Here’s a delicious and easy recipe for Vegan Air Fried Zucchini that you can make in just about 15 minutes. This recipe features a flavorful coating that gives the zucchini a cheesy, garlicky taste without using any dairy.

Ingredients

• 2 small zucchini, diced into ½” pieces
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (or potato starch)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or aquafaba for an oil-free version)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Zucchini: Place the diced zucchini in a large mixing bowl.
2. Mix the Coating: In a separate small bowl, combine the cornstarch, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well.
3. Coat the Zucchini: Pour the seasoning mixture over the zucchini and toss to coat evenly.
4. Add Nutritional Yeast: Add nutritional yeast, salt, and olive oil (or aquafaba) to the bowl. Toss again until all pieces are well coated.
5. Air Frying:

• Preheat your air fryer to 370°F (if required).
• Transfer the coated zucchini to the air fryer basket, spreading them out as much as possible to ensure even cooking.
• Air fry for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket every 3-4 minutes to promote even crispiness.

Serve: Once done, serve immediately while hot. Enjoy your crispy vegan air fried zucchini as a snack or side dish!

Tips

• If you prefer baking, you can also place the coated zucchini on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F for about 20-28 minutes.
• For added flavor, consider serving with a dipping sauce like marinara or hummus.

Creative Dipping Sauces for Vegan Air Fried Zucchini

1. Garlic Cashew Cream Sauce: Blend soaked cashews with garlic, lemon juice, and water for a creamy dip.
2. Vegan Ranch: Combine vegan mayo with herbs like dill and chives, plus a splash of lemon juice.
3. Vegan Sriracha Mayo: Mix vegan mayo with sriracha to taste for a spicy kick.
4. Tomato Sauce: A classic choice that pairs well with the zucchini’s flavors.
5. Hummus: A nutritious option that adds creaminess and flavor.
6. Guacamole: Creamy and rich, it complements the zucchini nicely

Alternative Vegetables for the Recipe

You can use various vegetables instead of zucchini for air frying. Some great alternatives include:

• Eggplant: Cut into similar sizes; it absorbs flavors well.
• Bell Peppers: Sliced into strips; they add sweetness.
• Carrots: Cut into sticks; they provide a crunchy texture.
• Cauliflower or Broccoli Florets: These can be breaded and air-fried for a different flavor profile

Making the Coating Crisper Without Oil

To achieve a crispier coating without using oil:

• Use Aquafaba: The liquid from canned chickpeas can help the coating adhere and crisp up.
• Increase Cornstarch: Adding more cornstarch to the coating mixture can enhance crispiness.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Opt for panko instead of regular breadcrumbs as they create a lighter, crunchier texture

Vegan Parmesan Cheese Substitutes

If you’re looking for vegan parmesan substitutes, consider:

• Nutritional Yeast: It has a cheesy flavor and is rich in B vitamins.
• Cashew Parmesan: Blend cashews with nutritional yeast, garlic powder, and salt until crumbly.
• Store-bought Vegan Parmesan: Many brands offer ready-made options that mimic traditional parmesan cheese

Adjusting Seasoning Without Italian Seasoning

If you don’t have Italian seasoning, you can create your own blend using:

• Dried Oregano
• Dried Basil
• Garlic Powder
• Onion Powder
• Thyme or Rosemary
  Mix these herbs to taste to replicate the flavors of Italian seasoning in your recipe

This recipe is not only quick but also versatile and can be adjusted according to your taste preferences by adding different spices or herbs.