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Crispy Zucchini in the Air Fryer Recipe

ByTaylor
Jump to Recipe·5 from 47 reviews

I’m so excited to share this Crispy Zucchini in the Air Fryer Recipe with you! It’s one of those easy, satisfying snacks that comes together in no time and tastes like you spent way longer in the kitchen. The magic happens in the air fryer, giving you that perfect crunchy crust without deep frying or a ton of oil.

Whenever zucchini is in season, this recipe becomes my go-to. It’s perfect for a quick snack, a side dish for dinner, or even a crowd-pleaser at casual get-togethers. If you like a little crunch paired with fresh, tender zucchini, you’ll love this Crispy Zucchini in the Air Fryer Recipe just as much as I do!

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Simple Ingredients: Combines pantry staples with fresh zucchini for easy prep and great flavor.
  • Air Fryer Magic: Delivers a crispy coating without the hassle or mess of frying in oil.
  • Perfect Texture: The panko and parmesan combo creates a golden crunch that’s hard to resist.
  • Flexible and Fast: Ready in about 20 minutes, making it a fantastic last-minute appetizer or snack.
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 Crispy Zucchini in the Air Fryer Recipe uses a few key ingredients that come together beautifully: the panko breadcrumbs add crunch, parmesan cheese gives a nutty saltiness, and the seasonings keep every bite bursting with flavor. I always suggest using fresh zucchini for the best taste and texture.

  • Panko breadcrumbs: Light and airy, they crisp up wonderfully in the air fryer without getting soggy.
  • Grated parmesan cheese: Adds a savory boost and helps the coating brown to perfection.
  • Onion powder: Brings subtle depth and a hint of sweetness.
  • Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds fresh, earthy notes to balance the richness.
  • Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
  • Fresh cracked black pepper: Offers a bit of bite and brightness.
  • Zucchini: Choose medium-sized and firm zucchini for the best results; thinner slices cook more evenly.
  • Egg: Acts as the glue to help the breadcrumb mixture stick to every slice.
  • Half and half: Keeps the egg wash smooth and helps with even coating.
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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 love how this recipe is a perfect base to play around with — once you’ve nailed the basics, you can easily customize it to suit your cravings or dietary needs. Don’t be shy about swapping spices or cheeses or adding your own flair!

  • Add some heat: I sometimes sprinkle in a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mix for a subtle kick that balances the zucchini’s mildness.
  • Go gluten-free: Swap panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free crackers or almond flour to keep it crispy but suitable for gluten-sensitive friends.
  • Cheese swap: If parmesan isn’t your favorite, sharp cheddar or pecorino Romano also work beautifully in this recipe.
  • Herb twist: Fresh herbs like chopped basil or parsley added to the breadcrumb mixture brighten the flavor and add a fresh pop.

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

Step 1: Prepare the Crunchy Coating

Start by combining the panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper in a medium bowl. Give it a good stir to make sure everything’s evenly mixed. I find this step crucial—it ensures each zucchini slice gets that perfect coating for crispiness.

Step 2: Slice Your Zucchini Thinly

Wash and trim the ends off your zucchini. Then slice them into thin rounds—about 1/8-inch thick is ideal if you want a delicate crisp, but feel free to slice a little thicker if you prefer a meatier bite. Just remember you’ll need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Step 3: Whisk the Egg Wash

In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and half and half until smooth. This mixture will help the breadcrumb blend stick to each zucchini slice like a charm.

Step 4: Bread the Zucchini

Dip each zucchini slice first into the egg wash, then immediately into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure every side is coated. Lay the slices flat in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet as you go. This helps keep them from sticking together and makes them easier to move to the air fryer basket.

Step 5: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection

Remove your air fryer basket and spray it lightly with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for about 3 minutes. Carefully arrange the breaded zucchini slices in a single layer inside the basket without overcrowding. I usually cook in batches for the best crunch.

Spray the slices generously with more cooking spray and air fry for 9 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through if your air fryer requires it. If your slices are thicker, add a couple more minutes, but watch them closely so they don’t burn.

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Pro Tips for Making Crispy Zucchini in the Air Fryer Recipe

  • Preheat the Air Fryer: I always preheat my air fryer to ensure even cooking and extra crispiness from the start.
  • Don’t Overcrowd: Giving zucchini space in the basket lets hot air circulate, which is key to getting that perfect crunch.
  • Use Fresh Zucchini: Older, watery zucchini can make the coating soggy—choose firm and fresh for best results.
  • Spray Generously: Don’t skimp on the cooking spray—this helps crisp the breading beautifully without deep frying.

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 usually finish mine with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a little extra grated parmesan on top. A squeeze of lemon juice brightens up the flavors and adds a lovely tang that pairs wonderfully with the crispy coating. You can also serve them alongside your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, marinara, or spicy aioli for an extra flavor boost.

Side Dishes

This Crispy Zucchini in the Air Fryer Recipe pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, pasta dishes, or even a hearty salad for a light meal. I love serving it with some roasted potatoes or alongside a fresh tomato basil soup — such a cozy combo!

Creative Ways to Present

For entertaining, try stacking the zucchini slices in little towers or arranging them as “crispy chips” in small bowls with different dipping sauces. I once served them on a charcuterie board, pressing fresh herbs between layers — guests loved the mix of textures and colors!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. I find they stay tasty for up to 2 days, but the breading can get a little soft as they sit, so reheating is key for maintaining that crunch.

Freezing

While you can freeze leftover zucchini, I don’t recommend freezing it raw or cooked because it tends to get watery upon thawing. If you want to prep in advance, try breading the zucchini slices and freezing them on a tray before air frying — this way, you can cook directly from frozen with just a bit of extra cook time.

Reheating

To bring back the crispiness after storing, I reheat the zucchini in the air fryer at 375°F for about 5 minutes. This refreshes the crust without drying out the inside, unlike microwaving which tends to make it soggy.

FAQs

  1. Can I use yellow squash instead of zucchini in this recipe?

    Absolutely! Yellow squash works just as well and has a similar texture and flavor profile. Just slice it similarly thin and adjust cooking time if needed.

  2. Do I need to peel the zucchini?

    Not at all — the skin is thin and adds color and texture. Just be sure to wash the zucchini well before slicing.

  3. How do I make this recipe vegan?

    You can swap the egg and half and half for a plant-based milk mixed with flaxseed or aquafaba as a binder. Use vegan parmesan or nutritional yeast to keep that cheesy flavor in the breadcrumb mix.

  4. Can I bake the zucchini instead of air frying?

    Yes! Bake at 425°F on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy. It won’t be quite as crunchy as the air fryer but still delicious.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Zucchini in the Air Fryer Recipe really feels like a little kitchen victory every time I make it — simple ingredients, easy steps, and that satisfying crunch that keeps you reaching for more. I hope you enjoy making and eating this as much as I do, whether it’s a weeknight snack or part of a special meal. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself turning to this recipe every time zucchini comes around!

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Crispy Zucchini in the Air Fryer Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 47 reviews
  • Author: Taylor
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 5 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 parmesan and breadcrumb mixture, making a healthy and delicious snack or side dish.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Breadcrumb 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 Coating

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

Instructions

  1. Prepare breadcrumb mixture: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, onion powder, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper. Stir well to mix all ingredients evenly and set aside.
  2. Slice zucchini: Slice off the ends of the zucchini and discard. Cut the zucchini into ⅛-inch round slices. For thicker slices, note that cooking time will need to be adjusted accordingly.
  3. Make coating mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together the large egg and half and half until fully incorporated and smooth.
  4. Coat zucchini slices: Dip each zucchini slice first into the egg and half and half mixture, then thoroughly coat it in the breadcrumb mixture. Lay each breaded slice onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Repeat for all slices.
  5. Prepare air fryer: Remove the air fryer basket and spray it with non-stick cooking spray. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes to ensure it is ready for cooking.
  6. Air fry zucchini: Arrange the breaded zucchini slices in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Generously spray the tops of the slices with non-stick cooking spray to help them crisp. Cook for 10 minutes at 400°F. If slices are thicker than ⅛-inch, add extra cooking time as needed. The zucchini can be cooked in batches to avoid overcrowding. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Notes

  • For a thinner crust, use fine panko breadcrumbs.
  • If you prefer thicker zucchini slices, increase cooking time by 2-3 minutes and check for crispness.
  • Non-stick cooking spray helps achieve a perfectly crispy texture without excess oil.
  • This recipe can be doubled or tripled depending on the air fryer basket size.
  • Parmesan cheese adds a savory flavor and helps with browning; make sure it is finely grated for best results.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: ½ cup
  • Calories: 120 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg

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