Learn how to cook Parmesan Zucchini in the Air Fryer with this simple recipe in under 15 minutes! This air fryer zucchini is cheesy and crispy, even without breading. This delicious side dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or snack. The zucchini is golden brown and crispy on the outside, and tender and juicy on the inside. This recipe is also keto, low-carb, and gluten-free.
This parmesan air fryer zucchini recipe is a delicious way to make the most out of fresh zucchini.
I don't know about you, but I had a HUGE crop of this zucchini season. And it's still producing!
Luckily, I discovered that air frying zucchini is one of the best ways to cook it! It's easy, simple, and so delicious.
This recipe was a huge hit the first time I made it, and we have been enjoying it at least twice a week since the first zucchini was ready. It is super addicting though!
I love that the zucchini air fries up perfectly crispy on the outside while remaining nice and tender on the inside.
If you are looking for more easy air fryer recipes, check out Crispy Air Fryer Squash, Roasted Buttercup Squash, Healthy Buttercup Squash Soup, and Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash.
And for something different, try out my Air Fryer Armadillo Eggs!
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💗 Why you will love this recipe
- Makes a great appetizer or perfect side dish
- This is a low carb and gluten-free recipe
- Perfect side dish or healthy snack, even if you are on the keto diet.
- You only need a handful of ingredients.
- This is a quick recipe with only a few simple steps, and you'll be rewarded with crispy perfection that everyone will love!
🗒️ Ingredient notes and substitutions
You can easily find all of the ingredients for these air fryer zucchini chips at your local grocery store.
- Zucchini. I used fresh zucchini that I grew in my backyard garden. However, you can use any summer squash that you have on hand.
- Olive Oil. I used olive oil, but you can also use avocado oil or spray.
- Parmesan cheese. I used parmesan cheese that was already grated. Fresh parmesan would give you the best flavor.
- Sea salt. I used sea salt, but you could use any type of salt.
- Black pepper. I used finely ground black pepper, but you could also use freshly cracked black pepper.
See the printable recipe card for quantities.
📖 Instructions
Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F.
Start by washing and drying your zucchini. Place the zucchini on a cutting board and cut it into thin slices (about ¼-inch thick).
Next, place the zucchini slices in a single layer in the basket of the air fryer.
Spray, drizzle, or brush oil onto the top of the zucchini rounds.
Then, use a small spoon to sprinkle a small amount of parmesan cheese on each zucchini round. Spread it out to cover the top of each round.
Sprinkle on salt and pepper, and that's it!
Set the timer for 12 minutes. At the halfway mark, flip the sliced zucchini over with tongs, and repeat the steps above: Add oil, parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
Pop them back into the air fryer. Air fry zucchini until the parmesan turns a light golden brown.
Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Enjoy!
🌿 Variations
Zucchini rounds are delicious straight out of the air fryer. But for something different you can try:
- Ranch dressing for dipping
- Sprinkle Everything Bagel seasoning on top for a nice crunch
- Squeeze on fresh lemon juice after it is cooked for a fresh taste
- Add red pepper flakes for a bit of heat
- Add Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder for even more flavor.
🥣 Equipment
- Basting brush
- Kitchen tongs
- Air fryer
I used my Instant Pot Vortex Air Fryer, which I love. It has a large basket so I can easily make enough food quickly for my family, and it lets me know when it is preheated and when it is time to flip the food.
I also have a dual-drawer Ninja Foodi Air Fryer. I like to use it when cooking for fewer people or when I want to cook different foods simultaneously.
Remember that there are many different models of air fryers, and they all cook differently. For example, some are hotter and cook faster than others.
The cooking time may need to be adjusted depending on your air fryer model and the size of your air fryer.
🌡️ Storage
Leftover zucchini can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat, pop it back into the air fryer until hot and crispy.
I do not recommend freezing roasted zucchini; it will get mushy once it defrosts.
💭 Top tips
- Start with fresh zucchini that has been cut into thin, even rounds. If your zucchini rounds are too thick, they will take longer to cook and may not get as crispy as you would like.
- Use small to medium size zucchini for best results.
- Coat the zucchini rounds in a light layer of cooking spray or olive oil. This will help the rounds cook evenly and prevent them from sticking to the air fryer basket.
- Cook the zucchini rounds in batches if necessary, so that they have plenty of space to circulate in the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the rounds in two or three batches.
❓ FAQ
To avoid soggy zucchini, make sure to slice it thinly and cook it over high heat. Air frying is the perfect way to cook quickly using hot air.
Yes, you can overcook zucchini. If you overcook zucchini, it will become mushy. Just cook it until the parmesan starts to turn golden brown.
The skin of zucchini is edible and actually contains a good amount of nutrients, including fiber, vitamin C, and potassium. Large zucchini has tough skin, which makes it unpleasant to eat. However, as long as you are using fresh zucchini that is small to medium in size, you can go ahead and eat the skin.
No, you don't have to remove the seeds from zucchini if the zucchini is small to medium in size. If the zucchini is large, you may prefer to remove the seeds as they can be quite large.
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📋 Recipe
How To Cook Parmesan Zucchini in Air Fryer (No Breading)
Equipment
- Tongs
- Basting brush
- Small spoon
Ingredients
- 1-2 small-medium zucchini
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 tablespoon parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F.
- Wash and dry the zucchini. Place on a cutting board and cut into thin slices (about ¼-inch thick).
- Place the zucchini slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Spray, drizzle, or brush oil onto the top of the zucchini rounds.
- Use a small spoon to sprinkle a small amount of parmesan cheese on each zucchini round. Then, spread it out to cover the top of each round.
- Sprinkle on salt and pepper. Adjust to taste.
- Set the timer for 12 minutes. At the halfway mark, flip the sliced zucchini over with tongs, and repeat the steps above: Add oil, parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Air fry zucchini until the parmesan turns a light golden brown.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
- Enjoy!
Notes
- Start with fresh zucchini that has been cut into thin, even rounds. If your zucchini rounds are too thick, they will take longer to cook and may not get as crispy as you would like.
- Use small to medium size zucchini for best results.
- Coat the zucchini rounds in a light layer of cooking spray or olive oil. This will help the rounds cook evenly and prevent them from sticking to the air fryer basket.
- Cook the zucchini rounds in batches if necessary, so that they have plenty of space to circulate in the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the rounds in two or three batches.
Nutrition
📑 Food safety
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
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