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Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Bars with Parmesan: Easy & Best Recipe

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These crispy air fryer zucchini bars with Parmesan are a delicious way to use up summer squash. Quick, easy, and perfectly crispy on the outside with a tender interior, they make a great snack, appetizer, or side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium zucchini (about 300g or 2 cups grated)
  • 1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (100g)
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (95g)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Olive oil spray (for the air fryer basket and tops)
  • For serving (optional): marinara sauce, fresh basil, extra grated Parmesan

Instructions

  1. Prep the zucchini: Wash zucchini, trim ends, and grate using the large holes of a box grater (about 2 cups). Place grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel, gather corners, and twist firmly over the sink to squeeze out as much liquid as possible. Let sit in the towel while prepping other ingredients.
  2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and dried oregano until evenly distributed.
  3. Combine the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the eggs with a fork until uniform. Add grated Parmesan and stir to combine (mixture will be thick and pasty).
  4. Add the zucchini: Unwrap squeezed zucchini and add to the egg and Parmesan mixture. Stir until evenly coated (mixture will be clumpy).
  5. Add the dry ingredients: Sprinkle flour mixture over the zucchini mixture. Use a spatula to fold together until just combined (do not overmix; a few streaks of flour are okay).
  6. Shape the bars: Line air fryer basket with parchment paper (if using) or spray generously with olive oil spray. Using slightly wet hands, shape mixture into rectangular bars about 3 inches long and 1.5 inches wide (makes 8-10 bars). Place in a single layer in the basket, leaving space between each.
  7. Air fry: Spray tops of bars lightly with olive oil spray. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12-14 minutes, flipping halfway (at 6-minute mark). Bars should be golden brown and crispy on both sides. For extra crispiness, add 1-2 more minutes.
  8. Rest and serve: Let bars cool in the air fryer basket for 2 minutes. Transfer to a serving plate and sprinkle with extra Parmesan and fresh basil if desired. Serve with warm marinara sauce for dipping.

Notes

Squeeze zucchini thoroughly to remove moisture for crispiness. Do not crowd the air fryer basket. Flip bars carefully when hot. Watch for deep golden brown color rather than relying solely on time. Let bars rest 2 minutes after cooking to maintain crispiness. For best results, grate Parmesan from a block (not pre-shredded).

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer zucchini bars, crispy zucchini, Parmesan zucchini, easy zucchini recipe, summer squash, vegetarian appetizer, low-carb snack

Find it online: https://bakebelle.com/crispy-air-fryer-zucchini-bars-with-parmesan-easy-and-best-recipe/