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Air Fryer Zucchini (with Parmesan Cheese)


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This simple air fryer zucchini is crispy on the surface, tender inside, and coated in olive oil, Parmesan, and paprika for a burst of taste. A fast, wholesome aspect dish that cooks in simply 12 minutes and goes with virtually something.

Air Fryer Zucchini (with Parmesan Cheese)

Zucchini In Air Fryer (No Breading Wanted)

I first made this after I wished a easy veggie aspect to go together with dinner that wasn’t boring or soggy. Zucchini could be difficult as a result of it goes from agency to mushy quick, however the air fryer fixes that completely. You don’t want any breading, and the recent air makes the sides golden and crisp whereas retaining the within smooth and juicy.

It takes lower than 20 minutes from begin to end, and the result’s gentle, flavorful zucchini that’s slightly addictive. It’s a kind of simple, no-fuss sides that go together with every little thing, rooster resembling Juicy Grilled Hen Thighs and Garlic Butter Hen Tenders, fish resembling Honey Garlic Salmon and Moist Oven Baked Cod, or perhaps a bowl of rice. I make it a minimum of as soon as every week as a result of it’s quick, wholesome, and all the time seems excellent.

For easier zucchini recipes, take a look at my Parmesan Zucchini Chips, Parmesan Zucchini Fries, and Straightforward Zucchini Fritters subsequent!


Add This Straightforward Veggie Aspect To Your Rotation

Air fryer zucchini with Parmesan, no breading, topped with paprika.Air fryer zucchini with Parmesan, no breading, topped with paprika.

Right here’s why this simple zucchini aspect dish recipe deserves a spot in your weeknight desk:

  • Crispy outdoors, tender inside. The air fryer makes zucchini golden and barely caramelized whereas retaining it smooth and juicy inside.
  • Fast and fuss-free. With simply 12 minutes within the air fryer, it’s excellent for busy weeknights while you need one thing wholesome and flavorful with out further work.
  • No breading wanted. All the flavour comes from olive oil, Parmesan, and a contact of paprika, so that you get a light-weight, scrumptious veggie aspect with none further energy or mess.

Substances You’ll Want

Ingredients for air fryer zucchini.Ingredients for air fryer zucchini.
  • Zucchini
  • Paprika
  • Grated Parmesan cheese

Take a look at the total ingredient particulars within the recipe card on the backside of the put up.

Professional Tip #1: Don’t Skip The Olive Oil
Only a drizzle helps the zucchini crisp up, retains it juicy, and makes the Parmesan stick. Little effort, huge payoff.

Professional Tip #2: Parmesan Provides Taste And Crunch
Parmesan provides that golden, barely crispy end and a nutty, savory enhance that makes the zucchini really feel further particular. You may also swap in Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or perhaps a sharp cheddar in case you like. Every will give a barely totally different taste and texture however nonetheless be tasty and fuss-free.

Professional Tip #3: Easy Seasoning Wins
Salt, pepper, and a contact of paprika spotlight the zucchini’s pure taste and add slightly heat with out overcomplicating issues. You may also attempt garlic powder, onion powder, or Italian herbs for a unique twist whereas retaining the zucchini because the star.

Procuring Information: Selecting The Finest Zucchini
Search for agency, medium-sized zucchini with easy, shiny pores and skin and no smooth spots or blemishes. Smaller to medium ones are sweeter and fewer watery, which makes them excellent for air frying. Select ones that really feel heavy for his or her measurement. They’ll be tender and flavorful when cooked.


How To Make Air Fryer Zucchini

Half-moon zucchini slices on a chopping board.Half-moon zucchini slices on a chopping board.

First, trim off the highest and backside of your zucchini. Slice it into 1–1.5 cm (½ inch) thick items, then minimize every bit in half so that they prepare dinner evenly.

Elective step: Pat dry with paper towels if the sliced zucchinis are watery.

Professional Tip: Holding the zucchini round 1–1.5 cm (½ inch) thick helps them prepare dinner evenly. If the items are thicker, they’ll take longer to prepare dinner, and in the event that they’re too skinny, they may get too smooth.

Zucchini slices, Parmesan cheese and paprika in a bowl.Zucchini slices, Parmesan cheese and paprika in a bowl.

Toss the zucchini in a bowl with olive oil, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and paprika. Make certain each piece is properly coated so they arrive out flavorful.

Professional Tip: Don’t let the zucchini sit too lengthy after tossing with salt and oil. The salt attracts out water, which might make it much less crisp when air frying.

Seasoned zucchini slices in an air fryer basket.Seasoned zucchini slices in an air fryer basket.

Organize the zucchini in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Air fry at 200°C (400°F) for six minutes.

Golden brown zucchini slices in an air fryer basket.Golden brown zucchini slices in an air fryer basket.

Flip the zucchini over and air fry for one more 6 minutes. This helps them get golden and flippantly crisp on all sides whereas staying tender inside.

Golden, crispy air fryer zucchini topped with paprika, served in a tray.Golden, crispy air fryer zucchini topped with paprika, served in a tray.

Switch the zucchini to a plate, sprinkle slightly further paprika in case you like, and serve immediately.


Continuously Requested Questions

Can I exploit frozen zucchini within the air fryer?

I don’t advocate it. Frozen zucchini holds further water and might flip soggy as an alternative of crispy. Recent zucchini provides one of the best golden, tender outcomes.

Can I double the recipe?

You’ll be able to, however be certain to not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook dinner in batches so the zucchini will get crispy as an alternative of steaming.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Sure! Simply skip the Parmesan or use a plant-based different. The zucchini will nonetheless be golden, tender, and filled with taste with olive oil and seasonings.

Can I make this recipe within the oven as an alternative of an air fryer?

Sure. Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F), prepare the zucchini in a single layer on a baking sheet, and roast for about 12–quarter-hour, flipping midway. You’ll nonetheless get a golden, tender outcome.

How do I retailer the leftovers?

Cool utterly, then retailer in an hermetic container within the fridge for as much as 2 days. Reheat within the air fryer or oven for a couple of minutes to regain some crispness. Keep away from microwaving if you wish to preserve it barely crisp.

What number of energy per serving?

This recipe is 146 energy per serving.

Crispy and tender air fryer zucchini with Parmesan cheese.Crispy and tender air fryer zucchini with Parmesan cheese.

What To Serve With This Recipe

For a straightforward and healthful weeknight dinner, I like to recommend the next recipes:

I hope you get pleasure from this put up as a lot as I do. Should you attempt my recipe, please depart a remark and think about giving it a 5-star ranking. For easier and scrumptious recipes, discover my Recipe Index, and keep up to date by subscribing to my e-newsletter and following me on FbPinterest, and Instagram for brand spanking new updates.


Different Air Fryer Recipes You Would possibly Like

Freshly baked cod fillet with seasonings crust on a plate, garnished with lemon slices and herbs.Freshly baked cod fillet with seasonings crust on a plate, garnished with lemon slices and herbs.

Forestall your display from going darkish

  • Trim off the highest and backside of the zucchini, then slice into 1–1.5 cm (½ inch) thick items and halve every bit.Elective step: Pat dry with paper towels if the sliced zucchinis are watery.
  • In a bowl, combine all of the elements collectively till the zucchini is properly coated.

  • Place the zucchini within the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry at 200°C (400°F) for six minutes.

  • Flip the zucchini and proceed air frying at 200°C (400°F) for one more 6 minutes.

  • Switch the zucchini to a plate and sprinkle with paprika, if desired. Serve instantly and revel in!

Serving: 2folks, Energy: 146kcal, Carbohydrates: 5g, Protein: 4g, Fats: 13g, Saturated Fats: 3g, Polyunsaturated Fats: 1g, Monounsaturated Fats: 8g, Ldl cholesterol: 7mg, Sodium: 721mg, Potassium: 295mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 2g, Vitamin A: 392IU, Vitamin C: 18mg, Calcium: 90mg, Iron: 1mg

Vitamin info is robotically calculated, so ought to solely be used as an approximation.



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