Lemon-Garlic Zucchini Crisps with Parmesan

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

Crisp, golden-brown zucchini slices infused with bright lemon zest and savory parmesan, perfect as a guilt-free snack or side dish. This Mediterranean recipe (keto, low carb), ready in about 27 minutes, pairs zucchini, olive oil, grated parmesan cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 120 calories and feeds 2, 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 120 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Slice 2 medium zucchinis (about 1.5 lbs) into 1/4-inch thick rounds, patting them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  2. Step 2: In a bowl, toss the zucchini slices with 2 tbsp olive oil, 3 tbsp grated parmesan, 1 tsp lemon zest, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1/4 tsp sea salt until evenly coated.
  3. Step 3: Arrange zucchini slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap. Air fry for 12 minutes at 375°F, shaking the basket gently at the 6-minute mark, until golden brown and crisp at the edges.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Garlic Zucchini Crisps with Parmesan take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 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 Lemon-Garlic Zucchini Crisps with Parmesan?

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 Lemon-Garlic Zucchini Crisps with Parmesan?

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 Lemon-Garlic Zucchini Crisps with Parmesan for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Lemon-Garlic Zucchini Crisps with Parmesan keto?

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

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