1. Prepare the Zucchini:
1.1 Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. Preheating helps ensure even cooking.
1.2 Slice the Zucchini:
- Slice the zucchinis into 1/4-inch thick rounds. If your zucchini is large, you may want to cut the rounds in half for bite-sized pieces.
1.3 Season the Zucchini:
- Pat the zucchini slices dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps them crisp up better in the air fryer.
1.4 Toss with Olive Oil:
- In a bowl, toss the zucchini slices with olive oil, salt, and pepper until well coated.
2. Air Fry the Zucchini:
2.1 Arrange in the Basket:
- Arrange the zucchini slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
2.2 Air Fry:
- Air fry the zucchini at 375°F (190°C) for 6-8 minutes, or until they are tender and slightly crispy. Shake the basket halfway through cooking for even results.
3. Add Pizza Toppings:
3.1 Top with Sauce:
- Remove the zucchini from the air fryer and spoon a small amount of marinara sauce onto each slice. Spread it out slightly but leave room around the edges for the cheese.
3.2 Add Cheese and Seasonings:
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese on top of the sauce. Add dried oregano, basil, garlic powder, and onion powder for extra flavor.
3.3 Add Optional Toppings:
- If you’re using additional toppings like pepperoni, bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives, add them on top of the cheese.
4. Air Fry Again:
4.1 Cook the Topped Zucchini:
- Return the topped zucchini slices to the air fryer. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the toppings are heated through.
5. Serve:
5.1 Serve Hot:
- Remove the zucchini pizza bites from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. Serve warm as a delicious snack or appetizer.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Zucchini Pizza Bites:
- Pat Dry: Ensure the zucchini slices are dry before adding oil and seasoning for a crispier result.
- Single Layer: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure each slice cooks evenly.
- Customize: Feel free to customize the toppings to your preference. You can use any pizza toppings you like!
Enjoy these Air Fryer Zucchini Pizza Bites as a healthy, flavorful alternative to traditional pizza. They’re sure to be a hit with everyone looking for a lighter, veggie-packed snack!