Crispy Parmesan Zucchini Sticks in Air Fryer
Golden and crispy zucchini sticks coated with Parmesan and breadcrumbs, cooked quickly in the air fryer. A healthy and delicious snack.
Steps
- 1
Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F).
- 2
Cut the zucchinis into sticks about 1 cm thick (fry-style).
- 3
In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- 4
Dip each zucchini stick into the beaten eggs, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
- 5
Place the sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10–12 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and crispy.
- 6
Serve immediately with marinara sauce or aioli.
Shopping list
2 large zucchinis, 1 cup (100g) breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp sweet paprika, salt, black pepper, 2 eggs
Recipe story
In the refined kitchens of Renaissance Venice, zucchini was considered a garden treasure, and breadcrumbs with Parmesan turned it into a royal delight. This modern recipe, adapted for the Air Fryer, preserves the spirit of those banquets, offering a crispy texture without excess oil.
Ingredient Secrets
Black pepper
Known as 'black gold' in antiquity, pepper was so valuable that it served as currency and tribute. In the Middle Ages, Venetian merchants controlled the pepper trade, and individual peppercorns were often counted. Legend has it that when Alaric, king of the Visigoths, demanded tribute from Rome, he included 3,000 pounds of pepper.
Sea salt
Sea salt, extracted from ocean waters by evaporation, was one of the most precious goods of antiquity, used both as food and as currency. In ancient Rome, soldiers were paid with salt, which is the origin of the word 'salary'. Salt roads connected entire civilizations, and in the Middle Ages, salt was so valuable it was called 'white gold'.
Paprika
Paprika, a emblematic spice brought to Europe by Christopher Columbus from the New World. Although associated with Hungarian cuisine, its origins are in Central America, where it was used by the Aztecs.
Garlic
Native to Central Asia, garlic was already known in ancient Egypt, where it was given to slaves to boost their strength. In ancient Greece, athletes consumed it before competitions, and in Rome, legionaries considered it essential for courage. During the Middle Ages, it was used to ward off vampires and the plague.
Zucchini
Although today we associate them with light summer cuisine, zucchini were first cultivated in ancient Mexico over 7,000 years ago. They were brought to Europe by Spanish explorers in the 16th century.
You may also like
Ninja Foodi Air Fryer & Pressure Cooker 4-Minute Corn on the Cob
Vegetables
Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds – Crispy and Golden
Vegetables
Air Fryer Green Beans – Quick and Tasty Side Dish
Vegetables
Oatmeal with Apples and Cinnamon in Air Fryer
Vegetables
Frozen French Fries in Air Fryer – Quick and Crispy Recipe
Vegetables