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    Home » Recipes

    Air Fryer Zucchini Pesto Bites

    Published: Aug 24, 2021 · Modified: Sep 15, 2022 by Emily · This post may contain affiliate links · 30 Comments

    Air Fryer Zucchini Pesto Bites are low-carb, keto-friendly, easy to make, and delicious! These bites come together in about 15 minutes and can be used as a snack, appetizer, or light meal.

    pesto zucchini bites on a plate with fresh basil cooked in the air fryer
    Jump to Recipe

    Summer is my favorite season for a lot of reasons but one of the biggest reasons is all of the fresh produce we get from our gardens, farmer's markets, or the grocery store!

    Everyone knows when zucchinis are in season, neighbors are trying to give them away and they get much larger on the shelves. These mini Air Fryer Zucchini Pesto Bites are the perfect solution to using up some of that summer zucchini.

    This recipe is keto-friendly, low-carb, kid-friendly, and healthy! And it comes together in about 15 minutes so really you have no excuse not to make these delicious bites.

    If you love zucchini and want another easy recipe, check out my Air Fryer Zucchini Pizza Bites as well! They are similar to this recipe and you can add any topping you want.

    air fryer pesto zucchini bite with mozzarella and tomato

    How to Make Air Fryer Pesto Zucchini Bites

    Slice the zucchini and Preheat the Air Fryer

    Slice the zucchini into ¼" rounds and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Preheat your air fryer at 350°F for 2 minutes.

    Spray the basket and precook the zucchini

    Spray the air fryer basket with non-stick spray and carefully place as many zucchini slices as you can fit in the basket. Cook at 350° for 4 minutes.

    Top zucchini slices with pesto, cheese, and tomatoes

    Using tongs, remove each zucchini slice from the air fryer. Top each slice with pesto, cheese, and tomato halves.

    Cook for an additional 4-5 minutes

    Place the slices back in the air fryer and cook at 350°F for another 4-5 minutes. Remove from the air fryer using the tongs and allow the pesto bites to cool before enjoying.

    Make your Own Pesto or Use Store-Bought

    Homemade pesto is so easy to make and adds another fresh element to this recipe. Check out my recipes for how to make your own pesto.

    You can make Almond Pesto or Carrot Greens Pesto for a twist on the classic recipe. Of course, you can also use your favorite store-bought pesto and these pesto bites will still turn out delicious.

    homemade almond pesto in a jar
    Almond Pesto

    Which Air Fryer I used to Make Pesto Bites

    I have the COSORI Pro Air Fryer Oven Combo and I love it. It does take up some counter space so make sure you have room for it. If you want a smaller option, check out the COSORI Small Air Fryer or an attachment for the Instant Pot.

    Buy on Amazon!

    Tips for Air Frying Zucchini Bites

    • If you want a fresh element to these zucchini bites, add some freshly chopped basil on top before serving.
    • These Zucchini Pesto Bites will become soggy if you let them sit too long. They also are not good for leftovers. Make sure you eat these little bites right away, this is not a recipe to make ahead of time.
    • The first step of softening the zucchini before adding the toppings is an important step to get the zucchini to be just the right texture for these pesto bites.
    • Preheating your air fryer is not always necessary (unless otherwise noted by your manufacturer), but it helps with even cooking and speeds up overall cooking time.

    More Air Fryer Recipes to Check Out

    • Delicious Air Fryer Taquitos made with your favorite filling.
    • Easy Air Fryer Star Donuts for the holidays or just for fun.
    • Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Tenders for the fasted meal ever.
    • Everyone's favorite treat, Air Fryer Tater Tots with endless topping possibilities.
    • Air Fryer Pop Tarts made with fresh berry filling.
    air fryer zucchini pesto bites on a plate
    Click on the image above to PIN for later!
    pesto zucchini bites on a plate with fresh basil

    Air Fryer Zucchini Pesto Bites

    These Air Fryer Zucchini Pesto Bites are the perfect healthy, low-carb snack or appetizer for any occasion.
    5 from 17 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 7 minutes
    Cook Time: 8 minutes
    Total Time: 15 minutes
    Servings: 6 servings
    Calories: 235kcal
    Author: EmilyFabulous

    Equipment

    • Air Fryer
    • tongs
    • aluminum foil

    Ingredients

    • 1 medium zucchini, sliced in ¼" rounds
    • salt and pepper for sprinkling
    • ½ cup pesto sauce
    • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced ( I used pre-sliced from Bel Gioioso)
    • 12 small cherry tomatoes, cut in half

    Instructions

    • Slice the zucchini into ¼" rounds and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Preheat your air fryer at 350°F for 2 minutes.
      sliced zucchini with salt and pepper on top
    • Spray the air fryer basket with non-stick spray and carefully place as many zucchini slices as you can fit in the basket. Cook at 350° for 4 minutes.
      sliced zucchini in an air fryer
    • Using tongs, remove each zucchini slice from the air fryer. Top each slice with pesto, cheese, and a tomato half.
      zucchini pesto bite before cooking
    • Place the slices back in the air fryer and cook at 350°F for another 4-5 minutes. Remove from the air fryer using the tongs and allow the zucchini bites to cool before enjoying.
      pesto zucchini bite with mozzarella and tomato

    Notes

    • These Zucchini Pesto Bites will become soggy if you let them sit too long. They also are not good for leftovers. Make sure you eat these little bites right away, this is not a recipe to make ahead of time.
    • The first step of softening the zucchini before adding the toppings is an important step to get the zucchini to be just the right texture for these zucchini bites.
    • Preheating your air fryer is not always necessary (unless otherwise noted by your manufacturer), but it helps with even cooking and speeds up overall cooking time.
    • Non-stick spray is a must-have when air frying so don’t skip it. Not only does it help the food from sticking to the basket, but it also aids in the crisping of whatever you are air frying. You can use vegetable oil, olive oil, avocado oil, or whatever oil spray you like.
    • Aluminum foil is also a handy tool when air frying for easier clean-up. You will get some residual oil spray at the bottom of your air fryer as well as some food that may fall off. Use a small piece of foil to catch as much as you can.
    • Cooking times and temperatures may vary due to variations in equipment and may require adjustments
    • Always read the instruction manual that came with your Air Fryer and follow all safety guidelines.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 4slices | Calories: 235kcal | Carbohydrates: 9.5g | Protein: 13.3g | Fat: 18.4g | Saturated Fat: 8.4g | Cholesterol: 32mg | Sodium: 365mg | Potassium: 517mg | Fiber: 2.9g | Sugar: 6.7g | Calcium: 263mg | Iron: 1mg

    Any nutrition calculations are only estimates using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.

    DID YOU MAKE THESE AIR FRYER ZUCCHINI PESTO BITES?

    If you make these Air Fryer Zucchini Pesto Bites, don’t forget to leave a comment below. You can also tag me on Instagram and Facebook if you snap a pic.

    Want more fun, easy and delicious recipes? Sign up for my email list and follow me on Pinterest so you never miss a recipe!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Connie says

      September 14, 2021 at 6:19 am

      5 stars
      What a clever way to enjoy zucchini. Anything pesto has my attention!

      Reply
      • Emily says

        September 14, 2021 at 3:24 pm

        Thanks, Connie, and I totally agree! Pesto makes everything better!😁

        Reply
    2. Chef Dennis says

      September 13, 2021 at 9:30 pm

      5 stars
      My family will surely love these Air Fryer Zucchini Pesto Bites!

      Reply
      • Emily says

        September 13, 2021 at 9:49 pm

        I hope they love it!

        Reply
    3. amanda says

      September 13, 2021 at 9:23 pm

      5 stars
      Such a tasty recipe to use for my zucchini!

      Reply
    4. Sabrina says

      September 13, 2021 at 6:36 pm

      5 stars
      So easy and delicious! Great recipe, thanks!

      Reply
    5. Kayla DiMaggio says

      September 13, 2021 at 5:49 pm

      5 stars
      These zucchini pesto bites are delicious! I love quick and easy treats!

      Reply
      • Emily says

        September 13, 2021 at 6:18 pm

        Me too Kayla! I'm so glad you liked them.😁

        Reply
    6. Jessie says

      September 13, 2021 at 5:23 pm

      5 stars
      These were amazing!! My sister and I loved them a perfect little snack.

      Reply
      • Emily says

        September 13, 2021 at 6:17 pm

        I'm so glad you and your sister enjoyed these pesto bites. Thanks for trying the recipe!

        Reply
    7. Angela says

      September 13, 2021 at 5:03 pm

      5 stars
      A great snack with a ton of flavor!

      Reply
    8. Rebecca says

      September 13, 2021 at 4:55 pm

      5 stars
      ohh I love how easy these pesto bites are. such a great way to use some of my garden zucchini

      Reply
      • Emily says

        September 13, 2021 at 6:17 pm

        I totally agree, Rebecca. I hate to waste anything from the garden.

        Reply
    9. Kyleigh says

      September 13, 2021 at 4:49 pm

      5 stars
      Such a great way to use up all my zucchini from my garden!

      Reply
      • Emily says

        September 13, 2021 at 6:17 pm

        Yes! That's exactly why I made this recipe. Gotta love that summer zucchini!

        Reply
    10. Liz says

      September 13, 2021 at 4:49 pm

      5 stars
      I am so mad about pesto and I'm loving this recipe!

      Reply
      • Emily says

        September 13, 2021 at 6:16 pm

        Thanks, Liz. Pesto is one of the best things ever!!

        Reply
    11. Amy Bloodworth says

      September 13, 2021 at 4:46 pm

      5 stars
      Such a delicious combination, love that it uses the air fryer!

      Reply
      • Emily says

        September 13, 2021 at 6:16 pm

        I always look for a reason to use my air fryer!

        Reply
    12. Priya Maha says

      September 13, 2021 at 4:03 pm

      5 stars
      Love the simplicity of this recipe!

      Reply
    13. Audrey says

      September 13, 2021 at 4:03 pm

      5 stars
      These were perfect for the zucchini a neighbor gave me from their garden! Such a yummy air fryer recipe.

      Reply
      • Emily says

        September 13, 2021 at 4:29 pm

        So glad to hear it, Audrey. Gotta love those neighbors who give away their veggies!

        Reply
    14. Jacque Hastert says

      September 13, 2021 at 3:38 pm

      5 stars
      These were amazing! I made them for our football watch party last night and they were a hit! I will be using my garden zucchini to make another batch of these asap!

      Reply
      • Emily says

        September 13, 2021 at 4:30 pm

        Thanks, Jacque! Such a good idea for football season. I'm so glad everyone liked them.

        Reply
    15. Amanda Dixon says

      September 13, 2021 at 3:28 pm

      5 stars
      This was such a fun way to use up some zucchini! I love the flavor the pesto added.

      Reply
      • Emily says

        September 13, 2021 at 4:30 pm

        Thanks for trying out the recipe, I'm happy to hear you liked it.🙂

        Reply
    16. Carrie Robinson says

      September 13, 2021 at 3:09 pm

      5 stars
      Such a fun idea for an appetizer! And I love that these are made in the air fryer. 🙂

      Reply
      • Emily says

        September 13, 2021 at 4:31 pm

        Air fryers are the best!! Enjoy!

        Reply
    17. Andrea says

      September 13, 2021 at 2:55 pm

      5 stars
      Oh are these a perfect appetizer, snack for my family. I love that they are made in the air fryer and just how easily they come together.

      Reply
      • Emily says

        September 13, 2021 at 4:31 pm

        Easy is best when you are trying to feed a family. I hope everyone loves them.

        Reply

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