Air Fryer Zucchini Parmesan
Few dishes are as simple or as delicious as air fryer Zucchini Parmesan. Imagine delicious rounds of zucchini cooked until tender-crisp and topped with just the right amount of seasoning AND a generous amount of Parmesan. When done in the air fryer, the cheese gets golden brown and melty and delicious, and the combination of flavors is irresistible.
This is such a great recipe. I’m all in favor of dishes like this which have maximum flavor with minimal effort. Zucchini has never been so good! I love zucchini but this recipe transforms it into a whole new flavor dimension.
Air Fryer Zucchini Parmesan
You can make this easy zucchini side dish in a basket or oven-style air fryer, but the key to making it is to not overcrowd the zucchini in the air fryer. You want that super hot air to circulate so that every bit of cheese melts and turns golden brown.
It’s important to use good Parmesan in this recipe, preferably shred it yourself right off a block. Pre Shredded Parm, like the stuff in the green canister, has anti-clumping agents added to it that prevent uniform melting. It tastes good, but save that for sprinkling onto your spaghetti.
For this recipe, buy a block of Parmesan cheese and shred what you need. It’ll melt, get crispy around the edges, and will be so delicious.
Even if you don’t like zucchini, you’ll love this air fryer Zucchini Parmesan! It’s just that good!
Why I love this recipe
- It’s so easy and you only need a handful of ingredients.
- Air fryer Zucchini Parmesan pairs so well with so many other dishes. See all my recommendations below.
- This recipe is a great side dish but it’s also fabulous as a snack. It’s a low-carb option, too.
Gather these ingredients
- Zucchini – You want about a pound, or 3-4 medium-sized zucchini.
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Onion powder
- Parmesan cheese – Use freshly grated cheese. Use the smallest holes on your cheese grater to make finely grated cheese.
How to make the best air fryer Zucchini Parmesan
While you get everything ready, preheat your air fryer to 400-F. Line the tray with foil.
- Wash and dry the zucchini, then cut it into ¼-inch slices. I use a mandolin to get uniform slices.
- Add the zucchini rounds to a large bowl and drizzle with the olive oil. Then add the salt, pepper, and onion powder. Gently toss to coat.
- Add the parmesan cheese and toss until well-coated.
- Add the zucchini to the air fryer on top of the foil, in a single layer. Spritz with olive oil and cook for 10 minutes, flipping the zucchini halfway through. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Transfer the cooked zucchini to a plate and serve with your favorite dipping sauces, or as a side dish to just about any meal.
Tips & substitutions
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer. Work in batches if necessary.
- Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the spices if you like a bit of heat.
- Scoop out any cheese remaining in the bowl and sprinkle it over the rounds once they’re in the air fryer.
- Not all air fryers cook the same. Watch your zucchini carefully and only cook until the cheese is bubbly and the zucchini is tender-crisp.
- Try this recipe with yellow summer squash or yellow zucchini!
Serving suggestions
These air fryer Zucchini Parmesan rounds are perfect with a variety of dipping sauces. Try them with tomato sauce or BBQ sauce, or tip them into Avocado-Garlic Aioli. Try them with ranch dip – delicious!
You can also serve this zucchini recipe as a side dish. I love them with Spaghetti & Meatballs or any kind of pasta bake. Try them with your next meal!
Storage
Store leftover air fryer Zucchini Parmesan in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Warm them back up in your air fryer, or nibble on them cold. These won’t freeze well and are best eaten fresh.
Check out these awesome zucchini recipes while you’re here
Get the Recipe:
Air Fryer Zucchini Parmesan
Ingredients
- 16 ounces zucchini, about 3-4 medium
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated (small shred)
Equipment
- 1 Air Fryer
Instructions
- Clean and dry the zucchini. Cut into 1/4-inch slices (use a mandolin). Add the rounds to a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Add salt, pepper, and onion powder and gently toss. Next add the parmesan cheese and toss again until well coated.
- Turn the air fryer to 400 degrees. Line the tray with foil, and lay down the coated zucchini in a single layer. Spritz with olive oil and cook for 10 minutes, flipping the zucchini halfway through. Cook in batches until the zucchini is done, tender and the cheese is golden brown.
- Remove to a plate and serve as a side dish or with favorite dipping sauces (aioli, sriracha, BBQ sauce, Ranch dressing, etc.)
Hello and welcome to my home and table!
I’m Sandy—lover of food, family, cooking, THE BIG BOARD, travel, and bringing people together. Through great recipes and connection around the table, we become better, stronger, and more courageous people. Feasting on Life is real, and every time we do it, we grow a little more. Read more...
