Description
These crispy zucchini garlic bites are a delicious blend of shredded zucchini, cheese, garlic, and herbs—baked or air fried to perfection for a light, crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 medium zucchini, grated
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (panko recommended)
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (or ½ tsp garlic powder)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil, chopped
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Olive oil spray (for baking or air frying)
Instructions
- Grate zucchini and sprinkle with salt. Let sit for 10 minutes.
- Use a clean towel to squeeze out as much moisture as possible.
- In a bowl, mix zucchini, egg, breadcrumbs, cheeses, garlic, herbs, and pepper.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions and form into balls or patties.
- Place on parchment-lined baking sheet and spray lightly with olive oil.
- Oven: Bake at 400°F for 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway. Air fryer: Cook at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway.
- Serve warm with marinara, ranch, or garlic aioli.
Notes
- Use a cheesecloth or clean kitchen towel for best moisture removal.
- Add chili flakes for a spicy version.
- Swap mozzarella with cheddar or pepper jack for flavor variety.
- Make ahead: shape and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Freeze after baking for easy reheating later.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking, Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 bites
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: crispy zucchini garlic bites, baked zucchini bites, vegetarian appetizer, zucchini recipe, air fryer zucchini snacks