes. When hot, place zucchini rounds in a single layer and sprinkle parmesan cheese on top of the rounds.Tip: Try to sprinkle all the cheese on top of the zucchini slices.
- Cook until the tops are golden brown (9 to 11 minutes). Serve hot!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information, based on third-party calculations, should be seen as estimates, not guarantees, as various factors like product types, brands, processing methods, and more can alter the nutritional content in recipes.
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Karen Mann
Absolutely amazing! The best zucchini of my life and I eat a lot of vegetables.
Maria Doss
Happy to hear that, have a great day hun - Maria