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Air Fryer Hasselback Zucchini

Name: Air Fryer Hasselback Zucchini
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 4 medium zucchinis; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (to taste); 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)

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Air Fryer Hasselback Zucchini — transform the humble zucchini into a show-stopping side dish with our Air Fryer Hasselback Zucchini recipe.

Perfect for those who love to add a creative twist to their vegetables, this dish elevates zucchini with delicious flavors and an eye-catching presentation.

Using an air fryer, we create a dish that’s not only healthier but also packed with a perfect blend of crispiness and tenderness. Whether hosting a dinner party or simply looking to spruce up your weeknight meal, this Hasselback Zucchini will surely impress with its simplicity and elegance.

What is Hasselback Zucchini

Hasselback Zucchini is a variation of the classic Hasselback technique, traditionally used on potatoes, applied to zucchini.

This method involves making parallel cuts along the zucchini, creating thin, accordion-like slices while keeping the bottom intact. The zucchini is typically seasoned or stuffed with various ingredients, such as herbs, spices, cheese, or breadcrumbs, and then cooked until tender.

The Hasselback technique allows the flavors to penetrate the zucchini deeply and creates an appealing, fan-like presentation.

When cooked, the edges of the slices become slightly crispy while the interior remains tender, offering a delightful contrast in textures. Hasselback Zucchini can be prepared in various ways, including baking, grilling, or, as in this case, air frying, which offers a healthier alternative with a deliciously crisp finish.

This versatile dish can be customized with various seasonings and toppings, making it a perfect side dish or appetizer for various meals.

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Hasselback Zucchini

Creating Air Fryer Hasselback Zucchini is a delightful way to enjoy a healthy and visually appealing side dish. Here are the ingredients you’ll need for this recipe, along with a brief explanation for each:

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

Zucchini: The dish’s star, zucchini, is sliced Hasselback style to create an attractive fan effect, allowing flavors to infuse throughout the vegetable.
Olive Oil: Drizzling olive oil over the zucchini before air frying ensures the slices cook evenly and acquire a lovely crisp texture while adding a subtle richness.
Garlic Powder: Garlic powder adds a savory depth and aromatic warmth to the zucchini, complementing its natural flavor.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated cheese melts beautifully into the zucchini slices, adding a salty, nutty flavor and a delightful crispy topping when air-fried.
Paprika: A pinch of paprika adds a hint of heat and smokiness, giving the zucchini a vibrant color.
Salt and Pepper: These seasoning staples enhance the natural flavors of the zucchini and other ingredients, balancing the dish’s overall taste.
Fresh Herbs (optional, like parsley or basil): Chopped fresh herbs sprinkled over the cooked zucchini add freshness and brighten the flavors.

These simple yet flavorful ingredients come together to create a dish that’s easy to prepare and a delightful addition to any meal, showcasing the versatility and appeal of zucchini.

How To Cook Hasselback Zucchini Air Fryer

Here are the simple steps to make air fryer sliced zucchini:

How To Cook Hasselback Zucchini In Air Fryer

Cooking Hasselback Zucchini in an air fryer is a simple and delicious way to enjoy this versatile vegetable. Here’s how to do it:

Prepare the Zucchini: Wash the zucchini and pat dry. Carefully make thin, parallel slices along the length of the zucchini, about ⅔ of the way through, ensuring you don’t cut all the way through. The slices should be close enough to allow the zucchini to fan out but still hold together at the base.

Season the Zucchini: Brush each zucchini with olive oil, ensuring some gets between the slices. Sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, pepper, and paprika. Try to get the seasoning in between the slices as well.

Add Parmesan Cheese: Gently stuff grated Parmesan cheese into the slices. The amount of cheese can be adjusted to your preference.

Air Fry the Zucchini: Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees F (190°C). This helps to start the cooking process quickly and ensures even cooking.

Place the seasoned zucchini in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Set cook time for 10-15 minutes until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is golden and crispy.

Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, you can garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs like parsley or basil. Serve hot as a side dish or as a healthy snack.

Pro Tips

Cooking Hasselback Zucchini in an air fryer can be a delightful experience, especially when you follow these pro tips:

Even Slicing: To ensure even cooking, make the slices in the zucchini as uniform as possible. You can lay two chopsticks on either side of the zucchini while slicing to prevent cutting all the way through.
Seasoning Inside Slices: To maximize flavor, make sure to get some of the olive oil and seasonings in between the slices. Using a pastry brush can help apply the oil and seasonings more evenly.
Cheese Choice: While Parmesan is an excellent choice for its flavor and how well it crisps up, you can experiment with other types of cheese, like mozzarella, for a different texture and taste.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheating your air fryer ensures the zucchini starts cooking immediately and helps achieve a uniformly crispy texture.
Avoid Overcrowding: Place the zucchini in a single layer without overlapping in the air fryer. This allows hot air to circulate freely, ensuring the zucchini cooks evenly.
Garnishing: Fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or thyme add freshness after cooking.
Adjust Cooking Time: Depending on the size and thickness of your zucchini and how crispy you prefer, you may need to adjust the cooking time. Keep an eye on them, especially towards the end of cooking.
Suggestions: These can be served as a side dish or a healthy snack. They pair well with a variety of dips.
Leftovers: If you have leftovers, reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore their crispiness.
Experiment with Flavors: Don’t be afraid to try different seasoning combinations. Hasselback zucchini is versatile and can take on a variety of flavors well.

Following these tips, you’ll enhance the taste and presentation of your Hasselback Zucchini, making it a sure hit, whether as a side dish or a healthy, tasty snack.

FAQ’s

How do I prevent the zucchini from becoming too soggy or too dry? Don’t cut the slices too deep to avoid sogginess, as this helps retain some structure. To prevent dryness, brush the zucchini with enough oil and avoid overcooking.

Can I make Hasselback Zucchini without cheese? Absolutely! You can skip the cheese for a dairy-free version. Just use your favorite herbs and spices for flavor.

How do I know when the Hasselback Zucchini is done cooking? The zucchini is done when it’s tender to your liking, and the edges are slightly crispy. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes in the air fryer.

What are some good seasoning alternatives? You can use Italian seasoning, lemon zest, and any other favorite herbs and spices besides garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Can I use other types of squash for this recipe? Yes, you can use yellow squash or even small butternut squash cut into sections. The cooking time might vary slightly based on the type and size of the squash.

How can I ensure even cooking in the air fryer? Cut the zucchini into even slices and cook in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You might need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Is preheating the air fryer necessary? Preheating helps start the cooking process quickly and evenly, but you can skip this step if your air fryer model doesn’t require preheating.

What’s the best way to serve Hasselback Zucchini? They can be served as a side dish with meat or fish or as a vegetarian main with a grain like quinoa or rice.

Can I prepare Hasselback Zucchini in advance? You can slice and season the zucchini in advance, but it’s best to air fry them just before serving to maintain the best texture.

How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer to maintain crispness

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