Are you looking for a simple, healthy, and delicious side dish or even a light meal? Look no further! This air fryer zucchini recipe with parmesan cheese is the perfect solution for busy weeknights. It's surprisingly flavorful, incredibly easy to make, and requires minimal cleanup – a win-win for any home cook. Forget soggy zucchini; this recipe delivers perfectly crisp-tender zucchini slices, bursting with cheesy goodness. This easy recipe is ideal for those seeking quick dinner ideas and healthy meals without compromising on taste.
Ingredients:
- 2 medium zucchini, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
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Prep the Zucchini: Wash and slice the zucchini into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Thinner slices will cook faster, while thicker slices may need a little extra time. Aim for even thickness for consistent cooking.
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Toss with Seasoning: In a large bowl, combine the zucchini slices with olive oil, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Toss gently to ensure all the zucchini is evenly coated with the seasoning.
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Air Fry the Zucchini: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the seasoned zucchini slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they aren't overcrowded. Overcrowding will lead to steaming instead of crisping. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and tender.
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Add Parmesan Cheese: Once cooked, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the zucchini slices. Return them to the air fryer for another 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly bubbly. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
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Serve and Enjoy: Remove the air fryer basket and carefully transfer the cheesy zucchini to a serving dish. Serve immediately as a delicious side dish alongside your favorite protein or enjoy it as a light and healthy vegetarian meal.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket: This will ensure even cooking and crispy zucchini. Work in batches if necessary.
- Adjust cooking time: Depending on your air fryer and the thickness of your zucchini slices, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly. Start with the shorter time and add more if needed.
- Experiment with seasonings: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor. Italian seasoning, paprika, or red pepper flakes would all be delicious additions.
Variations:
- Add some heat: For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix.
- Herby delight: Incorporate fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a more aromatic dish.
- Lemon zest: A little lemon zest adds a bright, citrusy note that complements the zucchini and Parmesan beautifully.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This recipe provides a healthy and low-calorie option. Nutritional values will vary slightly depending on the specific ingredients used. Approximate values per serving (assuming 4 servings):
- Calories: Approximately 80-100
- Fat: Approximately 6-8g
- Protein: Approximately 3-4g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 8-10g
This air fryer zucchini recipe with parmesan cheese is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of healthy and delicious food recipes. It's a perfect example of homemade cooking at its finest, offering a quick, easy, and satisfying meal or side dish. Enjoy!