Easy 10-Minute Parmesan Air Fryer Zucchini Rounds

Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and coated in a golden parmesan-herb crust, this air fryer zucchini delivers serious flavor with minimal effort.

Equipment

• Air Fryer — Circulates dry, high-velocity heat around the basket to deliver rapid crispiness with minimal added fat.
• Mandoline Slicer or Chef’s Knife — Ensures uniform slice thickness for consistent, predictable cooking times.
• Paper Towels or Clean Kitchen Towel — Absorbs extracted surface moisture to guarantee a crunchy breading layer.
• Shallow Breading Bowls — Makes dredging in egg white and parmesan mix fast, clean, and even.

Ingredients

• 2 medium zucchinis (~400g), sliced into uniform 1/3-inch thick rounds
• 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (Note: finely grated dry parmesan adheres best to the slices)
• 2 tablespoons blanched almond flour (Note: provides a low-carb breading base)
• 1 large egg white (whisked until frothy)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or dried oregano)
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt (plus a pinch extra for sweating the zucchini)
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
• Olive oil cooking spray

Instructions

1. Prep the zucchini (Sweat & Dry): Place zucchini slices on a plate lined with paper towels, sprinkle lightly with a pinch of salt, and let rest for 10 minutes. Firmly press dry with paper towels to draw out excess moisture.
2. Set up breading stations: In a shallow dish, whisk the egg white until foamy. In a second dish, combine finely grated parmesan, almond flour, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, sea salt, and black pepper.
3. Coat the rounds: Dip each zucchini round first into the egg white, letting excess drip off, then press firmly into the parmesan mixture on both sides until coated.
4. Preheat the air fryer: Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for 3 minutes.
5. Load and cook: Lightly mist the air fryer basket with olive oil spray. Arrange zucchini rounds in a single layer with space between each piece. Lightly mist the tops with spray.
6. Air fry to golden crisp: Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through at the 5-minute mark, until the crust is deeply golden brown and sizzling with a tender center.
7. Rest and serve: Remove immediately and let cool on a wire rack for 2 minutes so the cheese crust firms up before enjoying.

Nutrition

Calories: 125 kcal · Protein: 9g · Fat: s: 7g Cholesterol: 15mg · Carbohydrates: 6g · Fiber: 2g · Sugar: 3g · Sodium: 340mg