Air Fryer Zucchini Parmesan Recipe

Zucchini: Fresh, medium-sized zucchini sliced into rounds for even cooking.

Parmesan cheese: Grated parmesan cheese adds a rich, savory flavor and helps create a crispy coating.

Breadcrumbs: Provides a crunchy texture to the zucchini rounds.

Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlic flavor without overpowering the dish.

Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients.

Black pepper: Adds a hint of spice and depth to the flavor profile.

Olive oil: Helps the coating adhere to the zucchini and adds a touch of richness.

To achieve an even crispier texture on your zucchini slices, try double-coating them. After the initial dip in olive oil and parmesan mixture, let them rest for a minute, then dip them again in the olive oil and parmesan mixture. This extra layer will enhance the crunchiness and flavor, making your air fryer zucchini parmesan even more irresistible.

• zucchini - Substitute with yellow squash: Yellow squash has a similar texture and mild flavor, making it a great alternative.

• parmesan cheese - Substitute with pecorino romano: Pecorino Romano is a hard cheese with a salty and tangy flavor, similar to parmesan.

• breadcrumbs - Substitute with panko: Panko breadcrumbs are lighter and crispier, providing a similar texture to regular breadcrumbs.

• italian seasoning - Substitute with herbes de provence: Herbes de Provence offers a similar blend of herbs, adding a slightly different but complementary flavor.

• garlic powder - Substitute with onion powder: Onion powder provides a different but still savory flavor that can complement the dish well.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, though it will also add a bit of moisture.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a similar heat but a slightly different flavor profile, which can still work well.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it a good alternative for cooking.

• Allow the zucchini parmesan to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the breadcrumbs soggy.

• Place the cooled zucchini slices in an airtight container. If stacking, separate each layer with parchment paper to maintain their crispiness.

• Store the container in the refrigerator. The zucchini parmesan will stay fresh for up to 3 days.

• For freezing, arrange the cooled zucchini slices on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours.

• Transfer the frozen zucchini to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date and store for up to 2 months.

• To reheat, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the frozen zucchini parmesan in the basket and air fry for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.

• Alternatively, reheat in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes. This method helps retain the crunchy texture.

• Avoid microwaving, as it can make the zucchini soggy and less appetizing.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover zucchini parmesan in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
  3. Air fry for 3-5 minutes until heated through and crispy.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Arrange the zucchini parmesan on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  3. Bake for 10-12 minutes until warm and crispy.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the zucchini parmesan on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through.

• Skillet Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of olive oil to the skillet.
  3. Place the zucchini parmesan in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until heated through and crispy.

• Air fryer: This is the primary cooking device used to achieve the crispy texture of the zucchini slices without deep frying.

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine the parmesan, breadcrumbs, and seasonings.

• Knife: Essential for slicing the zucchini into rounds.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for slicing the zucchini.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure out the parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

• Tongs: Useful for dipping the zucchini slices in olive oil and placing them in the air fryer basket.

• Air fryer basket: The component of the air fryer where the zucchini slices are placed in a single layer for cooking.

• Basting brush: Handy for evenly coating the zucchini slices with olive oil.

Prepare ingredients ahead: Slice the zucchini and mix the parmesan coating the night before to save time.

Use a mandoline: A mandoline slicer ensures uniform zucchini rounds, speeding up prep time.

Preheat the air fryer: Preheating the air fryer ensures faster and more even cooking.

Batch cooking: Cook multiple batches of zucchini slices at once if your air fryer is large enough.

Line the basket: Use parchment paper or a silicone liner to make cleanup quicker and easier.