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Air Fryer Zucchini Pizza Bites are a low-carb, cheesy snack or appetizer made with fresh zucchini, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella—perfect for quick, healthy cravings!

Air Fryer Zucchini Pizza Bites

5 from 4 votes
Author: Laurie Fleming
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 7 minutes
10 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings

Description

Air Fryer Zucchini Pizza Bites are a crispy, low-carb snack ready in just 12 minutes! Fresh zucchini rounds get topped with marinara, melty mozzarella, and pepperoni, then air-fried to bubbly perfection. The secret to non-soggy bites? Salt, dry, and pre-cook — full method below.

Ingredients 

For the Bites:

  • 1 medium zucchini, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ cup pizza sauce, or low-sugar marinara
  • ¾ cup whole-milk mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 24 mini pepperoni slices, about 2 oz

Optional Toppings:

  • Sliced black olives
  • Diced bell pepper
  • Crushed red pepper flakes
  • Grated parmesan
  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions

  • Slice and salt the zucchini. Cut zucchini into ¼-inch rounds. Lay on paper towels in a single layer and sprinkle both sides with kosher salt. Let rest 10 minutes.
  • Pat dry. Press each slice firmly with paper towels to remove the moisture pulled out by the salt. This is essential for crispy bites.
  • Preheat air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for 2 minutes.
  • Pre-cook the zucchini. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil. Arrange zucchini slices in a single layer. Spray tops lightly with oil. Air fry at 380°F for 4 minutes.
  • Add toppings. Carefully remove basket. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of pizza sauce onto each slice (don't overdo it). Sprinkle with mozzarella, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and arrange pepperoni and any other toppings.
  • Final cook. Return to air fryer at 380°F for 3–4 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly with golden edges.
  • Serve immediately. Garnish with fresh basil or red pepper flakes if desired. Best enjoyed hot.

Equipment

Notes

Notes

  • Sogginess prevention: Don't skip the salt-rest-dry step. It's the difference between crispy and limp.
  • Sauce control: Use no more than 1 teaspoon of sauce per slice. Thicker sauces work better than thin marinara.
  • Cheese tip: Freshly shredded whole-milk mozzarella melts smoothest. Pre-shredded contains anti-caking agents.
  • Make ahead: Slices can be salted, dried, and pre-cooked up to 24 hours in advance. Top and finish-cook just before serving.
  • Storage: Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 2–3 minutes (do NOT microwave).
  • Keto-friendly: Use a no-sugar-added pizza sauce like Rao's Homemade for strict keto compliance.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 108kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 10gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 1078mgPotassium: 283mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 341IUVitamin C: 11mgCalcium: 227mgIron: 1mg