These Air Fryer Zucchini Pizza Bites are a quick, low carb, keto-friendly snack, appetizer, or light meal. They cook in just 6 minutes and deliver all the flavor of pizza without the traditional crust.
Air Fryer Zucchini
Air fryer zucchini is one of the easiest ways to make a fast, flavorful, and low carb dish with very little effort. This recipe turns fresh zucchini slices into mini pizza bites by topping them with marinara, mozzarella cheese, and simple seasonings. The result is tender zucchini with melted, golden cheese and classic pizza flavor in every bite.
Zucchini works especially well in low carb and keto recipes because it has a mild flavor and cooks quickly. It can be used in many different ways, from vegetable sides to pizza-style snacks like this one. In this recipe, the zucchini acts as the base, making it a lighter alternative to bread or pizza dough.
These zucchini pizza bites are perfect for a quick lunch, an easy appetizer, an after-school snack, or a simple side dish with dinner. Since they cook in the air fryer, there is no need to heat the oven, and cleanup is much easier when you use a liner or parchment paper.
Air Fryer Zucchini Ingredients:
This recipe uses a short list of basic ingredients. For the best texture, choose a medium zucchini so the slices fit easily in the air fryer basket and cook evenly.
- Fresh zucchini: A medium-size zucchini works best. Slice it thinly so it becomes tender during the short cooking time.
- Marinara: Use your favorite marinara sauce. If you are following a keto diet, choose a low carb or sugar-free marinara.
- Mozzarella cheese: Shredded mozzarella melts well and gives these bites their classic pizza taste.
- Seasonings: Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper add simple, familiar flavor.
How do you make Zucchini Pizza Bites?
To make zucchini pizza bites, start by slicing the zucchini into 1/4-inch rounds. Thin slices are important because the zucchini needs to soften while the cheese melts. Place the slices in a lined air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not stack the zucchini, as the toppings need direct heat to cook evenly.
Sprinkle the zucchini slices with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add a small spoonful of marinara to each slice, then top with shredded mozzarella cheese. Set the air fryer to 375 degrees F and cook for 6 minutes. After the first 6 minutes, check the zucchini. If the cheese is not golden or the zucchini is not tender, continue cooking in 2-minute increments until done.
The exact cooking time can vary slightly depending on the size of the zucchini slices and the style of air fryer you use. Smaller slices may be ready quickly, while thicker slices may need a few extra minutes.
What temperature do you cook Air Fryer Zucchini?
Cook these air fryer zucchini pizza bites at 375 degrees F. This temperature is hot enough to soften the zucchini and melt the cheese, but not so hot that the cheese burns before the zucchini has time to cook. A higher temperature may brown the topping too quickly while leaving the zucchini too firm.
How long do you cook Zucchini in an Air Fryer?
Start with 6 minutes of cook time. After that, check the texture of the zucchini and the color of the cheese. If needed, cook in additional 2-minute increments until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
Air Fryer Liners
An air fryer liner makes this recipe much easier to clean up. The marinara and melted cheese can drip slightly as the zucchini cooks, so lining the basket helps prevent sticking and mess. You can use a liner made for your air fryer basket or cut parchment paper to fit your specific model.
If you use parchment paper, make sure the zucchini slices weigh it down before starting the air fryer. Loose parchment can move around in the circulating air and may touch the heating element.
Tips for the Best Zucchini Pizza Bites
- Slice the zucchini thinly, about 1/4 inch thick, so it cooks quickly and evenly.
- Arrange the slices in a single layer and avoid overcrowding the basket.
- Use a liner or parchment paper for easier cleanup.
- Choose low carb marinara if you want to keep the recipe keto-friendly.
- Customize the toppings with ingredients you enjoy, such as pepperoni, peppers, onions, black olives, pesto, parmesan, or extra Italian seasoning.
- Watch closely near the end of cooking so the cheese becomes golden without burning.
Other Zucchini Recipes
- Zucchini Lasagna
- Chicken Bacon Ranch Zucchini Boats
- Grilled Zucchini Mozzarella Wraps
- Keto Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry
Easy Air Fryer Recipes
- Keto Chicken Tenders
- Air Fryer Cabbage and Sausage
- Keto Air Fryer Recipes
- Air Fryer Carrot Fries
Air Fryer Zucchini Pizza Bites
Annie Holmes
2
6 mins
6 mins
Ingredients
- 1 medium size zucchini
- Italian seasoning, salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup marinara, low carb if keto
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
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Slice the zucchini into 1/4-inch rounds and place the slices in a lined air fryer basket. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
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Spread about 1/2 tablespoon of marinara on each zucchini slice, then top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
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Heat the air fryer to 375 degrees F. Cook the zucchini for 6 minutes. If needed, continue cooking in 2-minute increments until the cheese is golden and the zucchini is tender.
Notes
Net carbs are 5 g per serving if serving as a meal, based on 2 total servings.
Nutrition
Calories: 172kcal
Carbohydrates: 5.6g
Protein: 10.8g
Fat: 11.5g
Cholesterol: 28mg
Sodium: 401mg
Fiber: 0.6g
Sugar: 2.5g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used only as an approximation.
Additional Info
Appetizer
Keto