Air Fryer Parmesan Zucchini with Lemon and Herbs
Introduction
A versatile vegetable, zucchini may be cooked in a multitude of ways to produce a wide range of mouthwatering and nutritious dishes. This recipe for Air Fryer Parmesan Zucchini combines the freshness of zucchini with the rich flavors of Parmesan cheese, lemon, and a blend of dried herbs. The air fryer method ensures that the zucchini comes out perfectly tender and flavorful with minimal effort. This dish is not only quick and easy to prepare but also makes for a nutritious side dish that pairs well with a wide range of main courses.
Preparation Time and Servings
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time:** 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 tablespoon butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1 teaspoon dried parsley
– ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– 1 teaspoon lemon zest
– 2 zucchinis, sliced into rounds
– Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
– Start by gathering all the ingredients. Ensure the zucchinis are fresh, firm, and free of blemishes.
To get rid of any dirt, give the zucchinis a thorough wash under cold running water. Using paper towels or a fresh kitchen towel, pat them dry.
2. Cut the Zucchinis:
Cut the zucchinis into quarter-inch-thick rounds. To guarantee equal cooking, make every effort to maintain the slices’ uniformity. Sliced zucchini should be added to a large mixing basin.
3. Make the Sauce:
– In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of melted butter, 1 teaspoon of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, 1 teaspoon of 1 teaspoon each of Italian spice, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, dry parsley, and lemon zest. Toss to thoroughly mix in all the ingredients. The zest and juice of lemons give a zesty, bright flavor that balances the flavor of the aromatic herbs and the richness of the Parmesan cheese.
4. Season the Zucchini:
– Pour the prepared sauce over the zucchini slices in the large mixing bowl. Toss the zucchini slices to ensure that the sauce and herbs are uniformly coated. Make sure each slice is well-coated with the flavorful mixture. Add salt and pepper to taste, keeping in mind that Parmesan cheese can be quite salty on its own.
5. Prepare the Foil Packet:
– Tear out a sizable piece of foil.Place the seasoned zucchini mixture in the center of the foil sheet. Spread the zucchini slices out evenly to ensure they cook uniformly. Fold the edges of the foil up and over the zucchini to create a sealed packet. Ensure the packet is tightly sealed to prevent steam from escaping, which helps in cooking the zucchini evenly and locking in the flavors.
6. Preheat the Air Fryer:
-Set the temperature of your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).Preheating the air fryer helps to ensure that the zucchini starts cooking immediately, promoting even cooking and a better texture.
7. Air Fry the Zucchini:
– Place the foil packet on the air crisper tray. Insert the tray into the preheated air fryer. Set the air fryer to air fry mode at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook the zucchini for 30 minutes, flipping the packet halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking. The zucchini should be tender and infused with the flavors of the herbs and Parmesan cheese by the end of the cooking time.
8. Serve the Zucchini:
-After the food is done, carefully take the foil package out of the air fryer. Opening the packet should be done carefully because hot steam will come out. Slices of zucchini should be moved to a serving platter.Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, if desired. Serve immediately while the zucchini is still warm and flavorful.
Nutrition Information
– Calories: 105
– Fat: 7.7g
– Protein: 11.5g
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Zucchini
Uniform Slices: Cutting the zucchinis into uniform slices ensures they cook evenly.
Adequate Coating: Make sure each slice is thoroughly coated with the sauce and herbs for maximum flavor.
Sealed Foil Packet: Ensuring the foil packet is tightly sealed helps to trap steam and cook the zucchini evenly.
Preheating: Preheating the air fryer helps to start cooking the zucchini immediately, promoting even cooking and a better texture.
Why Use an Air Fryer?
For frying veggies like zucchini, the air fryer is a great appliance for a number of reasons.
Efficiency: Air fryers cook food quickly and evenly, saving time in the kitchen.
Healthier Cooking: Using an air fryer requires less oil than traditional frying methods, resulting in lower calorie content.
Consistent Results: The hot air circulation ensures that the zucchini cooks evenly, with a tender interior and crispy edges.
Variations to Try
1. Garlic Parmesan Zucchini:
– Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder or minced garlic to the seasoning mix for a garlicky twist.
2. Spicy Zucchini:
– Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix for a bit of heat.
3. Cheesy Zucchini:
– Sprinkle additional grated Parmesan or other cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar over the zucchini after air frying and return to the air fryer for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
4. Herb Zucchini:
– Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano to the seasoning mix for an aromatic twist.
5. Balsamic Glazed Zucchini:
– Drizzle balsamic vinegar over the zucchini before serving for a sweet and tangy finish.
Storing and Reheating
Storage: Store any leftover zucchini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat the zucchini in the air fryer at 320 degrees Fahrenheit for 2-3 minutes or until warmed through. This helps to maintain the crispy texture.
Can I exclude the dairy?
You can easily make this dish dairy-free by eliminating the parmesan cheese and replacing it with either 3–4 tablespoons of your preferred dairy-free shredded cheese or 2–3 teaspoons of nutritional yeast.
What is the ideal air fry temperature for zucchini?
For optimal results, air fried the zucchini at 390°F until it becomes extremely crispy on the exterior and tender inside. If it is too cold, the zucchini will be raw and soggy.
How to make Zucchini more crispy?
Before cooking, slice and salt the zucchini to remove some of its excess moisture.