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Air Fryer Zucchini Parmesan: A Healthy Twist on a Classic Dish

Zucchini, often celebrated for its versatility and mild flavour, takes centre stage in a delightful recipe that combines the ease of air frying with the rich, comforting notes of Parmesan cheese. Air Fryer Zucchini Parmesan offers a healthier alternative to traditional frying, whilst still delivering a crispy and flavourful dish that can be enjoyed as a side, a snack, or even as a light main course.

Why Choose an Air Fryer?

Air fryers have gained immense popularity in recent years, and for good reason. They offer a convenient cooking method that reduces the amount of oil needed, thus cutting down on fat without sacrificing taste. The air frying process circulates hot air around the food, resulting in that coveted crispy texture with much lower calories than deep frying. This makes it an ideal cooking method for vegetables like zucchini, which tend to absorb oil when fried.

Ingredients

To whip up your Air Fryer Zucchini Parmesan, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 medium-sized zucchini
• 100 grams of grated Parmesan cheese
• 100 grams of breadcrumbs (you can use panko for extra crunch)
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 large egg (or a flax egg for a vegan option)
• Olive oil spray or a light drizzle of olive oil
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

1. Preparing the Zucchini

Begin by washing and trimming the ends of the zucchini. Cut them into even rounds or sticks, about half an inch thick. This ensures even cooking and a consistent texture.

2. Setting Up the Breading Station

In a shallow bowl, beat the egg (or prepare your flax egg). In another bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. The combination of cheese and herbs will add a delightful savouriness to the dish.

3. Breading the Zucchini

Dip each zucchini piece first into the egg, allowing any excess to drip off, and then coat it evenly with the breadcrumb mixture. Press down gently to ensure the coating adheres well.

4. Air Frying

Preheat your air fryer to 190°C (375°F). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the breaded zucchini in a single layer in the basket—be careful not to overcrowd, as this can prevent them from crisping up properly. If necessary, you can work in batches.

Air fry the zucchini for about 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure they brown evenly. Keep an eye on them, as cooking times may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model.

5. Serving

Once your Air Fryer Zucchini Parmesan is golden brown and crispy, remove them from the basket. Serve them immediately, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired. They can be enjoyed on their own, paired with a marinara dipping sauce, or served alongside your favourite protein.

Health Benefits

Zucchini is a low-calorie vegetable packed with nutrients such as vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants. It is also high in water content, making it an excellent addition to a balanced diet. By using an air fryer and minimising the need for oil, you create a dish that is both satisfying and guilt-free.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Zucchini Parmesan is a superb way to enjoy this humble vegetable, transforming it into a wonderfully crispy and cheesy delight. Whether you’re looking for a nutritious side dish, a delectable snack, or a new way to incorporate vegetables into your meals, this recipe is sure to impress. Easy to prepare and quick to cook, it’s a perfect addition to any dinner table. So dust off that air fryer and bring some new life to your meals with this delicious recipe!