Crispy Air-Fried Parmesan Zucchini is a delightful dish that not only pleases the taste buds but also offers a healthy alternative to traditional fried snacks. Zucchini is a versatile vegetable, low in calories, and rich in vitamins and minerals. By air-frying, you achieve that satisfying crispy texture without using a lot of oil, making it a guilt-free indulgence. Plus, the addition of Parmesan cheese gives it a savory, cheesy flavor that elevates this simple dish. Whether you’re looking for a tasty side dish, a healthy snack, or a way to use up zucchini from your garden, this recipe hits the spot.

HOW TO MAKE Crispy Air-Fried Parmesan Zucchini

Ingredients:

Medium zucchini
Olive oil spray

Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Grated parmesan cheese

DIRECTIONS:

Prepare the Zucchini: Start by cutting the zucchini. Quarter it lengthwise and then slice it crosswise to create small, even cubes. It’s important to aim for uniform sizes to ensure every piece cooks evenly.
Season the Zucchini: Once cut, spritz the zucchini cubes with olive oil. You just want a light coating, so don’t drown them in oil. After that, sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper over the cubes. Toss them gently to make sure each piece gets seasoned without bruising the zucchini.
Add the Parmesan: After seasoning, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the zucchini. Toss lightly again to coat the pieces evenly. This cheese will become crispy and golden while cooking.

Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 390 degrees Fahrenheit and let it preheat for about three minutes. Preheating is crucial for achieving that crispy texture.
Air-Fry the Zucchini: Arrange the seasoned zucchini in the air fryer basket. Keep them in a single layer for even cooking. Cook for four minutes, then toss the pieces to ensure they brown evenly. Cook for another four to five minutes, but keep an eye on them toward the end. The dish is ready when the parmesan turns golden brown, and the zucchini is fork-tender.
Serve Immediately: Enjoy your Crispy Air-Fried Parmesan Zucchini hot. This dish is best served fresh to maintain that crispy texture.

HOW TO SERVE Crispy Air-Fried Parmesan Zucchini

Crispy Air-Fried Parmesan Zucchini is versatile when it comes to serving. You can enjoy it as a standalone snack, an appetizer, or as a side dish alongside grilled meats or fish. Pair it with a dipping sauce such as marinara, ranch, or garlic aioli for added flavor. You can also sprinkle some extra parmesan over the top just before serving for a beautiful presentation.

HOW TO STORE Crispy Air-Fried Parmesan Zucchini

If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for about 1-2 days. However, keep in mind that the zucchini may lose some of its crispness when stored. To reheat, you can put them back in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore that crispy texture, making them almost as good as when freshly made.

TIPS TO MAKE Crispy Air-Fried Parmesan Zucchini

Cut Evenly: For consistent cooking, it’s crucial to cut the zucchini into similar sizes.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh zucchini and quality parmesan cheese. Fresh ingredients enhance the flavor significantly.
Don’t Overcrowd: Ensure the zucchini pieces are arranged in one layer in the air fryer. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and soggy results.

Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to get creative with spices! You can add garlic powder, paprika, or even chili flakes for a kick.

VARIATIONS

There are many ways to give a twist to the Crispy Air-Fried Parmesan Zucchini:

Add Different Cheeses: Try mixing in other types of cheese like mozzarella or cheddar for a different flavor profile.

Spicy Option: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for some heat.
Seasoning Mix: Instead of Italian seasoning, use taco seasoning for a unique flavor.
Lemon Zest: Adding a bit of lemon zest or juice can brighten up the dish and add a refreshing taste.

FAQs

1. Can I use other vegetables for this recipe?

Yes! You can try using eggplant, bell peppers, or even sliced carrots. Just adjust the cooking time based on how thick the vegetables are.

2. Is it necessary to preheat the air fryer?

While it is not strictly necessary, preheating helps to create a crispy exterior on the zucchini and ensures even cooking.

3. Can I use frozen zucchini?

Fresh zucchini is recommended for this recipe to achieve the best texture. Frozen zucchini may release excess moisture, leaving the dish soggy.

By following these steps, you can enjoy a delightful batch of Crispy Air-Fried Parmesan Zucchini any time you like. It’s simple to make, scrumptious to eat, and a wonderful addition to any meal. Enjoy!

Crispy Air-Fried Parmesan Zucchini

Print Recipe

A healthy and delicious alternative to traditional fried snacks, featuring air-fried zucchini coated with parmesan cheese for a crispy treat.

Author: Alexandra Roa

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Side Dish
Method: Air Frying

Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

2 Medium zucchini

Olive oil spray
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 cup Grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

Prepare the zucchini: Cut the zucchini into quarters lengthwise, then slice them crosswise into small, even cubes.
Season the zucchini: Spritz with olive oil, then sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss gently.

Add the parmesan: Sprinkle grated parmesan over zucchini and toss lightly.
Preheat the air fryer: Set the air fryer to 390°F and preheat for about 3 minutes.
Air-fry the zucchini: Arrange seasoned zucchini in a single layer in the air fryer. Cook for 4 minutes, toss, and then cook for another 4-5 minutes until golden brown.

Serve immediately: Enjoy hot, optionally with dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or garlic aioli.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. Reheat in the air fryer for best results.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving

Calories: 150
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 300mg

Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g

Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 7g
Fiber: 2g

Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 10mg

Keywords: zucchini, parmesan, air fryer, healthy snacks, vegetarian