Golden Air Fryer Zucchini – Let me tell you, this Golden Air Fryer Zucchini is going to be your new favorite snack. Imagine perfectly crispy zucchini slices coated in seasoned breadcrumbs and Parmesan, but without all the grease from frying. And the best part? You can whip these up in about 20 minutes. Seriously, they’re so good you might find yourself making them on repeat. Who knew zucchini could be this addictive?
The first time I tried air frying zucchini, I wasn’t expecting much—just needed a quick snack that wasn’t straight-up junk food. I had a zucchini sitting in the fridge, and an air fryer that was collecting dust, so I thought, “Why not?” I threw some breadcrumbs and Parmesan together, dipped the zucchini, and hoped for the best. When they came out all golden and crispy, I couldn’t believe how good they were. My husband even asked if I’d made more after polishing off his plate, and our picky kid was sneaking extra pieces. It’s one of those simple wins that turned into a snack-time staple in our house. Funny how the easiest recipes sometimes become your favorites, right?
What makes this Golden Air Fryer Zucchini truly special?
You’ll love this recipe because it’s healthy without feeling like it’s trying too hard to be. The zucchini stays tender inside, but the coating gets super crispy, thanks to the magic of the air fryer. And with a mix of Parmesan, garlic, and Italian seasoning, every bite packs a ton of flavor. It’s quick, too—perfect for those moments when you want something crunchy but don’t want to dive into a bag of chips. Whether you’re snacking, serving it as a side, or even making it as an appetizer, these zucchini slices will disappear fast. How often can you say that about veggies?
What You Need To Make This Golden Air Fryer Zucchini Recipe?
Panko Breadcrumbs: These are key to getting that crispy, crunchy coating. They’re lighter and airier than regular breadcrumbs, so they crisp up beautifully in the air fryer. If you want that perfect crunch, Panko is the way to go.
Cornmeal: You might not think to add cornmeal, but trust me—it makes a big difference. It adds an extra bit of texture to the coating and helps everything crisp up even more. You’ll notice that satisfying crunch with every bite.
Parmesan Cheese: Finely grated Parmesan is what gives these zucchini slices that salty, savory flavor. It melts into the breadcrumbs and forms this delicious, cheesy crust. Plus, Parmesan and veggies? Always a winning combo.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme that gives the zucchini a nice, subtle flavor boost. It’s a quick way to add some depth without having to chop fresh herbs.
Garlic Powder: Just a little sprinkle of garlic powder takes the flavor up a notch. It gives the zucchini that savory, slightly garlicky kick we all love—because who doesn’t love garlic?
Zucchini: The star of the show. Make sure to slice it evenly so everything cooks at the same time. You want your zucchini thick enough to have a bit of bite, but not so thick that it doesn’t get crispy.
Egg: The egg is what helps everything stick. Dip the zucchini in the beaten egg first so the breadcrumbs have something to cling to. It’s like glue, but tastier.
Steps To Make Golden Air Fryer Zucchini:
Alright, let’s start! First things first—preheat your air fryer to 375°F. You want it hot and ready to go by the time your zucchini is coated.
Now, in a small bowl, mix together the Panko breadcrumbs, cornmeal, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt. Give it a good stir so everything is nicely combined. This is going to be the crispy magic that coats your zucchini.
Next, grab your zucchini slices and dip them into the beaten egg. Let any excess drip off—no need for a soggy mess. Once they’re coated with egg, press each slice into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure to coat both sides evenly. Don’t be afraid to give them a little press so the coating sticks.
Now, arrange the zucchini in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Try not to overcrowd them—you want the air to circulate and get them nice and crispy. Pop them in and let them cook for about 8 minutes.
After 8 minutes, flip the slices over (carefully!) and let them cook for another 6-8 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and super crispy. Every air fryer is a little different, so just keep an eye on them.
Repeat the process with any remaining zucchini slices. Serve them up while they’re hot and crispy, and get ready to enjoy! You can dip them in some marinara sauce, ranch, or just eat them as is.
Tip:
If you really want your Golden Air Fryer Zucchini to come out extra crispy, here’s a little trick: after you coat the zucchini slices in the breadcrumb mixture, let them sit for about 5-10 minutes before putting them in the air fryer. This helps the coating set a bit, so it sticks better and crisps up more evenly. Also, make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket—air needs to circulate around each slice to get that perfect golden-brown crisp. If you have to cook them in batches, it’s totally worth the patience. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a little smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mix for an extra kick of flavor!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the zucchini slices ahead by coating them in the breadcrumbs and letting them chill in the fridge for a few hours before cooking. Just pop them into the air fryer when you’re ready, and they’ll crisp up beautifully.
Can I use a different cheese instead of Parmesan?
Absolutely! You could use finely grated cheddar, Asiago, or even Pecorino Romano if you want to switch up the flavor. Just make sure it’s a hard cheese that can hold up in the air fryer.
Do I need to flip the zucchini halfway through cooking?
Yes! Flipping them halfway ensures that both sides get nice and crispy. You want an even golden brown on both sides, so don’t skip this step!
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Golden Air Fryer Zucchini
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 c Panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp cornmeal
- 1/3 c finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 medium zucchini sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 1 egg beaten
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F so it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to cook.
- In a small bowl, stir together the Panko breadcrumbs, cornmeal, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt.
- Take your zucchini slices and dip them in the beaten egg, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, press them gently into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure they’re evenly coated.
- Set the coated zucchini pieces in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Be careful not to overcrowd them—you want the air to circulate freely.
- Cook for 8 minutes, then flip the slices and cook for another 6-8 minutes, or until they’re golden and crispy.
- Repeat with the remaining zucchini slices until they’re all cooked. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
