Air Fryer Parmesan Zucchini Foil Packets (Easy Side Dish)
These Air Fryer Parmesan Zucchini Foil Packets feature tender zucchini tossed with garlic, lemon, herbs, olive oil, butter, and Parmesan cheese. Cooked in foil in the air fryer, this easy vegetable side dish is flavorful, simple to prepare, and perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchini sliced into ¼-inch rounds
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese divided
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 medium lemon juiced and zested
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter melted
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon salt or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese as desired
- A pinch of red pepper flakes if desired
Instructions
- Slice the Zucchini: Wash and dry the zucchini, trim off the ends, and cut into uniform ¼-inch rounds. Keeping the slices evenly sized helps them cook at the same rate.
- Season the Zucchini: Place the zucchini in a large mixing bowl. Add the olive oil, melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, dried basil, dried parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Toss until evenly coated, then mix in most of the Parmesan cheese.
- Assemble the Foil Packets: Cut four 12-inch sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Divide the seasoned zucchini evenly among the sheets, arranging the slices in the center. Sprinkle the reserved Parmesan over the zucchini.
- Seal the Packets: Bring the long sides of each foil sheet together over the zucchini and fold them down twice to seal. Fold and crimp the shorter ends, leaving a little room inside for steam to circulate.
- Air Fry the Zucchini: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F for 3–5 minutes, following the manufacturer's instructions. Place the foil packets in a single layer in the basket, seam side up. Air-fry for 15–25 minutes, checking after 15 minutes. The zucchini should be tender but still have a slight bite. Cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer and the thickness of the slices.
- Open and Serve: Carefully remove the packets from the air fryer and let them rest for 1 minute. Open the foil away from your face and hands to avoid hot steam. Finish with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley, if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- Cut the zucchini into uniform ¼-inch rounds for even cooking.
- Use heavy-duty aluminum foil to help prevent tearing.
- Avoid overfilling the packets so the zucchini cooks evenly.
- Check for tenderness after 15 minutes because air fryer cooking times vary.
- Follow your air fryer's instructions for safe foil use. Keep the foil secured and away from the heating element.
- Open the packets carefully because hot steam can escape.
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
- Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes or until warmed through.
- Freezing is not recommended because zucchini can become watery and soft after thawing.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Protein: 7 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fat: 11 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
Important: These nutrition values are estimates, not verified calculations. The actual values depend on the exact ingredients and quantities used