Go Back
A shallow white ceramic bowl filled with golden-brown Air Fryer Zucchini Bites showing toasted panko grains.

Air Fryer Zucchini Bites with Crispy Parmesan Panko and Garlic Aioli

These Air Fryer Zucchini Bites feature a thick, textured panko and parmesan crust, air-fried to golden-brown perfection. Served with a creamy black pepper garlic aioli, they are the ultimate healthy, crispy appetizer.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 185
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 2-3 medium Zucchini Sliced into 1/4 inch rounds
  • 1/2 cup (65g) All-Purpose Flour For dredging
  • 2 large Eggs Whisked
  • 2 cups (120g) Panko Breadcrumbs For texture
  • 1/2 cup (45g) Parmesan Cheese Finely grated
  • 1/2 cup (115g) Mayonnaise Aioli base
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced into paste
  • 1/2 tsp Cracked Black Pepper Visible specks
  • 2 tbsp (8g) Fresh Parsley Finely chopped for garnish

Equipment

  • 1 Air Fryer Basket style preferred
  • 1 Chef's Knife For uniform slicing

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Place zucchini rounds on a towel, sprinkle with salt, and let sit for 10 minutes to draw out moisture. Pat dry thoroughly.
  2. Prepare three bowls: flour in the first, whisked eggs in the second, and a mix of panko, parmesan, and spices in the third.
Cooking
  1. Coat each slice in flour, dip in egg, then press firmly into the panko mixture until a thick, textured coating forms.
  2. Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer. Spray with oil and cook at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden-brown and charred on the edges.

Notes

Don't overcrowd the basket or the zucchini will steam instead of crisp.
Use a wire rack for cooling to maintain the bottom crunch.