If you are looking for the perfect snack that is crispy, flavorful, and guilt-free, look no further than this Air Fryer Parmesan Breaded Zucchini Rounds Recipe. These golden, crunchy rounds bring together the fresh, tender zucchini with a savory, crunchy coating loaded with Parmesan and Italian herbs. It’s a delightful appetizer or side dish that feels indulgent without the heaviness, and using the air fryer makes it quick and mess-free. Whether you are making a simple weekday snack or impressing guests at a gathering, these zucchini rounds are bound to become a beloved favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Air Fryer Parmesan Breaded Zucchini Rounds Recipe lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each item plays an essential role—zucchini providing the fresh, tender base, Parmesan delivering its distinctive nutty sharpness, and the breadcrumbs bringing that satisfying crunch. The herbs and spices add balance and bring everything together in perfect harmony.
- 2 medium zucchinis: Choose firm zucchinis for the best texture when sliced into 1/4 inch rounds.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor that crisps up beautifully.
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs: Provides that light, crunchy coating essential for air frying.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings a warm, savory undertone.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the depth of flavor subtly.
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Infuses classic herbaceous notes including oregano and basil.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances and elevates all the seasonings.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and bite.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Helps the coating stick by creating a dry base layer.
- 1 large egg, beaten: Acts as the perfect ‘glue’ between the flour and breadcrumb layers.
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray: Ensures a crisp, golden finish in the air fryer.
- Optional: Marinara sauce or ranch dressing: Perfect for dipping and adding extra flavor.
How to Make Air Fryer Parmesan Breaded Zucchini Rounds Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This step is essential because it ensures your zucchini rounds will cook evenly and get that perfect crispy crust right from the beginning.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Coating Mixture
In a shallow bowl, mix together the grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. This aromatic and flavorful coating mixture forms the signature layer that gives the zucchini rounds their irresistible crunch and taste.
Step 3: Prepare the Flour and Egg Bowls
Place the all-purpose flour in a separate shallow bowl. In another bowl, beat the egg until smooth. These two steps create a classic breading station that ensures each zucchini round is perfectly coated for the crispest finish.
Step 4: Bread the Zucchini Rounds
Dip each zucchini round first into the flour, shaking off any excess, then coat it thoroughly in the beaten egg. Finally, press it into the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, making sure each round is evenly and generously coated on both sides. This triple-step breading locks in moisture and adds layers of flavor and crunch.
Step 5: Arrange and Spray for Crispiness
Place the breaded zucchini rounds in a single layer inside your air fryer basket. Depending on your air fryer size, you might need to work in batches. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray or olive oil spray to help them brown beautifully and achieve that crispy texture without deep frying.
Step 6: Air Fry Until Golden and Crispy
Cook the zucchini rounds for 10 to 12 minutes at 400°F, flipping halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning. When they turn a gorgeous golden brown and develop a crunchy crust, they are ready to come out and be enjoyed.
Step 7: Serve Hot with Your Favorite Dips
Serve these air-fried delights immediately paired with marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping. Their contrast of crisp exterior and tender zucchini inside is truly irresistible fresh from the fryer.
How to Serve Air Fryer Parmesan Breaded Zucchini Rounds Recipe
Garnishes
To take your Air Fryer Parmesan Breaded Zucchini Rounds Recipe to the next level, consider sprinkling some freshly grated Parmesan cheese or chopped fresh parsley over the top. A light drizzle of lemon juice adds a bright, zesty finish that cuts through the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
These zucchini rounds make an excellent companion to a crisp garden salad or alongside a hearty pasta dish. They also shine next to grilled chicken or fish, adding a crunchy vegetable component that balances out the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or casual gathering, serve the zucchini rounds stacked on a platter with a variety of dipping sauces like spicy aioli, tangy marinara, or cool ranch. You can also skewer them with toothpicks for easy serving and a fun presentation that’s sure to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Air Fryer Parmesan Breaded Zucchini Rounds Recipe will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To maintain their crispiness, avoid stacking them on top of each other.
Freezing
You can freeze these zucchini rounds before air frying by placing the breaded slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freezing until solid. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to one month. When ready, air fry straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
To reheat and restore their crunch, pop the leftovers back into the air fryer at 375°F for 3 to 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it will make them soggy and take away the delightful crispy texture.
FAQs
Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?
Yes, you can substitute regular breadcrumbs if needed, but panko breadcrumbs provide a lighter and crunchier texture that works best for this recipe.
Do I need to peel the zucchinis before slicing?
There’s no need to peel the zucchinis. The skin adds color, nutrients, and helps keep the slices intact during cooking.
What if I don’t have an air fryer? Can I bake these?
Absolutely! You can bake the zucchini rounds on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 425°F for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through to get them crispy.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make it vegan, use a plant-based egg substitute like flax or chickpea flour “egg” and a vegan Parmesan alternative.
What dipping sauces pair best with this recipe?
Marinara sauce and ranch dressing are classic favorites, but you could also try garlic aioli, spicy sriracha mayo, or a cooling tzatziki for a twist.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Air Fryer Parmesan Breaded Zucchini Rounds Recipe enough for anyone craving a crispy, flavorful snack that feels like a treat without the guilt. It’s simple, quick, and bursting with deliciousness — perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own. Give it a try and watch how it quickly becomes a staple in your snack rotation!
Print
Air Fryer Parmesan Breaded Zucchini Rounds Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 4 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Zucchini rounds coated in a seasoned Parmesan and panko breadcrumb crust. Perfect as a healthy snack or side dish, these zucchini chips are air-fried to golden perfection for a delightful crunch without the extra oil.
Ingredients
Zucchini and Coating
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into 1/4 inch rounds
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg, beaten
For Cooking
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
Optional
- Marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) to ensure even cooking and a crispy crust.
- Prepare the breadcrumb mixture: In a shallow bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, mixing well to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Prepare flour and egg coatings: Place the flour in a separate shallow bowl. In another shallow bowl, beat the egg until smooth.
- Coat the zucchini rounds in flour: Dip each zucchini round into the flour, shaking off any excess to avoid clumps.
- Dip in beaten egg: Next, dip each floured zucchini round into the beaten egg, coating both sides thoroughly to help the breadcrumb mixture adhere.
- Apply breadcrumb coating: Press each zucchini round firmly into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring an even coating on all sides for maximum crispiness.
- Arrange in air fryer basket: Place the breaded zucchini rounds in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Avoid overlapping to promote even cooking; cook in batches if needed.
- Spray with oil: Lightly spray the tops of the zucchini rounds with cooking spray or olive oil spray to aid in browning and crisping.
- Air fry: Cook the zucchini rounds in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking to ensure even golden brown and crisp texture.
- Serve: Remove the crispy zucchini rounds from the air fryer and serve hot with your choice of optional dipping sauces like marinara sauce or ranch dressing for added flavor.
Notes
- Cut zucchini into consistent 1/4 inch slices for even cooking.
- Use cooking spray generously to achieve a crisp texture without deep frying.
- You can customize the seasoning mix to your preference by adding paprika or cayenne for a spicy kick.
- Serve immediately for the best crispy texture as they can soften upon standing.
- If desired, substitute Parmesan with a vegan cheese alternative to make it vegan-friendly (would require different diet classification).
