How to Make Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Zucchini Slices

Hey there, fellow foodies! Are you craving something crispy, cheesy, and absolutely delicious without the guilt? Well, you’re in the right place! Today, I’m super excited to share with you my latest kitchen obsession: Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Zucchini Slices. This recipe is not only a game-changer for zucchini lovers but also a perfect addition to your quick family dinners or weeknight dinner ideas. Plus, it’s ready in just 15 minutes—talk about a 30-minute meal!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside—no deep frying required!
• Packed with flavorful Parmesan crust that will leave you wanting more.
• Perfect as a side dish, snack, or even a light lunch.
• Low-carb and keto-friendly—great for those looking for healthier options.
• Quick to prepare—perfect for busy moms or anyone short on time.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these mouthwatering Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Zucchini Slices:

• 1 large zucchini
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.

How to Make the Recipe

Let’s dive into the step-by-step process. Don’t worry, it’s super easy and quick!

1. Prep the Zucchini: Wash the zucchini thoroughly and slice it into rounds about 1/4 inch thick. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture—this helps the crust stick better.
2. Make the Crust Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well until you have a smooth, flavorful paste.
3. Coat the Zucchini: Dip each zucchini slice into the mayonnaise mixture, making sure both sides are evenly coated. Don’t be shy with the coating—it’s where all the flavor is!
4. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This ensures it’s hot and ready to give your zucchini that perfect crisp.
5. Cook the Zucchini: Arrange the zucchini slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden brown and crispy.
6. Let it Cool: Remove the zucchini slices from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute or two before serving. This helps retain that crispy texture.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Here are some tips to make your Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Zucchini Slices even better:

• Don’t Overcrowd: Cook in batches if necessary. Overcrowding the air fryer basket can prevent even cooking and crispiness.
• Extra Crispy: For an extra crispy crust, you can lightly spray the zucchini slices with olive oil before cooking.
• Customize the Crust: Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices to the crust mixture. A pinch of cayenne pepper or some dried oregano can give it a nice twist.

How to Serve

These Parmesan crusted zucchini slices are versatile and can be served in many ways. Here are a few ideas:

• Side Dish: Pair it with your favorite easy pasta recipes or a juicy grilled meat for a well-rounded meal.
• Snack: Enjoy it as a healthy snack on its own or with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
• Appetizer: Serve it at your next gathering as a delicious and elegant appetizer.

Make Ahead and Storage

If you want to prepare ahead or store leftovers:

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the crust mixture and slice the zucchini up to a day in advance. Store them separately in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
• Storage: Cooked zucchini slices can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain crispiness.

And there you have it—a simple, delicious, and healthy recipe that’s perfect for any day of the week. Whether you’re looking for quick weeknight dinners or a tasty snack, this Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Zucchini Slices recipe has got you covered. Don’t forget to check out some of my other favorite recipes like How to Make Blackstone Garlic Parmesan Chicken and How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta for more creamy garlic pasta inspiration. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your creations with me!