
I got hooked on Mediterranean food after my first Italian trip. Now my air fryer helps me bring those sunny flavors home. These parmesan-coated veggies have become my weeknight dinner hack. The cheese gets so crispy while the vegetables stay tender inside. My kids can't get enough of this colorful dish that reminds us of summer vacations.
What You'll Need
For two hearty servings, grab a firm zucchini around 400g. Throw in a red onion for sweetness and three cloves of garlic for amazing aroma. You'll need ripe tomatoes - either regular or cherry ones that get super sweet when cooked. Dried thyme and basil make all the difference as they release their flavor while cooking. Don't forget a drizzle of good olive oil and freshly grated parmesan to finish things off. Sometimes I swap half the zucchini for a small eggplant just to mix things up.
The Foolproof Process
First, I slice the zucchini into rounds and cut the onion into half-moons. For tomatoes, I chop them up, except cherry ones which I leave whole so they burst nicely when cooking. Everything goes in the air fryer basket with crushed garlic, herbs, salt, pepper, and olive oil. I toss it all together making sure every vegetable gets coated. Then the magic happens at 200°C for 20 minutes. I stir occasionally for even cooking. My favorite part comes two minutes before finishing when I sprinkle plenty of parmesan on top - it forms this golden crust that's impossible to resist.
Perfect Pasta Pairing
While the veggies cook, I boil some tortiglioni. I love how these short pasta shapes catch all the tiny vegetable bits and flavorful juices. About 250g works for two people, cooked al dente in heavily salted water following package directions. I serve the vegetables right on top of the pasta and pour over all those tasty cooking juices to flavor the whole dish.

Tips and Tasty Twists
You can really change this dish however you want. When I need more protein, I toss in some chickpeas or feta cheese cubes that go great with these veggies. On market days, I might switch in bell peppers or mushrooms depending what's in season. The spices can change too. A bit of smoked paprika gives it a wonderful Spanish flair. And if you don't have an air fryer, don't worry - a regular oven works fine at 200°C for about 25 minutes. I love how this dish adapts to whatever mood I'm in or what's waiting in my fridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I switch out the veggies?
- Of course! Try peppers, eggplant, or mushrooms but adjust the cook time for thicker pieces.
- → What's the best way to store leftovers?
- Keep them fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. A quick 2-3 minute Air Fryer reheat will crisp them up again.
- → Can I use a different cheese?
- Definitely! Pecorino or shredded mozzarella are great alternatives, each bringing its own unique taste.
- → Should I preheat the Air Fryer?
- No need for that! It heats super fast, and the veggies cook just fine without it.
- → Can I double the ingredients?
- Depends on your Air Fryer size. Avoid crowding the basket to let air circulate. If needed, cook in separate batches.