Crispy cheesy veggie bites (Printable Format)
Tender zucchini rounds coated in a savory Parmesan crust and air fried until golden and crispy. A perfect healthy side dish or snack.
# What You'll Gather:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
2 medium zucchinis (about 1 lb total), sliced into ¼-inch rounds
02 -
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
03 -
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
04 -
1 large egg, lightly beaten
05 -
1 teaspoon garlic powder
06 -
½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or oregano)
07 -
¼ teaspoon salt
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⅛ teaspoon black pepper
09 -
Cooking spray or olive oil spray
→ Optional Garnishes
10 -
Additional grated Parmesan for serving
11 -
Fresh chopped parsley
12 -
Red pepper flakes (for heat)
# Step-by-Step Instructions:
01 -
In a shallow bowl or plate, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, all-purpose flour, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until well combined. This mixture will create that delicious savory crust on your zucchini. In a separate shallow bowl, beat the egg until smooth. This will be your binding agent that helps the cheese mixture stick to the zucchini.
02 -
Working with one piece at a time, dip a zucchini round into the beaten egg, making sure both sides are coated. Let any excess egg drip off, then place the slice in the Parmesan mixture. Press gently to help the coating adhere to both sides. Transfer the coated zucchini to a clean plate and repeat with the remaining slices. Don't rush this process - a good coating is key to crispy results!
03 -
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Preheating is important for getting that initial crisp on the outside of your zucchini slices. While waiting, you can finish coating the remaining zucchini slices.
04 -
Once preheated, lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or olive oil spray. This helps prevent sticking and adds a little extra crispiness. If your air fryer has a non-stick basket, you can use less spray, but a light coating is still recommended.
05 -
Place the coated zucchini slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don't overlap or touch too much. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches. Lightly spray the tops of the zucchini with cooking spray or olive oil spray for extra browning and crispiness.
06 -
Cook the zucchini at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes total. At the halfway point (around 4-5 minutes), open the air fryer and carefully flip each piece. This ensures even browning on both sides. Continue cooking until the zucchini is tender and the coating is golden brown and crispy. The exact time may vary depending on your air fryer model.
07 -
Remove the zucchini from the air fryer and let the slices rest for about a minute. This brief resting period helps the cheese coating firm up slightly. Transfer to a serving plate and garnish with additional grated Parmesan or a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately while still hot and crispy!
# Important Tips:
01 -
These crispy, cheesy zucchini rounds are a perfect way to enjoy summer's bounty of zucchini. The air fryer gives them a crunchy exterior without the extra oil of deep frying.
02 -
For the best results, try to cut your zucchini slices to an even thickness so they'll cook at the same rate. If you have very large zucchini, consider cutting them into half-moons instead of rounds.