
Mediterranean cooking caught my eye when I first went to Italy. At home, my air fryer's become a game-changer for making sunny flavors easily. These parmesan-coated grilled veggies are my go-to trick for tasty, quick weeknight meals. The crunchy cheese pairs wonderfully with tender vegetables, and my kids can't get enough of this colorful dish that reminds us of vacation time.
Garden Fresh Ingredients
For two hearty servings, I grab a firm zucchini around 400g. I throw in a red onion for sweetness and three cloves of garlic for amazing smell. Tomatoes make this dish special - either ripe regular ones or cherry tomatoes that get super sweet when cooked. The herbs really transform everything - dried thyme and basil release wonderful smells during cooking. A splash of good olive oil and freshly grated parmesan finish things off perfectly. Sometimes I swap half the zucchini for a small eggplant just to mix things up.
My Foolproof Approach
I start by slicing the zucchini into rounds and cutting the onion into half-moons. For tomatoes, I chop them up, but leave cherry ones whole so they burst nicely while cooking. Everything goes in the air fryer basket with crushed garlic, herbs, salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. I toss it all so every veggie gets coated in all that goodness. The magic happens at 200°C for 20 minutes. I stir occasionally for even cooking. My favorite part comes with two minutes left when I sprinkle lots of parmesan on top, creating an irresistible golden crust.
Perfect Pasta Pairing
While the veggies cook, I boil some tortiglioni. I love these short pasta shapes that trap tiny bits of vegetables and flavorful juices perfectly. About 250g works for two people, cooked al dente in well-salted water according to package timing. I put the veggies right on top of the pasta and pour over all those tasty cooking juices that flavor the whole dish.

Creative Twists and Tips
You can really change this recipe however you want. When I need more protein, I toss in chickpeas or feta cubes that work great with these veggies. After farmers market trips, I might add bell peppers or mushrooms depending what's in season. Spices can change too. A bit of smoked paprika gives it a lovely Spanish touch. No air fryer? Don't worry - a regular oven works fine at 200°C for 25 minutes. I love how this dish adjusts to my mood and whatever's in the fridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I swap out the vegetables?
- Absolutely! Feel free to use peppers, eggplants, or mushrooms. Adjust the cooking time based on thickness.
- → How can I store the veggies?
- Pop them in an airtight container in the fridge. They'll stay good for up to 3 days. Reheat them in your Air Fryer for a couple of minutes to crisp them up again.
- → Is there a substitute for parmesan?
- Totally! You can go with mozzarella or pecorino instead. Each cheese adds its own unique flavor.
- → Should I preheat my Air Fryer?
- No need to preheat! The Air Fryer heats up fast, and your veggies will cook perfectly without it.
- → Can I double the recipe?
- That depends on your Air Fryer size. Don't overcrowd the basket or the veggies won't cook evenly. Just do multiple batches if needed.