Air-Fryer Zucchini
Popping zucchini into the air fryer is a quick way to cook the beloved summer vegetable, but the squash’s high water content can lead to sogginess. For crisp, can’t-stop-eating zucchini, employ these smart tricks: Remove the seeds, don’t salt before cooking, thoroughly dry the zucchini pieces, and finally, toss them with a little mayo before sprinkling with a mixture of panko, Pecorino Romano and cornstarch. You’ll end up with tasty, lightly crisped zucchini nuggets with a salty bite. For a vegan version, substitute vegan mayonnaise or olive oil and use nutritional yeast in place of the cheese.
- Preparation:
- Cooking:
- Total:
- Serves: 2 persons
Ingredients
- 3tablespoons freshly grated Pecorino Romano
- 2tablespoons panko bread crumbs
- 2teaspoons cornstarch
- 1teaspoon garlic powder
- 1teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼teaspoon black pepper
- 2large zucchini or summer squash (about 8 ounces each), trimmed and halved lengthwise
- 1tablespoon mayonnaise
- Salt
Instructions
Step 1
Heat air fryer to 400 degrees for 10 minutes.Step 2
Make the coating: In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of the Pecorino with the panko, cornstarch, garlic powder, Italian seasoning and pepper; set aside.Step 3
With a small spoon, scrape the seeds from the middle of zucchini halves and discard. Thoroughly dry the flesh with paper towels. Cut the seeded halves again lengthwise and slice into bite-size chunks (about 3 cups), adding to a large bowl and patting dry one last time.Step 4
Add the mayonnaise to the large bowl and use a spatula or your hands to coat the zucchini pieces. Sprinkle the panko mixture on top and toss to coat, ensuring each piece of zucchini is thoroughly dusted.Step 5
Place zucchini and any crumbs that didn’t stick in an even layer into the air fryer basket and sprinkle with the remaining 1 tablespoon pecorino. (Depending on the size of your air fryer, do this in two batches to avoid overcrowding.) Fry for 10 minutes, shaking the basket after 7 minutes, until the coating is crisp, and the zucchini is browned in spots but still has a bite.Step 6
Season with salt and transfer to a serving plate, along with any crumbs remaining in the air fryer. If working in batches, fry the first batch for 1 minute less than called for, then transfer zucchini to a cooling rack-lined baking sheet, without salting. When ready to serve, return zucchini to the air fryer for 1 to 2 minutes to crisp and reheat, then salt. Serve immediately.