Imagine biting into a perfectly crispy, golden-brown zucchini slice that's so deliciously crunchy, you won't believe it's actually healthy! These air fryer zucchini rounds are the ultimate game-changing snack that transforms an ordinary vegetable into a mouthwatering treat that both kids and adults will absolutely love. With a crispy Parmesan-breadcrumb coating and a fraction of the oil used in traditional frying, this recipe proves that healthy eating can be incredibly tasty and satisfying.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Wash the zucchinis thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels. Slice the zucchinis into uniform 1/4-inch thick rounds to ensure even cooking.
- In a shallow bowl, combine breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well and season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor profile.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until well combined and smooth. This will serve as the binding agent for the breading.
- Dip each zucchini slice first into the beaten eggs, ensuring complete coverage, then immediately coat with the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture. Press gently to help the breading adhere firmly.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature will help achieve maximum crispiness.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange zucchini slices in a single layer without overcrowding, which allows proper air circulation.
- Cook the zucchini slices for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even browning and crispiness on both sides.
- Check for golden brown color and crisp edges. If needed, cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Remove from air fryer and let cool for 2-3 minutes. Serve immediately while still crisp and warm.
Tips
- Pat your zucchini slices completely dry before breading to ensure maximum crispiness and prevent sogginess.
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket - cook in batches if necessary to maintain proper air circulation.
- For extra flavor, try adding garlic powder or Italian herbs to your breadcrumb mixture.
- Use fresh, firm zucchinis for the best texture and slice them uniformly for even cooking.
- Serve immediately after cooking to enjoy the maximum crunch and temperature.
- If you want an extra crispy coating, you can double-dip the zucchini slices in egg and breadcrumbs.
- Experiment with different cheese types like Romano or Asiago for unique flavor variations.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 165kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 9g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 75mg
