Crispy Parmesan Zucchini Rounds
These crispy Parmesan zucchini rounds are a quick, flavorful side dish or snack with a crunchy coating and tender center. They can be baked or air-fried for a lighter alternative to frying.
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchini, sliced into ¼-inch (6 mm) rounds
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or cooking spray
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Prepare
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) or the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat the zucchini slices dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
2. Make the Coating
In a shallow bowl, combine:
- Parmesan cheese
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Garlic powder
- Italian seasoning
- Paprika
- Salt
- Black pepper
Place the beaten eggs in a separate bowl.
3. Coat the Zucchini
- Dip each zucchini slice into the beaten egg.
- Press both sides into the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture until well coated.
- Arrange the slices in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in the air fryer basket.
- Lightly spray or drizzle with olive oil.
4. Cook
Oven
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end for extra crispiness, if desired.
Air Fryer
- Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
Garlic Yogurt Dip (Optional)
Mix together:
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Pinch of salt and black pepper
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with:
- Marinara sauce
- Ranch dressing
- Garlic aioli
- Garlic yogurt dip
These zucchini rounds also pair well with grilled chicken, burgers, steak, or pasta.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 3–4 minutes or in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it softens the coating.
Tip: For the crispiest zucchini rounds, salt the slices lightly and let them sit for 15 minutes before coating. Pat them dry thoroughly to remove excess moisture, which helps the breading stick and crisp up beautifully.