Active Time:10 minsTotal Time:30 minsServings:4Jump to Nutrition Facts
Active Time:10 minsTotal Time:30 minsServings:4
Active Time:10 mins
Active Time:
10 mins
Total Time:30 mins
Total Time:
30 mins
Servings:4
Servings:
4
Jump to Nutrition Facts
Jump to recipe
Craving something crispyandfresh? Then try this recipe forAir-Fryer Zucchini. Just like our otherzucchini recipes, this one is anything but boring, thanks to the big flavor from Parmesan cheese, herbs and spices that crisp up beautifully in the air fryer. Zucchini is a low-calorie food that also provides fiber. With that in mind, it’s time to start enjoying more zucchini! Here’s all you need to know to create this delightful dish at home!
How to Make Air-Fryer Zucchini
1. Prep the Air Fryer
Get to know yourair fryerbefore you get started. Every model is different, and reading the manufacturer’s instructions before using it ensures success. For this recipe, you’ll need to preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes, but you can adjust the time accordingly. Preheating gets the air moving and heats up the basket, which can help prevent food from sticking.
2. Mix Up the Coating First
You’ll need to combine the coating in a medium mixing bowl before you add the zucchini. This ensures that the flavors are evenly distributed.
3. Work in Batches
Unless you have a very large air fryer, you’ll likely need to cook the zucchini in batches. Err on the side of adding less, rather than more, to your basket so that the zucchini has adequate space for the air to circulate around it. This ensures crispy, not steamed zucchini.
Variations to Try
Tips from the EatingWell Test Kitchen
These are the key tips we learned while developing and testing this recipe in our Test Kitchen to make sure it works, tastes great and is good for you too!
Nutrition Notes
Ana Cadena
Cook Mode(Keep screen awake)Ingredients2tablespoonsgrated Parmesan cheese1tablespoonextra-virgin olive oil½teaspoondried oregano½teaspoonsalt¼teaspoongarlic powder¼teaspoononion powder¼teaspoonground pepper⅛teaspooncrushed red pepper1large(8 ounce)zucchini, sliced 1/4-inch thick2teaspoonslemon juice
Cook Mode(Keep screen awake)
Ingredients
2tablespoonsgrated Parmesan cheese
1tablespoonextra-virgin olive oil
½teaspoondried oregano
½teaspoonsalt
¼teaspoongarlic powder
¼teaspoononion powder
¼teaspoonground pepper
⅛teaspooncrushed red pepper
1large(8 ounce)zucchini, sliced 1/4-inch thick
2teaspoonslemon juice
DirectionsPreheat air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes. Combine Parmesan, oil, oregano, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper and crushed red pepper in a medium bowl. Add zucchini and toss to coat.Ana CadenaWorking in batches if necessary, arrange the zucchini slices in a single layer in the fryer basket. Cook, flipping once, until golden brown, 10 to 12 minutes. Sprinkle with lemon juice and serve with lemon wedges.Jacob FoxEquipmentAir fryerFrequently Asked QuestionsIf you’re a strict vegetarian, look forParmesan cheesethat has been made with a vegetable-based rennet. Traditionally, Parmesan cheese uses an animal rennet, but plenty of companies are now using the vegetable version. Look for Parmesan cheese labeled vegetarian.Unlike deep-frying or shallow-pan frying, the air fryer requires less oil to cook food, which helps keep calories in check. Plus, using just a small amount of oil (depending on the type) can help limit the overall saturated fat content. Since wet batters don’t work in an air fryer, we paired our spice mix with just enough Parmesan cheese to create a savory, flavorful coating that will still crisp up nicely.Absolutely. The Parmesan adds a bit of salty umami to this dish, but you can definitely omit it. Otherwise, consider replacing it with a vegan variety. While we haven’t tried it, nutritional yeast could be a good substitute. Start small, though; about 1 to 2 teaspoons for the whole recipe should do the trick.EatingWell.com, June 2022
Directions
Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes. Combine Parmesan, oil, oregano, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper and crushed red pepper in a medium bowl. Add zucchini and toss to coat.Ana CadenaWorking in batches if necessary, arrange the zucchini slices in a single layer in the fryer basket. Cook, flipping once, until golden brown, 10 to 12 minutes. Sprinkle with lemon juice and serve with lemon wedges.Jacob FoxEquipmentAir fryerFrequently Asked QuestionsIf you’re a strict vegetarian, look forParmesan cheesethat has been made with a vegetable-based rennet. Traditionally, Parmesan cheese uses an animal rennet, but plenty of companies are now using the vegetable version. Look for Parmesan cheese labeled vegetarian.Unlike deep-frying or shallow-pan frying, the air fryer requires less oil to cook food, which helps keep calories in check. Plus, using just a small amount of oil (depending on the type) can help limit the overall saturated fat content. Since wet batters don’t work in an air fryer, we paired our spice mix with just enough Parmesan cheese to create a savory, flavorful coating that will still crisp up nicely.Absolutely. The Parmesan adds a bit of salty umami to this dish, but you can definitely omit it. Otherwise, consider replacing it with a vegan variety. While we haven’t tried it, nutritional yeast could be a good substitute. Start small, though; about 1 to 2 teaspoons for the whole recipe should do the trick.
Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes. Combine Parmesan, oil, oregano, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper and crushed red pepper in a medium bowl. Add zucchini and toss to coat.
Working in batches if necessary, arrange the zucchini slices in a single layer in the fryer basket. Cook, flipping once, until golden brown, 10 to 12 minutes. Sprinkle with lemon juice and serve with lemon wedges.
Jacob Fox
EquipmentAir fryer
Equipment
Air fryer
Frequently Asked QuestionsIf you’re a strict vegetarian, look forParmesan cheesethat has been made with a vegetable-based rennet. Traditionally, Parmesan cheese uses an animal rennet, but plenty of companies are now using the vegetable version. Look for Parmesan cheese labeled vegetarian.Unlike deep-frying or shallow-pan frying, the air fryer requires less oil to cook food, which helps keep calories in check. Plus, using just a small amount of oil (depending on the type) can help limit the overall saturated fat content. Since wet batters don’t work in an air fryer, we paired our spice mix with just enough Parmesan cheese to create a savory, flavorful coating that will still crisp up nicely.Absolutely. The Parmesan adds a bit of salty umami to this dish, but you can definitely omit it. Otherwise, consider replacing it with a vegan variety. While we haven’t tried it, nutritional yeast could be a good substitute. Start small, though; about 1 to 2 teaspoons for the whole recipe should do the trick.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re a strict vegetarian, look forParmesan cheesethat has been made with a vegetable-based rennet. Traditionally, Parmesan cheese uses an animal rennet, but plenty of companies are now using the vegetable version. Look for Parmesan cheese labeled vegetarian.
Unlike deep-frying or shallow-pan frying, the air fryer requires less oil to cook food, which helps keep calories in check. Plus, using just a small amount of oil (depending on the type) can help limit the overall saturated fat content. Since wet batters don’t work in an air fryer, we paired our spice mix with just enough Parmesan cheese to create a savory, flavorful coating that will still crisp up nicely.
Absolutely. The Parmesan adds a bit of salty umami to this dish, but you can definitely omit it. Otherwise, consider replacing it with a vegan variety. While we haven’t tried it, nutritional yeast could be a good substitute. Start small, though; about 1 to 2 teaspoons for the whole recipe should do the trick.
EatingWell.com, June 2022
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Nutrition Facts(per serving)64Calories5gFat5gCarbs2gProtein
Nutrition Facts(per serving)
- Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.
Sara Haas, RDN, LDN
