Name: Easy Air Fryer Zucchini
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 18 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 medium zucchini (about 4 cups when sliced); 3 tablespoons gluten free panko bread crumbs; 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese; 3/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon cumin; 1 tablespoon olive oil

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This air fryer zucchini recipe is such a great way to eat your veggies. It’s lightly breaded, full of flavor, and the zucchini cooks in under 10 minutes. This healthy side dish is gluten free and can easily be made vegan so just about everyone can enjoy it!

air fryer zucchini with a gluten free bread crumb in a pink bowl.

If you’re anything like me, soggy zucchini is a no go. I don’t like how it just get’s limp and watery, and just no, not for me. However, zucchini is packed with so many nutrients that I decided there’s got to be a healthy way I would want to eat it instead of in zucchini bread.

Enter in this crispy, delicious air fryer zucchini; I could easily eat the whole bowl of this crunchy, gluten free goodness. Each piece is lightly breaded in a parmesan, panko mixture that is packed with delicious flavor and then air fried to golden brown perfection in less than 10 minutes. It’s a quick, healthy, easy side dish or savory snack that the whole family is sure to enjoy. Pair with some juicy turkey burgers and caprese salad for a delicious, balanced meal.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE

Quick and easy
Healthy, delicious snack or side dish
Lightly breaded and cooked to crispy perfection
Super flavorful
Easy way to get the whole family to eat their veggies

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

ingredients for healthy air fryer zucchini on a white backdrop with black text.

Zucchini: I used medium zucchini, but you could also use a larger one as long as they’re not too thick around
Panko breadcrumbs: I like Ian’s Gluten Free Panko, but if you don’t need them to be gluten free you can use regular
Parmesan cheese: Only grated parmesan will work
Olive oil: You only need a little to make it crispy, too much and the zucchini will soak it up like a sponge
Spices: I used salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cumin

HOW TO MAKE ZUCCHINI IN THE AIR FRYER

On a cutting board, slice zucchini in half, then into 1/4 inch thick slices. Also, preheat your air fryer to 380 degrees F
To a large bowl add your zucchini slices with the gluten free panko, parmesan cheese, spices, and olive oil. Use a rubber spatula to mix everything around and get all the slices coated in the panko mixture
Working in two batches, add half the veggies in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Cook in preheated air fryer for 8-10 minutes, shaking halfway through
Use a flat rubber spatula to remove the first batch and place them on a baking sheet while you cook the other half of the veggies
Serve immediately and enjoy

zucchini slices in a clear bowl with spices. — **Add sliced zucchini to a large bowl and season**

breaded zucchini slices in air fryer basket. — **Add zucchini in a single layer to your air fryer basket**

healthy zucchini cooked in the air fryer. — **Cook at 380 degrees F for 8-10 minutes**

WHAT TO SERVE WITH THIS YUMMY AIR FRYER VEGGIE

If you’re enjoying this as a healthy snack, I recommend serving it with your favorite dipping sauces! Here’s a few suggestions

Ranch dressing
Avocado ranch
Marinara sauce
Buffalo sauce

If you’re making this to enjoy as a side dish, it pairs great with any of these recipes:

SUBSTITUTIONS AND VARIATIONS

Panko: If you’re not gluten free, you can use regular panko or plain bread crumbs

Parmesan cheese: Substitute it with vegan parmesan

Olive oil: Avocado oil will also work

Spices: Eliminate all the spices except salt and use Italian seasoning, taco seasoning, or Cajun seasoning instead

air fryer zucchini in a pink bowl with a gluten free bread crumb.

STORING AND REHEATING

You can keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.

To reheat, place the leftovers in a single layer in the air fryer and spray lightly with cooking spray and air fry at 360 F for 3-4 minutes until hot. (The bread crumbs will not be as crispy as when they were first made, but it still tastes delish)

EXPERT TIPS FOR THE BEST ZUCCHINI

Fresh zucchini is in season from June to August, and is ripe when firm
Cut them into equal thicknesses
Serve with a dip to kids as a healthy after school snack
Don’t overcook, or they will start to get soggy
Cook times vary based on your air fryer and desired crispiness
If the first batch gets cold, pop it into the air fryer the last 2 minutes of the second batch
Make sure you preheat the air fryer
Any of the bread crumb mixture that falls off into the bottom of the basket can be sprinkled over the final product

crispy zucchini cooked in the air fryer.

FAQs

How do I keep it from getting soggy?

Don’t overuse the oil because squashes tend to soak it up like a sponge. Also, do not overcook it, you want the slices to just be golden brown.

Should I line the bottom of my basket?

I didn’t see any need to, nothing stuck and it also let the hot air circulate well. If you’d rather line it though, just use a piece of parchment paper or a basket liner.

What other ways can I make zucchini?

There’s lots of other ways to make this healthy veggie! You could try making air fryer zucchini chips, french fries, or zucchini rounds.

healthy crispy zucchini cooked in the air fryer on parchment paper in a pink bowl.

Did you make this easy air fryer zucchini? If you did, I would greatly appreciate you leaving a comment and star rating down below. Additionally, you can follow me on Instagram and tag me if you make this or any other of my easy air fryer recipes.