Looking for an easy side dish? This air fryer zucchini parmesan is pretty much a version of garlic bread without the bread. It's a keto, low-carb vegetable side dish recipe with all the flavors you love!
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My kids absolutely devour garlic bread. I love it too, I just can't have it every other day as they do. But this roasted zucchini recipe satisfies all my cravings.
Not only is this simple side dish healthy, but it is also super easy to make. Total 20 minutes from start to finish with only 5 simple ingredients! Definitely my favorite air fryer zucchini recipe.
This delicious air-fried zucchini is cheesy, garlicky, and full of flavor! It's a great way to use up zucchini that can be made in the air fryer or oven.
Another air fryer win! A perfect low-carb side dish for any meal, a cheap yet delicious snack, or a main if you're vegetarian!
What is zucchini?
Zucchini is a summer squash that can be eaten raw or cooked. It's a popular ingredient in Italian cuisine, often used in pasta dishes. It has a mild flavor that makes it versatile for use in a variety of dishes, such as salads, bread, fritters, and stews.
From a nutritional standpoint, zucchini is a good source of vitamins A and C, fiber, and iron. It's also low in calories with only about 17 calories in one cup of cooked zucchini, making it a great choice for people watching their weight.
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Fresh zucchini - You can use green or yellow zucchini for this recipe. I found these beautiful yellow zucchinis at my farmer's market. If your zucchini is on the larger side, you may want to cut it into smaller pieces so that it cooks evenly in the air fryer.
- Parmesan cheese - I like to use only freshly grated parmesan for the best flavor, but you can use pre-grated cheese if that's what you have on hand. For vegetarians, you can try using nutritional yeast. I haven't tried it, but I would imagine it to be good as well.
- Garlic - Fresh garlic is the best, but if you're in a pinch, garlic powder will work as well. Just keep in mind that it will not taste the same.
- Butter - I use unsalted butter so that I can control the amount of salt in the recipe. You can substitute olive oil or avocado oil if you're looking for a healthier option. Either way, some fat is necessary to help the cheese and garlic stick to the zucchini.
- Thyme - Makes all the difference in flavor, especially if it's fresh. If you don't have any on hand, you can use another herb like dried Italian seasoning, basil, or oregano.
- Salt and black pepper
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Baking Sheet (if using the oven)
- Parchment paper to keep the mess minimal
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Cheese Grater
- Small saucepan
How to serve Zucchini Parmesan
There are many different ways you can enjoy this delicious air fryer zucchini recipe. Here are some of my favorites:
- As a "garlic bread" alternative for pasta dishes
- As a perfect side dish with grilled chicken, fish, or steak.
- As a main course with a simple salad on the side (vegetarian-friendly)
- As zucchini sticks with your favorite dipping sauce like marinara sauce
I like to eat it with a nice pan fried fish, roasted chicken or steak.
Tips and Variations
The best part about this fried zucchini recipe is that it is so versatile. Here are some of my favorite ways to change things up:
- Try other shapes: Instead of zucchini slices, change up the look easily by making air fryer zucchini parmesan rounds or even zucchini fries using all the same ingredients. This will make it into finger foods. Perfect for a family game day or get-together!
- Add panko: Add panko breadcrumbs to your butter mixture to make it more decadent. However, it won't be a low carb recipe anymore.
- Spice it up: Adding a little cayenne pepper or red chili flakes to your butter mixture will completely elevate this delicious side dish.
How to store and reheat
Simply store the cooked leftover zucchini in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like to reheat it in the air fryer for 3 minutes at 350 degrees, but you can also use the oven.
Other Air Fryer Recipes for you to try:
Air Fryer Zucchini Parmesan
Looking for a perfect side dish? This Air Fryer Zucchini Parmesan is pretty much my version of garlic bread without the bread. Great vegetable side dish, a keto, and low carb recipe. Total game changer. This roasted zucchini dish is cheesy, garlicky, and full of flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2-4 1x
- Category: sides
- Method: air fryer
Ingredients
2 large zucchini
½ cup freshly grated parmesan
5 cloves of finely minced garlic
3 tbsp of butter
thyme leaves
salt and black pepper
Garnish:
parsley
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, melt your butter, and add the garlic and thyme leaves.
- Cut your zucchini into 4 lengthwise pieces. You want them to be thick slices. Slice the edge so that the zucchini is flat. Score the zucchini.
- Using a spoon, spoon the butter and garlic mixture onto the zucchini.
- Put the grated parmesan onto the zucchini.
- Place your zucchini on the air fryer basket or tray in a single layer. Do not crowd, you can do it in batches.
- Air fry for 15 minutes to 350 degrees. Make sure the top is golden brown.
Notes
Oven baked: Place the zucchini slices on the baking sheet and bake at 375 degrees f for 40 minutes or until it is golden brown.
Mabel says
Healthy yet delicious side or snack.
Baker says
Kids love it, this is an additional recipe that can use for kids who hate veggies.