Description
Make crispy zucchini bites quickly in your air fryer with a simple breading that keeps them from getting soggy. This recipe focuses on achieving a crunchy exterior for a great appetizer or side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 medium zucchini, ends trimmed
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray (oil-based)
Instructions
- Cut the zucchini into rounds about 1/2 inch thick. Pat the zucchini slices thoroughly dry with paper towels. This step is important for crispiness.
- Set up a dredging station with three shallow dishes. Place the flour in the first dish. Whisk the egg in the second dish. In the third dish, combine the Panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Dredge each zucchini slice first in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Finally, press the zucchini firmly into the Panko mixture to coat both sides completely.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the breaded zucchini bites in a single layer in the basket. Do not overcrowd the basket; work in batches if necessary.
- Lightly spray the tops of the zucchini bites with cooking spray.
- Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping the bites halfway through the cooking time. The bites are done when they are golden brown and crisp.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- To prevent mushy zucchini, press the breading firmly onto the slices and avoid overlapping them in the air fryer basket.
- If you prefer a lower-carb option, substitute almond flour for the all-purpose flour and use crushed pork rinds instead of Panko breadcrumbs.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 10 min
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 6 bites)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 250
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Unsaturated Fat: 5
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 8
- Cholesterol: 45