Light Crispy Zucchini Snack (Print View)

Thinly sliced zucchini air-fried to a crispy golden bite with savory seasoning.

# Components:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 medium zucchini, thinly sliced

→ Breading

02 - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs)
03 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
04 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
05 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
06 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
07 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Coating

08 - 2 large eggs, beaten

→ Optional

09 - Olive oil spray

# Directions:

01 - Set the air fryer to 400°F and allow it to preheat.
02 - Pat the zucchini slices dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
03 - Combine panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl.
04 - Dip each zucchini slice into the beaten eggs, then press gently into the breadcrumb mixture to coat evenly.
05 - Place the breaded zucchini slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Optionally, lightly spray with olive oil for extra crispness.
06 - Cook in batches for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
07 - Serve immediately as a snack or side dish.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • You get that satisfying crunch without the guilt of traditional fried snacks.
  • They're ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for unexpected guests or a quick afternoon craving.
  • The Parmesan and smoked paprika make them taste way more interesting than you'd expect from something so simple.
02 -
  • Moisture is your biggest enemy—I once skipped the paper towel step and ended up with chips that steamed instead of crisped, a mistake I won't repeat.
  • Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket; your chips need space to breathe and crisp up evenly, so work in batches if necessary.
03 -
  • If your zucchini slices are on the thicker side, you might need an extra minute or two of cooking time—listen for the sound of the air fryer to shift, and you'll know they're getting close to perfect.
  • Leftover chips can be gently reheated in the air fryer for about 3 minutes to bring back their crispiness, though they're honestly best served fresh.
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