Golden Zucchini Crisps are the perfect answer when you’re craving something crispy and satisfying but still want to keep it healthy. They’re made with fresh zucchini slices, lightly coated in a golden breadcrumb mixture, and baked to crunchy perfection. These crisps are ideal for family gatherings, movie nights, or as a fun way to sneak some extra veggies into your day. Trust me, they’ll disappear faster than you expect!
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor
What makes these crisps special is their simplicity. All you need are a few pantry staples like breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and your favorite seasonings, plus fresh zucchini. There’s no need for deep frying baking gives them that delightful crunch without the extra oil. It’s a recipe that delivers on flavor while keeping things light and wholesome.
A Versatile Option
These crisps are more than just a snack. You can serve them as a side dish with dinner, pair them with dips like marinara or ranch for an appetizer, or even enjoy them on their own as a quick midday bite. Their versatility makes them a great addition to any meal plan, especially when zucchini is in season and you’re looking for creative ways to use it up.
Easy to Make, Fun to Eat
Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned home chef, making Golden Zucchini Crisps is straightforward and fun. The prep is simple, and you’ll enjoy watching the zucchini slices turn golden and crisp in the oven. Plus, it’s a recipe that kids can help with, making it a great activity to share with your family. Once you try them, you’ll want to make these crisps again and again!
Table of Contents
Chef’s Notes- Golden Zucchini Crisps
- Uniform Slicing: Cut zucchini into evenly sized pieces for consistent cooking. This ensures every piece is crispy and avoids undercooked or overcooked bites.
- Oil Application: Use a light hand when coating zucchini with olive oil—too much can make the coating soggy. Toss gently for even distribution.
- Air Fryer Capacity: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if needed to achieve the crispiest results.
- Custom Seasoning: Add a pinch of garlic powder, paprika, or Italian seasoning to the breadcrumb mixture for an extra flavor boost.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute panko breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for a delicious, celiac-friendly alternative.
- Vegan Tip: Use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese for a cheesy, umami-rich vegan option.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with marinara, tzatziki, or ranch for dipping. These crisps also pair well with a light salad for a complete meal.
- Keeping Crispy: Keep cooked zucchini warm in a 200°F oven while preparing subsequent batches to maintain their crunch.
Golden Zucchini Crisps
4
servings7
minutes8
minutes100
kcal15
minutesGet ready to elevate your veggie game with our Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Crisps! Imagine perfectly tender zucchini enveloped in a golden Parmesan panko crust, delivering that irresistible crunch every bite. This quick and healthy side dish is not only easy to prepare but also versatile, making it a must-have in your culinary repertoire. Whether you’re a busy weeknight chef or hosting a casual gathering, these zucchini crisps are sure to impress. Dive into this delightful recipe and enjoy a tasty way to savor your vegetables!
Ingredients
- Produce
3 medium zucchinis totaling roughly 1 1/4 pounds
- Oil Binder
1.5 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 tbsp all-purpose or white whole wheat flour
- Crust
2 tbsp crispy panko breadcrumbs
2 tbsp finely grated Parmesan cheese use nutritional yeast for a vegan variant
- Seasonings
0.5 tsp kosher salt
0.25 tsp onion powder
0.25 tsp ground black pepper
- Alternative Ingredients:
Zucchini → yellow squash
Extra-virgin olive oil → avocado oil or coconut oil
Panko breadcrumbs → regular breadcrumbs or almond flour for a gluten-free option
Parmesan cheese → nutritional yeast for vegan or omit for dairy-free
All-purpose flour → gluten-free flour blend
Kosher salt → sea salt or table salt
Onion powder → fresh minced onion or shallot
Ground black pepper → white pepper or omit
Directions
- Preparing Zucchini – Begin by washing and trimming the ends of the zucchinis. Slice each zucchini into quarters lengthwise and then cut crosswise into half-moon shapes about 3/4-inch thick. This size ensures even cooking and a satisfying bite.
- Seasoning – In a large mixing bowl, drizzle the sliced zucchinis with olive oil, ensuring each piece is lightly coated. This step helps the coating adhere and promotes crispiness during air frying. Toss gently to distribute the oil evenly.
- Coating Mixture – In a separate bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, flour, kosher salt, onion powder, and black pepper. Mixing these dry ingredients thoroughly ensures the flavor is evenly distributed across all zucchini slices.
- Applying Coating – Sprinkle the dry mixture over the oiled zucchini slices. Toss the pieces to ensure an even coating of the breadcrumb mixture on each slice, which will result in a uniform golden crust when cooked.
- Air Frying – Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Arrange half of the coated zucchini slices in a single layer within the air fryer basket, avoiding overlap to allow proper air circulation. Cook for 7 to 9 minutes, shaking the basket a few times to promote even crisping.
- Serving – Once golden and crispy, transfer the zucchini crisps to a serving plate or keep warm in a preheated oven at 200°F. Repeat the air frying process with the remaining slices. Optionally, garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
Equipment
- cutting board
- chef’s knife
- Mixing bowls
- measuring cups and spoons
- air fryer
- Baking sheet
Notes
- Ensure the zucchini slices are uniformly thick to promote even cooking. For extra crunch, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or paprika to the coating mixture. To keep the zucchini warm between batches, utilize a low-temperature oven set to 200°F. These crispy zucchini bites pair wonderfully with marinara sauce, tzatziki, or a fresh dip of your choice. Additionally, garnishing with fresh parsley or basil can enhance both the flavor and presentation. Experiment with different cheeses or gluten-free breadcrumbs to tailor the recipe to your dietary preferences.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 100kcal
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Potassium: 250mg
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Vitamin A: 10IU
- Vitamin C: 20mg
- Calcium: 10mg
- Iron: 4mg
FAQ- Golden Zucchini Crisps
Can I bake these zucchini crisps instead of air frying them?
Yes, preheat your oven to 425°F. Arrange the coated zucchini slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
How do I make this recipe vegan?
Replace Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast, which adds a cheesy flavor, and ensure the breadcrumbs used are vegan-friendly.
Can I use a different vegetable for this recipe?
Absolutely! Yellow squash, eggplant, or even thick-cut bell peppers can be used. Adjust cooking time based on the vegetable’s thickness.
How can I store leftovers?
Store leftover zucchini crisps in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 2–3 minutes to restore crispiness.
What’s the best way to prevent the coating from falling off?
Ensure the zucchini slices are well-coated with oil and toss them gently in the breadcrumb mixture. Press the coating onto the zucchini lightly for better adherence.
