Crispy Lemon-Herb Zucchini Coins

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Elevates simple zucchini with bright citrus and herby notes, achieving perfect crunch without breading. This keto (vegetarian) ready in about 27 minutes pairs zucchini, parmesan cheese, fresh thyme for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 120 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a low-carb week and pairs well with cauliflower rice or roasted green vegetables. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.4 (14 ratings) Prep: 12 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 120 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Slice zucchini lengthwise into 1/4-inch thick coins using a mandoline for even thickness.
  2. Step 2: Toss zucchini coins with 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tsp fresh thyme in a bowl until evenly coated.
  3. Step 3: Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket, spacing coins 1/4 inch apart to maximize crispness.
  4. Step 4: Air fry at 375°F for 10 minutes, then flip pieces carefully and cook 5 more minutes until edges are golden and tender when pierced with a fork.
  5. Step 5: Sprinkle with 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese during the last 2 minutes of cooking to melt and crisp slightly.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Crispy Lemon-Herb Zucchini Coins take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (12 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Crispy Lemon-Herb Zucchini Coins?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep zucchini from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Crispy Lemon-Herb Zucchini Coins?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Crispy Lemon-Herb Zucchini Coins for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Crispy Lemon-Herb Zucchini Coins keto?

Yes — this recipe is tagged keto, vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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