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Crispy Zucchini in the Air Fryer Recipe

ByAmanda
Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 4 reviews

Hey friend, if you’ve been craving a crispy, tasty way to enjoy zucchini, this Crispy Zucchini in the Air Fryer Recipe is going to be your new best friend. I love how quick and fuss-free it is—perfect when you want a crunchy snack or a side dish without heating up the oven or firing up the deep fryer. Plus, using the air fryer makes the zucchini irresistibly crispy while keeping it light and fresh.

What really makes this Crispy Zucchini in the Air Fryer Recipe stand out is the golden, parmesan-packed breadcrumb coating that clings to each slice. It’s the kind of recipe you turn to when zucchini is abundant and you want something that’s both comforting and a little bit addictive. Whether you’re serving it for weeknight dinner, a casual gathering, or just need a quick veggie fix, you’ll love how easily this recipe comes together.

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Crisp without guilt: The air fryer gives you all the crunch of frying with way less oil.
  • Flavor-packed coating: The combo of parmesan and Italian seasoning makes every bite savory and irresistible.
  • Quick and easy prep: Takes less than 15 minutes from start to finish, perfect for busy days.
  • Perfect batch size: Makes enough to share, so you won’t be tempted to eat it all yourself (unless you want to!).
A white plate with a thin dark rim holds a stack of crispy baked zucchini rounds. Each slice is green on the outer edge with a light green inside, topped with a golden brown, crunchy breadcrumb layer that has small bits of herbs mixed in. The zucchini slices are arranged in a slightly overlapping pile. The plate is set on a white marbled surface with a black and white patterned cloth partially visible to the side. Small crumbs are scattered around the plate, adding texture to the scene photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7 this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

This combination of ingredients ensures not only flavor but the perfect texture with the air fryer. You get crunchy, cheesy, and lightly spiced zucchini rounds that cook quickly and taste incredible. When shopping, look for fresh, firm zucchini and good-quality panko for the best crunch.

  • Panko breadcrumbs: They create that airy, crispy crust that sticks so well to the zucchini.
  • Parmesan cheese: Adds cheesy, salty richness that pairs perfectly with the mild zucchini.
  • Onion powder: Gives a subtle, savory depth without overwhelming the flavor.
  • Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings a familiar, comforting flavor boost.
  • Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without being too salty.
  • Fresh cracked black pepper: Adds a little kick and freshness.
  • Zucchini: Choose medium-sized and firm ones for even cooking and the best texture.
  • Egg: Helps the breading stick and adds a touch of richness.
  • Half and half: Thins the egg slightly and keeps the breading from clumping.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I like to keep this recipe flexible since not everyone likes their zucchini exactly the same way. Sometimes I swap Italian seasoning for smoked paprika or a little cayenne if I want a spicy kick. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite flavor combo — it’s your kitchen after all!

  • Variation: I once sprinkled some nutritional yeast on top before air frying to give it a cheesy flavor without dairy — worked great for my vegan friends.
  • Thicker slices: If you slice the zucchini thicker, just add a couple extra minutes cooking time so they don’t turn out soggy.
  • Herb swaps: Fresh basil or parsley mixed into the breadcrumb coating brightens the dish wonderfully in spring and summer.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Zucchini in the Air Fryer Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Crispy Coating

First, mix your panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan, onion powder, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper in a medium bowl. Stir everything together until it’s evenly combined. This packet of goodness will give your zucchini that crave-worthy crunch and fabulous flavor.

Step 2: Slice the Zucchini Thinly

Trim the ends off your zucchini, then slice them into about 1/8-inch rounds. This thickness is my sweet spot for crispiness; thinner might be too fragile, and thicker might need extra cooking time. If you’re in a hurry, keep your slices consistent for even air frying.

Step 3: Whisk the Egg Mixture

In a small bowl, whisk together one large egg with four tablespoons of half and half until smooth. The half and half helps thin it out so each zucchini slice gets a nice thin coating without clumps. This also helps that breadcrumb mixture stick beautifully.

Step 4: Bread the Zucchini Slices

Dip each zucchini slice first into the egg mixture, then immediately into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly so the crumbs stick. Lay your breaded slices on parchment-lined baking sheet. This stage can get messy, so I clean and dry my hands in between batches — it really helps the coating stick better.

Step 5: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick spray to prevent sticking. Place your breaded zucchini slices in a single layer — cooking in batches if needed — and spray the tops generously with non-stick spray. Cook for 9-10 minutes, flipping halfway through if you want extra even crisp. If your slices are thicker, add a few extra minutes, but watch carefully so they don’t burn.

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Pro Tips for Making Crispy Zucchini in the Air Fryer Recipe

  • Dry Zucchini Well: Pat the slices dry before breading to avoid sogginess and help the coating stick better.
  • Single Layer Cooking: Cook the slices in one layer; overcrowding makes them steam instead of crisp.
  • Use Non-Stick Spray Generously: Spraying both the basket and the zucchini helps attain that perfect golden crust.
  • Watch Your Timing: Keep an eye near the end of cooking to prevent over-browning — every air fryer is a bit different.

How to Serve Crispy Zucchini in the Air Fryer Recipe

The image shows a stack of crispy baked zucchini rounds on a white plate. Each round has two visible layers: a green zucchini slice base, and a thick, golden-brown breadcrumb coating on top that looks crunchy and slightly uneven. The breadcrumb layer is toasted with some darker brown spots, adding texture. More zucchini rounds are blurred in the background on a wooden surface, and a white cup with a reddish sauce is partially visible to the right. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a little extra parmesan and freshly chopped parsley on top just before serving — it adds a fresh, vibrant note that brings the whole dish to life. A squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten up the flavors beautifully, especially if you want a little tang.

Side Dishes

This crispy zucchini pairs wonderfully with a creamy dip like ranch or garlic aioli. For a full meal, I often serve it alongside grilled chicken or a light pasta salad — it’s a great way to add some veggies and crunch without overwhelming other flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Once, I arranged the zucchini slices layered in a pretty spiral on a platter with dipping sauce in the middle for a party — my guests loved grabbing the crispy bites as finger food. You could also stack them as mini “towers” with a dollop of herbed goat cheese in between for something fancy but super approachable.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover crispy zucchini in an airtight container in the fridge, layered between sheets of parchment or paper towel to keep them from getting soggy. They’re best eaten within 2 days — after that, they start to lose their crunch.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these a couple of times by flash freezing on a tray first, then transferring to a freezer bag. While they freeze well, the crispiness softens a bit after thawing. Still, they’re great for reheating in the air fryer when you want a quick snack later.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to regain crispiness — avoid the microwave because it turns the coating soggy. This way, they’re almost like freshly made again, which is perfect for a quick snack after work.

FAQs

  1. Can I use other types of cheese instead of parmesan in the Crispy Zucchini in the Air Fryer Recipe?

    Absolutely! While parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor and great melting quality, you can try pecorino Romano, Asiago, or even a sharp cheddar for a different twist. Just keep in mind that softer cheeses might make the coating less crisp.

  2. Do I need to peel the zucchini before making this recipe?

    Nope, I leave the skin on because it adds color, extra nutrients, and texture to the zucchini slices. Just make sure to wash them thoroughly and pick zucchini that’s firm and fresh.

  3. What if I don’t have an air fryer? Can I make this Crispy Zucchini recipe in the oven?

    You can! Bake the breaded zucchini on a baking sheet lined with parchment at 425°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. While the texture won’t be quite the same, it’s still a delicious and healthier alternative to deep frying.

  4. How do I keep the zucchini from getting soggy while cooking?

    Dry the zucchini slices well before breading, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, and use non-stick spray generously. These steps help maximize crispiness and prevent steam buildup.

  5. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

    Yes! Swap the panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free panko or crushed gluten-free crackers. The recipe works the same, and you’ll still get that wonderful crunch.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Crispy Zucchini in the Air Fryer Recipe has become my go-to whenever zucchini is in season or when I’m craving something crispy and veggie-forward. It’s so satisfying, easy to pull together, and never fails to please a crowd—even picky eaters! Give it a try and let me know how it turns out for you; I think you’ll love the balance of crispy, cheesy, and fresh flavors as much as I do.

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Crispy Zucchini in the Air Fryer Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 4 reviews
  • Author: Amanda
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 5 ½ cup servings
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian
Print Recipe

Description

This Crispy Zucchini recipe uses an air fryer to create perfectly golden and crunchy zucchini slices coated in a flavorful mixture of panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and Italian seasonings. It’s a quick, easy, and healthier alternative to frying, delivering a delicious snack or side dish in just 20 minutes.

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 Wet Ingredients

  • 2 medium-sized zucchini (each weighing 7 ounces)
  • 1 large egg
  • 4 tablespoons half and half

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Breading Mixture: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, onion powder, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and fresh cracked black pepper. Stir well to mix all ingredients evenly. Set aside.
  2. Slice the Zucchini: Trim the ends off the zucchini and discard. Slice each zucchini into ⅛-inch round slices for optimal crispiness. For thicker slices, note that cooking time will need to be increased accordingly.
  3. Prepare the Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the large egg and the half and half until fully blended. This mixture will help the breadcrumbs adhere to the zucchini slices.
  4. Bread the Zucchini: Dip each zucchini slice into the egg wash, ensuring it is fully coated, then dredge it thoroughly through the breadcrumb mixture. Lay the breaded slices in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Repeat this process for all slices.
  5. Preheat the Air Fryer: Remove the air fryer basket and spray it lightly with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes to ensure even cooking.
  6. Cook the Zucchini: Arrange the breaded zucchini slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Generously spray the tops of the slices with non-stick cooking spray to promote browning. Cook for 10 minutes. For thicker slices, slightly increase the cooking time. If necessary, cook the zucchini in batches to maintain a crispy texture.
  7. Serve Hot: Once the zucchini slices are golden and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately for the best taste and texture.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, you can double-dip the zucchini slices by repeating the egg wash and breadcrumb steps.
  • If you do not have half and half, you can substitute with milk or cream, but half and half provides the best balance.
  • Be careful not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
  • Adjust the thickness of zucchini slices and cooking time according to your preference, but thinner slices will be crispier and cook faster.
  • You can sprinkle additional parmesan cheese over the zucchini before serving for extra flavor.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: ½ cup
  • Calories: 110 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 290 mg
  • Fat: 5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg

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