Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Zucchini
These air fryer parmesan crusted zucchini are one of my favorite ways to get some extra green goodness into my family’s diets right now, and it’s one of the easiest recipes you’ll ever make! Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with savory, garlicky, cheesy goodness, these golden bites are the kind of healthy-ish snack or side dish that feels just indulgent enough.
Here’s why you’ll love this recipe:
- Crispy Without the Grease – Thanks to the air fryer, you get all the crunch of deep frying with just a fraction of the oil. That means crispy, golden perfection without the mess!
- Quick & Easy – With simple ingredients and a 10-minute cook time, this is one of those effortlessly delicious recipes you’ll find yourself making on repeat.
- Super Versatile – Serve it as a healthy snack, a crunchy side dish, or even an appetizer with your favorite dipping sauce. Want to make it fancy? Toss it onto a salad or a grain bowl for an extra boost of texture.
Ingredients
- Zucchini
- Olive oil
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Parmesan cheese
- Flour
- Garlic powder
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Zucchini
Just want to grab the printable recipe card? No worries – it’s at the bottom of this post, and it includes absolutely everything you need to make this recipe, including ingredients, measurements, and instructions. Here, I’m going to walk you through the process with some photos to help to guide you through the various stages…
- Slice the zucchini into ½ – ¾ inch disks, then cut in half (discard the ends).
- Place the cut zucchini into a medium mixing bowl, then drizzle with the olive oil, and toss to coat.
- In a separate bowl, stir together the panko, Parmesan, flour, and garlic powder. Sprinkle over the zucchini, then toss to coat.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Arrange the zucchini in an even layer into the air fryer basket. Air fry for 10 minutes, shaking at the halfway point.
- Enjoy!
Hints & Tips
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Check if your air fryer needs preheating – Some air fryers require preheating for the best results. Check your manual and, if needed, preheat before adding the zucchini to ensure even cooking!
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Don’t overcrowd the basket – Arrange the zucchini in a single layer with a little space between each piece. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and less crispy results. If making a large batch, cook in multiple rounds.
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Use freshly grated Parmesan – Pre-grated Parmesan often contains anti-caking agents, which can affect melting and crispiness. Freshly grated Parmesan will give you the best golden, cheesy crust.
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Shake halfway for even browning – Flipping the zucchini halfway through cooking will ensure an even golden crust on both sides.
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Serve immediately – Like most crispy air fryer recipes, these zucchini bites are best enjoyed fresh out of the air fryer while they’re at peak crunchiness!
Serving Suggestions
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As a Side Dish – Serve these crispy parmesan crusted zucchini alongside grilled chicken, steak, or fish for a simple and delicious meal. They pair especially well with dishes like air fryer salmon or lemon herb chicken.
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With Dipping Sauces – These zucchini bites are even better with a dip! Try them with:
- Marinara sauce for a pizza-inspired bite
- Ranch dressing for a creamy contrast
- Garlic aioli for extra richness
- Spicy sriracha mayo for a kick
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Toss into a Salad – Chop them up and toss into a Caesar salad or Mediterranean bowl for an extra crunch and burst of flavor.
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Snack or Appetizer – These are a great alternative to fries! Serve them up for game day, parties, or as a healthy afternoon snack.
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Pair with Pasta – Serve alongside spaghetti, lasagna, or fettuccine alfredo for a fun Italian-inspired dinner.
Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Zucchini
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchini
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp fresh grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp flour
- ½ tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Slice the zucchini into ½ - ¾ inch disks, then cut in half, and (discard the ends).
- Place the cut zucchini into a medium mixing bowl, then drizzle with the olive oil, and toss to coat.
- In a separate bowl, stir together the panko, Parmesan, flour, and garlic powder. Sprinkle over the zucchini, then toss to coat.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Arrange the zucchini in an even layer into the air fryer basket. Air fry for 10 minutes, shaking at the halfway point.
- Enjoy!
If you’ve tried this recipe, I’d really appreciate it if you could take a minute to leave a quick review in the comments section below. It helps me to create more recipes that you’ll love. You can also tag me in your creations on Instagram @slimmingviolet!
