EmilyFabulous

  • Home
  • Recipes
    • Easy Dinner Recipes
    • Desserts
    • Sweet Baked Goods
    • Instant Pot & Air Fryer Recipes
      • Instant Pot Recipes
      • Air Fryer Recipes
    • Homemade Syrups, Condiments, Sauces, etc.
  • Cocktails
    • Gin
    • Vodka
    • Tequila
    • Whiskey/Bourbon
    • Brandy/Pisco
  • Holiday Recipes
    • Christmas Recipes
    • Thanksgiving Recipes
    • Halloween Recipes
    • Patriotic Recipes
    • Valentine's Day Recipes
    • Easter Recipes
    • St. Patrick's Day Recipes
  • Easy Recipes, Cocktail Inspiration, and a little bit of fun!
  • Subscribe
  • Recipe Index
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Appetizers & Salads
  • Recipes
  • Cocktails
  • About Me
  • Subscribe
×
Emily Fabulous » Recipes » Instant Pot & Air Fryer Recipes

Air Fryer Zucchini Pesto Bites

Published: Aug 24, 2021 · Modified: Aug 23, 2023 by Emily · This post may contain affiliate links · 30 Comments

Jump to Recipe
zucchini pesto bites on a plate

These 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

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!

Jump to:
  • Why I Love This Recipe
  • Make your Own Pesto or Use Store-Bought
  • How to Make Air Fryer Pesto Zucchini Bites
  • Which Air Fryer I Use to Make Pesto Bites
  • Expert Tips for Air-Frying Zucchini Bites
  • Recipe FAQs
  • Air Fryer Zucchini Pesto Bites

Why I Love This Recipe

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 and my Zucchini Vegan Muffins as well! They are similar to this recipe and you can add any topping you want.

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

How to Make Air Fryer Pesto Zucchini Bites

sliced zucchini with salt and pepper on top.

Step 1: Slice the zucchini into ¼" rounds and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F for 2 minutes.

sliced zucchini in an air fryer.

Step 2: Spray the air fryer with non-stick spray and carefully place as many zucchini slices as you can fit in the basket. Cook at 350° for 4 minutes.

zucchini pesto bite before cooking.

Step 3: Using tongs, remove each zucchini slice from the air fryer. Top each slice with pesto, cheese, and tomato halves.

pesto zucchini bite with mozzarella and tomato.

Step 4: 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.

Which Air Fryer I Use to Make Pesto Bites

I have the COSORI Air Fryer 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.

Expert 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.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use any type of zucchini for this recipe?

Yes, you can use any type of zucchini for this recipe, but it's best to choose small to medium-sized zucchini as they tend to be more tender and have fewer seeds.

Can I use pizza sauce instead of pesto?

Yes, you can substitute pizza sauce for the pesto sauce in this recipe. Use your favorite store-bought sauce or make your own!

Can I use other toppings?

Feel free to get creative with toppings. You can add meat, other vegetables, or fresh herbs.

Can I make this recipe vegan-friendly?

Absolutely! Use vegan cheese or nutritional yeast as a cheese substitute and opt for plant-based toppings.

If you get a chance to make these Air Fryer Zucchini Pesto Bites, tag me on Instagram or Facebook and show me, or leave a review below! You can also follow me on Pinterest and sign up for my e-mail list to receive more fun and delicious recipes in your inbox.

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 52 votes
Print Pin Rate Save Recipe Recipe Saved!
Prep Time: 7 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 235kcal
Author: Emily
Prevent your screen from going dark

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

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.

Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @EmilyFabulous_Blog or tag #emilyfabulous!
QR Code

More Instant Pot & Air Fryer Recipes

  • red chili tamales and side dishes.
    Red Chile Pork Tamales
  • 15 Instant Pot Mexican Recipes.
    15 Instant Pot Mexican Recipes
  • air fryer bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers
    Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers
  • li hing sugared donut
    Li Hing Mui Air Fryer Donuts

Share it!

136 shares
  • Facebook
  • Flipboard

Comments

  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. Angela says

    September 13, 2021 at 5:03 pm

    5 stars
    A great snack with a ton of flavor!

    Reply
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. Priya Maha says

    September 13, 2021 at 4:03 pm

    5 stars
    Love the simplicity of this recipe!

    Reply
  9. 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
  10. 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
  11. 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
  12. 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
  13. 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
Newer Comments »
5 from 52 votes (35 ratings without comment)

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




picture of the author and owner of emilyfabulous.com.

Hi, I'm Emily! I'm excited to share my passions, experiments, and fun with you. I love to cook, bake, create recipes, mix cocktails and try new things!

More about me →

emilyfabulous.com has been featured In pinterest, parade, foodgawker, recipe lion, bon appetit, yummly, msn, foodtalk, flipboard, and more.

Spring Cocktails

  • strawberry rhubarb cocktail on a tray.
    Strawberry Rhubarb Cocktail
  • lemon curd cocktail in a coupe glass.
    Lemon Curd Cocktail Recipe
  • blood orange margarita on the rocks.
    Blood Orange Margarita
  • lilac-cocktail
    Lilac Gin Sour

Most Popular

  • poolish-pizza-dough-round
    Poolish Pizza Dough
  • sourdough bread on a cooling rack.
    Dutch Oven Sourdough Bread
  • baked-chile-rellenos
    Baked Chile Rellenos
  • ciabatta rolls on a plate and sliced in half.
    Easy Ciabatta Rolls Recipe
  • stack of pink crumbl copycat cookies
    Crumbl Cookie Copycat Recipe
  • chocolate peanut butter rice krispie treats
    Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats

Footer

↑ back to top

About

  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclaimer
  • Accessibility Policy

Newsletter

  • Sign Up for emails and updates

Contact

  • About

COPYRIGHT © 2025 EMILY FABULOUS, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
Do not sell my personal information.
Cookie SettingsAccept
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.