Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Zucchini is the savory snack you didn’t know you needed. It’s smoky, crispy, and makes eating vegetables genuinely exciting.
These bite-sized, bacon-wrapped treats are easy to make and hard to resist. They’re perfect as a low-carb side, party appetizer, or anytime snack.
Flavorful Building Blocks for Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Zucchini
- Zucchini – The star of the show; its mild, tender flesh becomes perfectly juicy inside the bacon wrap.
- Bacon – Adds smoky, savory crunch while sealing in flavor and moisture.
- Chili Powder – Brings a subtle heat that complements the richness of bacon.
- Cumin – Lends a warm, earthy note that deepens the seasoning blend.
- Onion Powder – Boosts umami without overpowering the fresh zucchini.
- Garlic Powder – Enhances depth and adds aromatic kick to each bite.
- Oregano – Offers herbaceous brightness to balance the spice.
- Salt & Black Pepper – Elevates all the flavors with a final seasoning touch.
Let’s Get Wrapping: How to Make Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Zucchini
Start by slicing the zucchini into thick, bite-sized rounds and drying them well to avoid sogginess. Mix up the spice blend and toss it generously over the zucchini.
Wrap each piece with a third-slice of bacon, making sure the ends are tucked beneath to prevent unraveling. A toothpick can help if the bacon is stubborn.
Air fry at 400°F in a single layer for 10–15 minutes until the bacon crisps up and the zucchini turns tender. Let them rest briefly before serving for maximum flavor.
Crunchy Tips & Tasty Twists
For ultra-crisp bacon, avoid stacking or crowding in the air fryer. Moisture is the enemy of crunch, so pat the zucchini dry thoroughly. If you love heat, swap chili powder for smoked paprika or cayenne.
These are just as tasty with yellow squash, or even thick-cut mushrooms for variety. Want to go even more gourmet? Add a tiny square of pepper jack cheese beneath the bacon wrap before cooking.
Storing the Good Stuff: How to Keep Leftovers Fresh
Leftover Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Zucchini should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 375°F for 3–5 minutes to revive the crisp texture.
Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve the bacon’s crunch. For longer storage, freeze cooked pieces individually on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag—reheat straight from frozen for a quick snack anytime.
Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Zucchini Bites
Ingredients
- ½ teaspoon Onion Powder
- ½ teaspoon Chili Powder
- ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
- Salt and Black Pepper to taste
- ½ teaspoon Cumin
- ½ teaspoon Oregano
- 6 slices of Bacon each sliced into thirds
- 1 large Zucchini peeled and cut into bite-sized segments
Instructions
- Begin by ensuring all ingredients are at room temperature.
- Rinse and peel the zucchini, then divide it lengthwise into three strips and slice across into bite-sized chunks, approximately ½ inch thick.
- Blot the zucchini pieces thoroughly using paper towels to remove any residual moisture.
- Portion the bacon slices into thirds.
- In a separate bowl, blend together chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper until evenly mixed.
- Transfer the zucchini segments into another bowl and evenly distribute the spice mixture over them, tossing gently to ensure uniform coverage.
- Wrap each zucchini piece with a bacon strip and secure with a toothpick if needed. Continue the process for all pieces.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
- Arrange the bacon-wrapped zucchini in a single layer within the air fryer basket, keeping space between each piece. Position the ends of the bacon downward to help prevent them from unraveling. Remove any toothpicks if desired.
- Cook in the air fryer for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the bacon achieves a crispy, golden hue and the zucchini becomes tender.
- Allow to cool slightly prior to serving. These can be enjoyed on their own or accompanied by a dipping sauce of your choice for added flavor.
