Air Fryer Cheesy Zucchini Bites

Grated zucchini, mozzarella and Parmesan are bound with an egg and a little almond flour, shaped into small patties and cooked in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C). The outside turns golden and crisp and the inside stays soft and cheesy. Prep takes 10 minutes, cooking takes 12, and the recipe makes 4 servings.

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They are low in carbs (5g per serving), and the air fryer gets them crisp without a pan of oil or a preheated oven.

What Goes in the Mixture

The full amounts are in the recipe card at the bottom. These are the ingredients that matter most.

• Zucchini (2 medium): grated until you have about two cups. Firm, fresh zucchini gives the best texture, so skip any that feel soft or have blemishes.
• Mozzarella (1 cup) and Parmesan (1/2 cup): mozzarella melts into a creamy center, and Parmesan adds a savory edge.
• Egg (1 large): the binder that holds the bites together.
• Almond flour (1/4 cup): a low-carb flour that keeps the bites light.
• Seasoning: garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt and pepper give the mixture its flavor.

Getting the Bites Crisp

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) while you mix. The mixture should be moist but not too wet. If it feels loose, add a little more almond flour to help it hold together.

Scoop small portions and form them into bite-sized patties. A cookie scoop keeps them an even size, which means they cook at the same rate. Spray the basket lightly with cooking spray and place the bites in a single layer, with space between them so they do not touch.

Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crisp. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Ways to Change Them

• Herbs: a handful of chopped fresh basil or parsley mixed into the batter.
• Cheese: cheddar gives a sharper taste, and feta a tangy one.
• Spice: a pinch of paprika or cayenne pepper adds heat.

Serving Ideas

A salad of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes and cucumbers dressed in olive oil gives the bites a fresh contrast. Guacamole or sour cream work as dips. For a drink, sparkling water with a splash of lemon or herbal tea keeps things low-carb.

Nutrition per Serving

One serving has about 150 calories, 11g of fat (4g saturated), 5g of carbohydrates, 2g of fiber, 2g of sugar, 10g of protein and 300mg of sodium.

FAQ

Can I use frozen zucchini?

Fresh gives the best texture and flavor, but frozen works if you thaw it and drain it well to remove the excess moisture before mixing.

How should leftovers be stored?

Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to bring the crispness back.

What can replace the almond flour?

Coconut flour works, but it absorbs more moisture, so start with a smaller amount and adjust. Crushed pork rinds are another option and give a crunchy texture.

Do I need an air fryer?

A convection oven can stand in, but the air fryer gives the crispest result. Do not crowd the basket. Cook in batches if you need to, because overcrowding leads to uneven cooking and soggy bites.

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Written and edited by The Foodie Yummy Kitchen Team

The Foodie Yummy Kitchen Team writes and edits the recipes on Foodie Yummy: classic American potluck salads, holiday sides and easy comfort food, with a few low-carb options. Every recipe lists exact quantities, numbered steps and a printable recipe card, plus notes on swaps, storage and make-ahead timing. Spot a problem with a recipe? Tell us through the contact page and we will correct it. About us