What are zucchini garlic bites and how do you make them?

Zucchini garlic bites are small, savory snacks made from shredded zucchini mixed with garlic, Parmesan cheese, herbs, and breadcrumbs. The mixture is shaped into balls or patties and baked or air-fried until crispy. They are often served with marinara sauce for dipping, making a flavorful Italian-inspired appetizer or side dish.

Can I cook zucchini garlic bites in an air fryer?

Yes, zucchini garlic bites can be air fried for a quick and crispy finish. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C), place the bites in the basket with space between each, and cook for 10-15 minutes. Shake or flip them halfway through to ensure even browning. They should be golden and crisp on the outside when done.

How can I make zucchini garlic bites gluten-free?

To make gluten-free zucchini garlic bites, replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or alternatives like almond meal or crushed gluten-free crackers. This substitution maintains the texture while keeping the bites safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

Is it possible to prepare zucchini garlic bites ahead of time and freeze them?

Yes, you can prepare and freeze zucchini garlic bites. After baking, allow them to cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, reheat them in a preheated oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) until heated through and crispy, typically about 10-15 minutes.

What can I use if I don’t have fresh herbs or Parmesan cheese?

If fresh herbs aren’t available, substitute with dried herbs using about half the quantity since they are more concentrated. For Parmesan, you can try other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or a similar aged cheese. Soft cheeses can be used but may alter the texture, so consider adding extra binding agents like breadcrumbs.

Zucchini Garlic Bites Recipe For Quick Tasty Appetizers

Name: Zucchini Garlic Bites
Prep time: 12 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 cup shredded zucchini, drained well; 1 clove garlic, grated fine; 1/3 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese; 1 large egg; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives (or 1 tablespoon dried chives); 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (or 1/2 tablespoon dried parsley); 1 teaspoon chopped fresh basil (or 1/2 teaspoon dried basil); 1 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano (or 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano); Pinch of salt and pepper; Marinara sauce for dipping

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup shredded zucchini, drained well

1 clove garlic, grated fine

1/3 cup breadcrumbs

1/4 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

1 large egg

2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives (or 1 tablespoon dried chives)

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (or 1/2 tablespoon dried parsley)

1 teaspoon chopped fresh basil (or 1/2 teaspoon dried basil)

1 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano (or 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano)

Pinch of salt and pepper

Marinara sauce for dipping

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1-Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 400°F. Lightly coat a baking sheet with olive oil or non-stick spray and set it aside to get ready for baking.

2-Grate the zucchini: Grate the zucchini and place it in a clean towel. Roll up the towel and twist to wring out as much moisture as possible for crispy results.

3-Grate the garlic: Grate the garlic finely to release its full aroma and mix it into the other ingredients.

4-Combine ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded zucchini, garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, chives, parsley, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well until it’s evenly blended.

5-Shape the mixture: Shape the mixture into small balls, using about one tablespoon for each, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

6-Bake and serve: Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until the bites are golden brown. Serve them warm with marinara sauce for dipping.

Last Step:

Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.

Notes

💧 Squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the shredded zucchini for crispy bites.
🍳 Air fryer option: Cook at 375°F for 10 to 15 minutes, shaking basket halfway through.
❄️ Freeze baked bites by flash freezing on a sheet, then store in a freezer bag for up to 4 months; reheat at 400°F for 10-15 minutes.

Author: Brandi Oshea
Prep Time: 12 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Category: Appetizer, Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 bites