Parmesan Zucchini in Air Fryer
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Air Fryer Zucchini—the perfect side. It’s tasty. It’s delicious. It’s 1000% guilt-free. Here’s the side-dish you won’t stop eating!
To me, a meal is not complete without a side dish. Now, I’m not talking potatoes—the ever-famous staple side dish—I’m talking zucchini, and Air Fryer Zucchini at that!
Air Fryer Zucchini Recipe
Zucchini is often underrated and forgotten about, but when prepared right, it’s SO delicious.
To those trying to sneak more vegetables into their diet or who just enjoy a good veggie—this Air Fryer Zucchini recipe is for you!
It’s super addicting, has a less than a 10 minute cook time, and in my opinion…not meant for sharing!
Health Benefits of Air Fried Zucchini
Did you know once upon a time, zucchini was used in old medicine to treat things like colds, aches, and pains? Needless to say, none of that has any science baking.
Zucchini does however have a TON of health benefits!
- Zucchini is nutrient rich!
- High in antioxidants
- Promotes a healthy digestive system
- May help lower/reduce blood sugar levels
- May contribute to a healthy heart and stronger vision
Air Fryer Zucchini Ingredients
- zucchini
- paprika
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- salt
- pepper
- shredded parmesan cheese
*a full list of ingredients and measurements for this recipe can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of the page.
How to Air Fry Zucchini
1. Preheat the air fryer to 375° F.
2. Slice the zucchini. Trim the ends of the zucchini and slice in half lengthwise, then in half again to make spears.
3. Season the zucchini. In a small bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Lightly spritz the zucchini spears with olive oil spray and evenly dust the seasoning mixture over the zucchini. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and place in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
4. Cook the zucchini. Air fry for 6-8 minutes, until the zucchini and parmesan cheese begin to turn golden brown.
PRO-TIP: make sure you leave room in the basket between each piece of zucchini so it cooks just right and gets a good crisp.
If they are too close together, they will steam up and won’t get crispy.
To avoid the parmesan cheese sticking to the basket, line it with air fryer parchment paper.
Can I use this recipe to make Zucchini Air Fryer Chips?
Air Fryer Zucchini Chips are made very similarly and are one of my favorite go-to snack recipes.
They have a great crunch; perfect when you want to snack but don’t want to find yourself at the bottom of a potato chip bag.
BONUS: Air Fryer Zucchini Chips can be ready in under 15 minutes!
PRO-TIP: If you are looking for air fryer zucchini fries, you can make them the same way, just change the way you cut the zucchini!
Zucchini Air Fryer FAQs
This recipe is already pretty healthy! However, you can change the oil to coconut or avocado oil if you desire.
You can also leave the cheese out if you are Whole30 or dairy free.
Yes! Air frying food cuts out 70-80% of the calories and has a lot less fat!
If you are not a huge fan of zucchini…although I think you should give it a try at least once…you can try this same recipe with yellow squash or eggplant!
Yes! If you don’t have an air fryer or would just prefer to make this recipe in the oven you can absolutely do that! Set the oven to 400 F and bake for 12-15 minutes.
The best way to keep zucchini from getting soggy is to remove as much moisture as possible before cooking. To do this, generously salt the flesh side of the zucchini with Kosher salt.
Let it sit for 30-60 minutes to draw out the moisture, then blot the zucchini well with paper towels.
Sliced zucchini should take about 6-8 minutes to cook in the air fryer.
More Recipes to try
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Fried Zucchini Air Fryer Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 zucchini
- olive oil cooking spray
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375° F. Trim the ends of the zucchini and slice in half lengthwise, then in half again to make spears.
- In a small bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Lightly spritz the zucchini spears with olive oil cooking spray and evenly dust the seasoning mixture over the zucchini. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and place in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 6-8 minutes, until the zucchini and parmesan cheese begin to turn golden brown.
Video
Notes
- Grated parmesan cheese can be used, but it won’t melt and get crispy like shredded parmesan cheese.
No matter how I cut them or spread them out, they end up mushy. There’s also no way to get the cheese to stick so it just falls off.
Hi Brenna – try slicing them in half rather than quarters. The cheese will stay on better that way. As far as getting mushy, are you putting them all in there at once? I do mine in batches of two to keep them from getting mushy.
This was a great recipe. I don’t care for zucchini, but this made it to where I love it!
I love to hear this!!
Great recipe. The flavourings are spot on. Turned out great& we will be making this again.
Well, I would not say crispy really. Yes the shred. parm is crispy. I will try again but, cut as rounds for the sake of the cheese sticking. Yummy flavors though. But, still not expecting the squash to be crispy.
You are correct, it’s not crispy like if you were to deep fry it, but it does get a nice crisp from the cheese and along the edges. Instead of cutting into fourths, you can also just slice in half and the cheese will stay on nicely.
Nice try, but no go. Seasoning not right for zucchini and the temp was too low for crisp, so they were mushy all around.
In the comment re making them healthier I notice you suggest changing the type of oil. I would suggest that the Parmesan is the most unhealthy ingredient, ot the oil.
In the line below that, it also says you can leave the cheese out.
This is a great recipe. This is the second time I’m making it. Im obsessed with my air fryer. I have the insta pot Vortex Plus. Thank you. Cassandra