Crispy Parmesan Zucchini Rounds

📝 Crispy Parmesan Zucchini Rounds 🥒🧀✨

Hey there, veggie lovers! Today’s recipe is all about turning humble zucchini into irresistible, crunchy bites 🎉. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or side dish—these Crispy Parmesan Zucchini Rounds will have everyone asking for seconds! 😍

🛒 Ingredients

• 2 medium zucchini (about 1 lb), sliced into ¼″ rounds

• 2 Tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil) 🫒

• ⅓ cup panko breadcrumbs (for max crunch)

• ⅓ cup grated vegan Parmesan (or regular Parmesan if not vegan) 🧀

• 1 tsp garlic powder 🧄

• ¼ tsp onion powder 🧅

• ½ tsp Italian seasoning 🌿

• ½ tsp fine sea salt 🧂

• ¼ tsp black pepper 🖤

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) 🌱

• Lemon wedges 🍋 (optional, for serving)

🔪 Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep

   • Preheat your oven to 425 °F (220 °C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

   • Pat zucchini rounds dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.

2. Make the Crispy Coating

   • In a shallow bowl, combine panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

3. Coat the Zucchini

   • Lightly brush both sides of each zucchini slice with olive oil.

   • Press each slice into the breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides. Shake off any excess.

4. Bake to Perfection

   • Arrange coated rounds in a single layer on the prepared sheet—don’t overcrowd!

   • Bake for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crisp at the edges.

5. Garnish & Serve

   • Transfer to a serving platter. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and squeeze over lemon, if using.

   • Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce—marinara, ranch, or aioli all work beautifully! 😋

💡 Tips & Variations

• Air Fryer Option: Air-fry at 380 °F for 8–10 minutes, shaking basket halfway through.

• Spicy Kick: Add ¼ tsp cayenne or red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mix. 🔥

• Herb Swap: Try fresh basil or oregano in place of Italian seasoning.

• Cheesy Upgrade: Stir 1 Tbsp nutritional yeast into the breadcrumbs for an extra savory punch.

• Make‑Ahead: Prep and bread zucchini slices up to 4 hours ahead; refrigerate until ready to bake.

📊 Nutrition (approx. per serving, serves 4)

• Calories: ~120 kcal

• Fat: 6 g

• Carbs: 13 g

• Fiber: 2 g

• Protein: 4 g