Crispy Parmesan Zucchini Rounds
If you’re looking for a quick, healthy, and irresistibly crunchy side dish or snack, Crispy Parmesan Zucchini Rounds are the perfect choice. These golden, oven-baked or air-fried zucchini slices are coated in savory Parmesan cheese and seasoned breadcrumbs, delivering big flavor with minimal effort. They’re ideal as an appetizer, a side for weeknight dinners, or a guilt-free snack everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Crispy on the outside, tender inside
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Quick and easy to prepare
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Healthier than fried snacks
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Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing
Ingredients (Serves 4)
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2 medium zucchini
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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½ cup breadcrumbs or panko
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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½ teaspoon paprika
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½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
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Optional: chopped parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini
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Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) or air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
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Wash zucchini and slice into ¼-inch thick rounds.
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Pat slices dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Step 2: Make the Coating
In a shallow bowl, mix Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Coat the Zucchini
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Lightly brush zucchini slices with olive oil or melted butter.
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Press each slice into the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides.
Step 4: Cook
Oven Method
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Arrange coated zucchini in a single layer on a lined baking sheet.
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Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
Air Fryer Method
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Place zucchini rounds in a single layer in the basket.
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Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping once, until crispy and browned.
Serving Suggestions
Serve hot with:
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Marinara sauce
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Garlic aioli
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Ranch or yogurt dip
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Lemon wedges for brightness
Tips for Extra Crispiness
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Use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs
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Don’t overcrowd the pan or air fryer basket
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Pat zucchini very dry before coating
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Sprinkle extra Parmesan halfway through cooking
Variations
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Spicy: Add chili flakes or cayenne pepper
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Low-carb: Use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs
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Cheesy: Add shredded mozzarella for a gooey finish
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Herby: Mix in fresh thyme or rosemary
Storage
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Best enjoyed fresh
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Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days
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Reheat in oven or air fryer to restore crispiness
Final Thoughts
Crispy Parmesan Zucchini Rounds are a delicious way to enjoy vegetables without sacrificing flavor or crunch. Whether baked or air-fried, they’re simple to make, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to disappear fast. Perfect for healthy snacking or as a flavorful side dish, this recipe is a must-try for zucchini lovers. 🥒🧀