1-Step 1: Prep the Zucchini Start by washing your zucchini thoroughly under cool running water. Pat them dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Trim off both ends of the zucchini, then cut each one into quarters lengthwise. After that, cut crosswise into half-moon shapes about 3/4 inch thick. This creates bite-sized pieces that cook evenly and have plenty of surface area for the coating to stick. Place all the cut zucchini pieces into a large mixing bowl. The size of the bowl matters because you’ll need room to toss the zucchini with oil and coating without making a mess.

2-Step 2: Coat with Olive Oil Drizzle the zucchini with 1 ½ tablespoons of olive oil. Using your hands or a large spoon, toss the zucchini pieces until every single piece is evenly coated with oil. This step is crucial because the oil helps the breadcrumb mixture adhere to the zucchini and promotes even browning in the air fryer. Don’t skip or skimp on the oil. Too little oil means the coating won’t stick properly, while too much oil can make the zucchini soggy. The amount in this recipe hits the sweet spot for crispy results.

3-Step 3: Prepare the Coating Mixture In a separate small bowl, combine the following ingredients:* 2 tablespoons panko breadcrumbs* 2 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan cheese* 1 tablespoon white whole wheat flour or all-purpose flour* ½ teaspoon salt* ¼ teaspoon onion powder* ¼ teaspoon black pepper Whisk these ingredients together with a fork until well combined. The flour helps the coating bind to the zucchini, while the panko creates crunch and the Parmesan adds savory depth. Make sure the Parmesan is finely grated so it distributes evenly throughout the mixture.

4-Step 4: Apply the Coating Sprinkle the coating mixture over the oiled zucchini pieces. Using your hands or a spoon, toss everything together thoroughly. You want every piece of zucchini to be coated on all sides. Take your time with this step to ensure even coverage. If you notice some pieces have more coating than others, give the bowl a few extra tosses to redistribute. The coating should form a light, even layer on each piece.

5-Step 5: Air Fry to Perfection Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F for about 3 minutes. Preheating helps the zucchini start cooking immediately and promotes better browning. Place half of the coated zucchini in a single layer in the air fryer basket. It’s important not to overcrowd the basket. If the pieces are overlapping or stacked, they won’t cook evenly and you’ll end up with soggy spots instead of an all-over crisp. Cook for 7 to 9 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally during cooking. Shaking helps the zucchini cook evenly on all sides and prevents sticking. You’ll know it’s done when the breadcrumbs are golden brown and the zucchini is tender but still firm, not mushy. Remove the first batch to a serving plate, then repeat with the remaining zucchini. Work in batches if needed to maintain a single layer in the basket.

6-Step 6: Serve Immediately Transfer the cooked zucchini to a serving plate and serve right away while it’s hot and crispy. The coating is at its best straight out of the air fryer, so try not to let it sit too long before serving. This air fryer zucchini makes an excellent side dish for almost any main course. For a complete meal, try pairing it with crispy baked Parmesan chicken or your favorite protein.