Air Fryer Buffalo Zucchini

1. Selection of Fresh Zucchinis: Start by selecting fresh zucchinis from your local market or grocery store. Look for zucchinis that are firm to the touch, have smooth skin, and are free from soft spots or blemishes. Fresh zucchinis will provide the best flavor and texture.

Discover the delicious and healthy Buffalo Zucchini Bites, a perfect appetizer that captures the essence of classic buffalo wings while swapping in nutritious zucchini. These air-fried bites are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making them an exciting snack for any gathering. Packed with spices and topped with tangy buffalo sauce, they offer a bold flavor without compromising health. Try this simple recipe and impress your guests with a tasty twist on a beloved favorite!

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Ingredients

2 medium zucchinis, sliced into rounds

1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 large egg

1/2 cup buffalo sauce (plus extra for drizzling)

Optional: chopped green onions or ranch dressing for serving

Instructions

Prepare the Zucchini: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. While it's heating, wash and slice the zucchinis into even rounds, about 1/4 inch thick for optimal crisping.

Make the Breading Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until evenly distributed.

Prepare the Egg Wash: In another bowl, whisk the egg until beaten. Add half of the buffalo sauce to the egg and mix until combined.

Coat the Zucchini: Dip each zucchini round in the egg wash, allowing any excess to drip off, then coat it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to assure the crumbs stick. Repeat until all zucchini pieces are coated.

Air Fry the Zucchini: Place a single layer of coated zucchini rounds in the air fryer basket, making sure they aren’t overcrowded for even cooking. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

Add Buffalo Sauce: Once cooked, carefully place the zucchini bites in a large bowl and drizzle them with the remaining buffalo sauce. Toss gently to ensure each piece is well-coated.

Serve & Enjoy: Transfer the buffalo zucchini bites to a serving platter. If desired, top with chopped green onions for an extra pop of flavor and serve with ranch dressing on the side for dipping.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 30 minutes | 4 servings