Light Crispy Zucchini Snack Recipe
Introduction
These Light Crispy Zucchini Snacks are a delicious, guilt-free treat perfect for any time of day. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, they are easy to make using an air fryer and make a great snack or side dish.
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchini, thinly sliced
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F to ensure it is hot and ready for cooking.
- Step 2: Pat the zucchini slices dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture, which helps achieve crispy results.
- Step 3: In a shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Step 4: Dip each zucchini slice into the beaten eggs, then press gently into the breadcrumb mixture until evenly coated.
- Step 5: Arrange the breaded zucchini slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray them with olive oil to enhance crispiness if desired.
- Step 6: Air-fry the zucchini in batches for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking, until they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Step 7: Serve the zucchini snacks immediately as a tasty snack or a side dish.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, sprinkle chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil over the zucchini before serving.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
- Try dipping the cooked zucchini in marinara sauce or a yogurt-based dip for added taste.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 425°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway.
Storage
Store any leftover zucchini snacks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the air fryer or a conventional oven at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it may cause them to become soggy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?
Yes, regular breadcrumbs can be used, but panko breadcrumbs provide a lighter, crispier texture.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can bake the zucchini slices in a preheated oven at 425°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, to achieve similar crispy results.
PrintLight Crispy Zucchini Snack Recipe
This Light Crispy Zucchini Snack is a perfect healthy treat featuring thinly sliced zucchini coated in a flavorful, crunchy mixture of panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and spices, then air-fried to golden perfection. It’s an easy, guilt-free appetizer or side dish that offers a satisfying crunch without the heavy oil of traditional frying.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 to 10 minutes per batch
- Total Time: 20 to 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Zucchini
- 2 medium zucchini, thinly sliced
Breading Mixture
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Coating
- 2 large eggs, beaten
Finishing
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (204°C) and allow it to preheat fully to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Prepare zucchini: Use paper towels to pat the thinly sliced zucchini dry, removing as much moisture as possible to help the coating stick better and achieve crispiness.
- Mix breading: In a shallow bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices.
- Coat zucchini slices: Dip each zucchini slice first into the beaten eggs, then press gently into the breadcrumb mixture until evenly coated on all sides.
- Arrange for cooking: Place the breaded zucchini slices in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding. Optionally, lightly spray the slices with olive oil to enhance crispness.
- Air-fry zucchini: Cook the zucchini in batches for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time until the slices are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Remove from the air fryer and serve immediately while hot as a delicious snack or side dish.
Notes
- Patting the zucchini dry is essential to prevent sogginess in the final snack.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute regular panko with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Light olive oil spray helps achieve extra crunch but can be omitted for a lower-fat snack.
- Flip the zucchini halfway through air frying to ensure even browning on both sides.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce such as marinara, ranch, or a lemon aioli.
Keywords: zucchini snack, crispy zucchini, air fryer zucchini, healthy snack, panko coated zucchini
