Who knew zucchini could steal the spotlight like this? These crispy air fryer zucchini chips – absolute game-changers, folks. It’s like that feeling when your favorite underdog team wins the championship, unexpected yet so satisfying.
Steps
- Trim the ends off the zucchini and cut it into quarters lengthwise, then slice each quarter into 3/4-inch thick half-moons. Place the zucchini pieces into a large mixing bowl.
- Drizzle the zucchini with olive oil and toss to coat evenly. In a separate bowl, mix together panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, flour, salt, onion powder, and pepper.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the zucchini, tossing until the pieces are evenly coated with the mixture. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
- Arrange half of the zucchini in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 7 to 9 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally, until the breadcrumbs are golden and the zucchini is tender but still firm.
- Transfer the cooked zucchini to a serving plate or keep it warm in a 200°F oven on a parchment-lined baking sheet while you repeat the process with the remaining zucchini. Enjoy your crispy air-fried zucchini!
Ingredients
- Medium-sized zucchinis
- Olive oil
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Flour (white whole wheat or all-purpose)
- Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast as a vegan substitute)
- Salt
- Onion powder
- Black pepper
Nutritional Values
Calories: 396kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 16g | Cholesterol: 8mg | Potassium: 1000mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 796IU | Vitamin C: 64mg | Calcium: 192mg | Iron: 4mg
FAQ
- Why does my air-fried zucchini come out soggy?
- Your air-fried zucchini might be soggy due to overcooking or using too much oil. Stick to the recommended cooking time and oil quantity in the recipe to achieve crispy and tender zucchini.
- Can I prepare this air fryer zucchini recipe gluten-free?
- Absolutely! To make the recipe gluten-free, substitute the regular flour with a gluten-free 1:1 flour and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.
- How should I store leftover air fryer zucchini?
- Store leftover zucchini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, bake on a sheet at 350°F or use the air fryer.
- Is it possible to freeze air fryer zucchini?
- Freezing zucchini is not recommended as it tends to become soggy when thawed. If you choose to freeze it, store it in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to three months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Tips
- Prevent Sogginess: Ensure your zucchini remains crisp by monitoring cooking times closely. Avoid overcooking and using excessive oil, as these can lead to soggy results.
- Batch Cooking Efficiency: To keep cooked zucchini warm between batches, preheat your oven to 200°F and place the completed batches on a parchment-lined baking sheet while you finish cooking the rest.
- Customize Seasoning: Enhance the flavor by adding cayenne pepper for a spicy kick or substituting Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a vegan-friendly version.
- Gluten-Free Option: Make this recipe gluten-free by substituting regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour and using gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.
Equipment
- Air Fryer – Essential for cooking the zucchini with a crispy texture.
- Non-Slip Cutting Board – Useful for safely chopping vegetables.
- Cheese Grater – If you choose to grate your own Parmesan cheese.
