Air Fryer Zucchini with Garlic & Parmesan
Perfectly Crispy, Easy, and Flavorful!
Forget mushy, bland zucchini! This easy Air Fryer Zucchini recipe is crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with flavor from garlic and parmesan. It's the ultimate healthy side dish that's ready in under 15 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you need a tasty veggie fix. Your air fryer just found its new best friend!
Ingredients
- 3 medium zucchini (about 4 cups), cubed
- Olive oil spray
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Prep & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Equipment Needed
- Air fryer
- Medium mixing bowl
- Tongs or spatula
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep Zucchini:
Wash zucchini, trim the ends, and cut into bite-sized cubes (try to keep them similar in size).
2. Season:
In a bowl, lightly spray zucchini cubes with olive oil spray. Toss with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
3. Preheat Air Fryer:
Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 2–3 minutes.
4. Cook in Batches:
Arrange seasoned zucchini in a single layer in the air fryer basket (avoid overcrowding).
Cook for 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
5. Add Parmesan:
During the final 2 minutes of cooking, sprinkle Parmesan cheese evenly over the zucchini cubes. Continue cooking until cheese is melted and golden.
6. Serve & Garnish:
Carefully remove zucchini from the air fryer. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions
This crispy zucchini pairs wonderfully with:
- Grilled chicken or steak
- Roasted salmon
- Pasta dishes
- Rice bowls or grain salads
Storage Tips
- Enjoy freshly made for best crispness.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat briefly in the air fryer or oven to regain crispiness.
Pro Tips
- Crispier Results: Cut zucchini pieces evenly and avoid overcrowding the basket.
- Variations: Add chili flakes for heat, or squeeze fresh lemon juice over cooked zucchini.
- Cheese Swaps: Try using Pecorino Romano or mozzarella cheese for variety.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
✅ Perfectly crispy, never soggy
✅ Quick and effortless preparation
✅ Healthy and flavorful veggie side
✅ Kid-approved and crowd-pleasing
✅ Versatile and customizable
Air Fryer Zucchini with Garlic & Parmesan
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Medium mixing bowl
- Tongs or spatula
Ingredients
- 3 medium zucchini cubed
- Olive oil spray
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Wash and cube zucchini into bite-sized pieces.
- In a bowl, lightly spray zucchini cubes with olive oil spray, then toss with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange zucchini in a single layer in air fryer basket. Cook for 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over zucchini during the final 2 minutes and cook until melted and golden.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, serve immediately, and enjoy!
Notes