Imagine a side dish so irresistible that even veggie-skeptics will be begging for seconds! Our Air Fryer Lemon Parmesan Zucchini is not just another boring vegetable recipe – it's a culinary revolution that transforms humble zucchini into a crispy, cheesy, tangy masterpiece in just 20 minutes. With the magic of air frying and a sprinkle of Parmesan, you'll create a restaurant-quality side dish that's both healthy and absolutely mouthwatering.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchinis
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash the zucchinis thoroughly under cool running water and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Trim off both ends of the zucchinis and slice them diagonally into uniform 1/4-inch thick oval pieces to ensure even cooking.
- In a large mixing bowl, drizzle olive oil over the zucchini slices and gently toss to coat each slice evenly.
- Sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper over the zucchini slices, ensuring each piece is seasoned.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for approximately 3 minutes to ensure proper cooking temperature.
- Arrange zucchini slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding to allow proper air circulation.
- Cook the zucchini slices in the air fryer for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even browning.
- Remove the zucchini from the air fryer and immediately sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the hot slices.
- Drizzle fresh lemon juice over the Parmesan-coated zucchini to add brightness and enhance the flavor profile.
- Transfer the zucchini to a serving platter and garnish with additional fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil if desired.
Tips
- Slice Uniformity is Key: Cut zucchini slices exactly 1/4-inch thick to ensure even cooking and consistent crispiness.
- Don't Overcrowd: Give your zucchini slices breathing room in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding prevents proper air circulation and leads to soggy results.
- Shake, Shake, Shake: Halfway through cooking, give the basket a good shake to guarantee each slice gets that golden-brown, crispy exterior.
- Fresh is Best: Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for maximum flavor and optimal melting.
- Serve Immediately: These zucchini slices are best enjoyed hot and fresh, right out of the air fryer when the cheese is still melty and the edges are perfectly crisp.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 65kcal
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 5mg
