Air Fryer Zucchini Parmesan is a quick and easy way to turn fresh zucchini into a crispy, cheesy side dish or light meal. Slices of zucchini are coated in seasoned breadcrumbs, air fried until golden, then topped with marinara and melted parmesan. It’s ready in under 20 minutes and makes a great low-effort option for busy weeknights.
If you love air fryer recipes, don’t miss these Air Fryer Corn Dogs for a fun and crispy snack or the Air Fryer Chicken Bites for juicy bites everyone will enjoy!
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Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Parmesan
What I love about this Air Fryer Zucchini Parmesan is how little effort it takes to make something that tastes like you worked way harder. The zucchini gets crispy on the outside, stays tender inside, and that combo of Parmesan and marinara? Total comfort food vibes. It’s a great go-to when you want something warm, cheesy, and just a little bit fancy — without the fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Zucchini Parmesan
It’s practically foolproof. No fancy steps or ingredients. If my non-cook family members can make it, so can you.
It’s super quick. We’re talking 15–20 minutes start to finish.
It’s healthier than traditional versions. No deep frying here, just a little olive oil and air fryer magic.
It’s crispy as heck. Like, that perfect crunch on the outside while staying tender inside.
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Ingredients You’ll Need for Air Fryer Zucchini Parmesan
No need to overthink this. Everything here is simple, pantry-friendly, and customizable.
- Zucchini – Go for one medium-sized, fresh zucchini. No peeling necessary.
- Olive oil – Just a drizzle helps everything crisp up beautifully.
- Italian seasoning – Use a store blend or your own homemade mix. Either works!
- Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated gives the best flavor, but pre-shredded is totally fine.
- Salt and pepper – Add to taste. I always go with freshly ground if I can.
- Breadcrumbs – I love Italian-style for extra flavor, but plain or Panko also work.
Equipment You’ll Need
– Air fryer
– Cutting board and knife
– Mixing bowl
– Tongs or spatula
– Paper towels (for drying zucchini)
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How to Make Air Fryer Zucchini Parmesan
I grab a medium zucchini and slice it into ½-inch thick rounds. No peeling required — the skin adds great texture and saves you a step.
In a bowl, I toss the slices with a drizzle of olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and a generous handful of Parmesan. Make sure everything’s well-coated so every bite is flavorful.
I lay the slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket — no stacking, give them some breathing room! Cook at 375°F for 5 minutes.
After 5 minutes, I give the basket a little shake (or use tongs to flip). Cook another 3 to 5 minutes, until they’re crispy and golden.
If your zucchini looks crispy and tender serve immediately, maybe with a little marinara for dipping.
Tips For The Best Air Fryer Zucchini Parmesan
- Give your zucchini space: Don’t overcrowd the basket. You want that hot air to really move around so each slice crisps up perfectly.
- Pat it dry: Zucchini holds a ton of water. Blot those slices with a paper towel before seasoning — it’s key to getting that golden crunch.
- Season it well: Taste as you go. Add extra Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or red pepper flakes if you’re feeling bold.
How Do You Keep Zucchini From Getting Soggy When Frying?
Crispy zucchini is totally doable, I promise. The key is to pat the slices dry really well with a paper towel to get rid of excess moisture. Also, don’t crowd the pan or basket each piece needs space to crisp up. Make sure you’re cooking at a high temperature, and keep in mind every appliance runs a little different, so you might need to tweak the time or temp. A little olive oil spray helps a lot too. And honestly, fried zucchini is always best right out of the fryer .The longer it sits, the softer it gets.
What to Serve With Air Fryer Zucchini Parmesan
This dish is super versatile. I love it as a quick snack with a side of marinara for dipping, or I’ll serve it as a side with grilled chicken or pasta. It also works beautifully as a light lunch with a simple salad. Honestly? Sometimes I just eat it straight off the plate while standing over the kitchen counter — it’s that good.
Storing and Freezing Air Fryer Zucchini Parmesan
Zucchini is best fresh, no doubt. But if you’ve got leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Freezing isn’t ideal since the texture can get a little soggy after reheating, but if you must, freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat directly from frozen for best results.
How to Reheat Air Fryer Zucchini Parmesan
To bring back that crispy magic, I pop the slices back into the air fryer at 375°F for 3 to 4 minutes. You could use the oven too (around 400°F for 8 to 10 minutes). Avoid the microwave — it turns the coating soft and kinda sad.
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
This recipe is super flexible. Feel free to make it your own:
- Add some spice. Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne if you like a little heat.
- Switch up the cheese. Try mozzarella, Pecorino, or even a little sharp cheddar.
- Go fresh with herbs. Basil, rosemary, or thyme add so much flavor.
- Try it gluten-free. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and you’re good to go.
- No Parmesan? Nutritional yeast makes a great dairy-free alternative if you’re vegan.
More Delicious Air Fryer Recipes
- Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
- Air Fryer Frozen Sweet Potato Fries
- Smashed Potatoes Air Fryer Style
- Frozen Broccoli in Air Fryer
- Perfect Air Fryer Red Potatoes
- Air Fryer Butternut Squash
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FAQs About Air Fryer Zucchini Parmesan
Why is my zucchini soggy?
Too much moisture is usually the issue. Make sure you pat the slices dry and don’t overcrowd the basket. Also, crank up the heat and serve immediately after cooking.
Can I make this Air Fryer Zucchini Parmesan ahead of time?
It’s definitely best fresh, but you can make it a few hours ahead and reheat in the air fryer before serving.
Can I bake it instead of air frying?
Totally! Bake at 425°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway. Just know the crispiness won’t be quite the same.
What kind of breadcrumbs work best?
I personally love Italian-style for the flavor boost, but plain or Panko are great too. Just make sure everything’s coated well.
Can I use frozen zucchini?
Fresh works best for texture, but if you’re using frozen, thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before air frying.
Can I skip the breadcrumbs?
Sure! You’ll still get a nice crust from the Parmesan and seasoning, especially if you add a little almond flour or crushed pork rinds as a low-carb option.
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Print
Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Parmesan Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crispy, golden zucchini slices seasoned to perfection and cooked effortlessly in the air fryer. A quick and healthy snack or side dish.
Ingredients
- 1 medium-sized zucchini, unpeeled and sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, freshly grated or shredded
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prep the Zucchini: Wash and dry the zucchini. Slice it into ½-inch thick rounds, leaving the peel on for extra texture and flavor.
- Season the Zucchini: Place the zucchini slices in a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with Italian seasoning, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Toss until all slices are evenly coated.
- Preheat and Arrange: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the zucchini slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid stacking to ensure even cooking.
- Cook the Zucchini: Cook the zucchini for 5 minutes. Remove the basket, gently shake to flip the slices, and cook for an additional 3–5 minutes until crispy and golden.
- Serve: Once the zucchini is crispy and tender, remove it from the air fryer. Serve immediately as a snack or side dish, and pair with your favorite dipping sauce if desired.
Notes
- Don’t Overcrowd: Ensure zucchini slices are in a single layer for even crisping. Cook in batches if needed.
- Check for Doneness: Zucchini should be tender inside and crispy around the edges when done. Adjust cook time if necessary based on your air fryer model.
- Customize Seasonings: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat or garlic powder for extra flavor.
- Dipping Sauce Ideas: Serve with marinara, ranch, or a garlic aioli for added flavor.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2–3 minutes to restore crispiness.
Nutrition
- Calories: 90 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
