If you love zucchini but want a quick, healthy, and indulgent snack, this Air Fryer Zucchini with Parmesan recipe is exactly what you need. These tender zucchini slices are coated in a crispy, golden Parmesan crust, seasoned with garlic and Italian herbs, and cooked to perfection in minutes. Whether you’re serving them as a side dish, a snack, or a party appetizer, they’re crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside, and absolutely irresistible.

Air Fryer Zucchini with Parmesan

Print Recipe

Calories: 150

Nutrition

Calories: 150kcal

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: Ready in just 15–20 minutes with minimal prep.
Healthy Cooking Method: The air fryer uses little to no oil, keeping these zucchini slices light and crispy.
Flavor-Packed: Parmesan, garlic, and Italian herbs create a savory, cheesy crust.
Versatile: Serve as a side for dinner, a snack, or even as a dipper for your favorite sauces.
Kid-Friendly: Crispy, cheesy, and perfectly seasoned—kids love them.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Zucchini

2 medium zucchinis (about 1 lb total), sliced into ¼-inch rounds
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or oregano)
¼ teaspoon salt
⅛ teaspoon black pepper
Cooking spray or olive oil spray (for air fryer basket)

Optional Garnishes

Extra grated Parmesan
Fresh parsley or basil
Marinara or ranch dipping sauce

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Coating

In a shallow bowl, combine the Parmesan cheese, flour, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure an even coating.
Place the beaten egg in another shallow bowl. This will help the coating adhere to the zucchini slices.

Step 2: Coat the Zucchini

Take each zucchini slice and dip it into the beaten egg, making sure it’s fully coated.
Roll the egg-coated zucchini in the Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to ensure it sticks.
Place the coated slices on a plate until you’re ready to air fry.

Step 3: Air Fry the Zucchini

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Arrange the zucchini slices in a single layer—avoid overcrowding. Overlapping will make them less crispy.
Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray or drizzle with a little olive oil for extra crispiness.
Cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the zucchini is tender and the Parmesan coating is golden and crispy.

Step 4: Serve

Remove the zucchini from the air fryer and let them rest for a minute.
Garnish with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs like parsley.
Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce—marinara, ranch, or aioli are excellent choices.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Zucchini

Uniform Slices: Slice zucchinis evenly for consistent cooking.
Avoid Overcrowding: Cook in batches if needed to ensure crispiness.
Use Fresh Parmesan: Pre-grated works, but freshly grated yields the best flavor and texture.
Optional Seasoning Variations: Add paprika, cayenne, or lemon zest to the coating for a unique twist.
Check Doneness Early: Air fryers vary, so check at 8 minutes to avoid overcooking.

Variations to Try

Garlic-Parmesan Zucchini Fries: Cut zucchini into sticks instead of rounds for fry-style bites.
Herbed Zucchini: Mix in dried thyme, rosemary, or basil for an herb-forward flavor.
Spicy Zucchini: Add ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper or chili powder to the coating.
Vegan Option: Use a plant-based egg replacer and vegan Parmesan.
Panko-Crusted Zucchini: Add ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs to the Parmesan mixture for extra crunch.

Serving Suggestions

Serve as a side dish with grilled chicken, steak, or fish.
Pair with dipping sauces for a party appetizer.
Include in a snack platter with carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers.
Top with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon for a refreshing flavor boost.

Health Benefits of Zucchini

Low in calories, high in water content—great for hydration and weight management.
Rich in vitamins A and C, antioxidants that support immunity.
Contains dietary fiber, which promotes digestive health.
Pairing zucchini with Parmesan provides protein and calcium, making it a nutrient-packed snack.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I bake these instead of using an air fryer?
Yes! Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and bake for 12–15 minutes on a parchment-lined sheet, flipping halfway.

Q2: Can I freeze zucchini slices?
Freeze raw, sliced zucchini for later. Air-fried slices are best served fresh to maintain crispiness.

Q3: Can I use zucchini noodles instead?
Not recommended for this recipe—the round slices provide structure for the Parmesan coating.

Q4: Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free flour or almond flour as a substitute for all-purpose flour.

Q5: How can I make them extra crispy?
Spray lightly with oil, don’t overcrowd the basket, and cook in a single layer.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Zucchini with Parmesan is the perfect blend of crispy, cheesy, and savory—ready in just minutes! It’s a healthy, flavorful, and versatile snack or side dish that can be enjoyed by kids and adults alike. With minimal ingredients, simple steps, and endless customization options, this recipe is a must-try for zucchini lovers everywhere.