Low-Calorie Air Fryer Zucchini Parmesan
This easy, low-calorie air fryer zucchini parmesan delivers golden, cheesy, and crispy zucchini rounds with all the comfort of classic parmesan dishes—without the heaviness or deep frying. Ready in about 20 minutes, it’s a healthy, crowd-pleasing side or snack perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchini (about 1 lb), sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/3 cup finely grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Olive oil spray
- Optional for serving: warm marinara sauce, lemon wedges, fresh parsley
Instructions
- Wash and dry zucchini. Trim ends and slice into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Pat slices dry with a paper towel if very wet.
- In a shallow bowl, beat the egg lightly with a fork.
- In a second bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan, cornstarch, garlic powder, Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Dip each zucchini slice into the beaten egg, letting excess drip off, then dredge in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to coat both sides. Place coated slices on a plate or tray.
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes if required. Arrange breaded zucchini in a single layer in the basket (work in batches if needed). Lightly spray tops with olive oil spray.
- Air fry at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crisp. Add 1–2 minutes for extra crunch if desired.
- Transfer cooked zucchini to a rack or paper towel-lined plate to cool for 2–3 minutes. Sprinkle with extra parmesan, herbs, or flaky salt if desired.
- Serve hot with warm marinara sauce or your favorite dip.
Notes
For gluten-free, use GF panko or crushed rice crackers. For dairy-free, swap parmesan for nutritional yeast or plant-based parmesan. Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket—work in batches for maximum crispness. Breaded, uncooked slices can be frozen and air fried straight from frozen (add 2–3 minutes to cook time). Serve immediately for best crunch. Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1/4 of the recipe (approximately 6–8 zucchini rounds)
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 300
- Fat: 4
- Saturated Fat: 1.5
- Carbohydrates: 13
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 7
Keywords: air fryer zucchini, zucchini parmesan, low calorie, crispy zucchini, healthy side dish, vegetarian, easy air fryer recipe, gluten free option, snack, appetizer