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–+ servings
5 from 3 votes
A large green platter with spaghetti and zucchini meatballs in marinara with parsley on top
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Zucchini “Meatballs” - Air Fryer Version
Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
30 mins
Total Time
50 mins
 
These zucchini "meatballs" are a perfect meal to serve to friends and family of all different eating lifestyles. They are a fantastic stand in for traditional meatballs in texture and are a little better for you than all beef or pork meatballs from a health standpoint.
Course: Entrées, Appetizers/Snacks
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Vegetarian
Servings: 4 makes 12 meatballs
Calories: 242 kcal
Ingredients
  • Olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons grated onion
  • 2 cups grated packed zucchini (about 2 medium zucchini)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup dried breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan Reggiano cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
  • 2 eggs beaten
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 cups Quick Marinara Sauce or jarred sauce
Instructions
  1. Line a colander with a clean kitchen towel. Add the grated zucchini and onions. Sprinkle the salt over top and let the colander sit in the sink for 10 minutes to draw out the moisture. Wring the kitchen towel tightly to squeeze out the water.
  2. Transfer the zucchini to a bowl and add the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, oregano, parsley and eggs. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Mix until well combined.
  3. Shape and roll the mixture into 12 balls. Pour two big glugs of olive oil on a baking sheet. Place the shaped balls on the baking sheet and roll to coat all sides with olive oil.

  4. Air-fry at 375°F for 20 minutes. Rotate or turn the meatballs a once or twice during the cooking process to evenly brown all side of the balls.

  5. Bring the quick tomato sauce to a simmer on the stovetop and add the zucchini “meatballs” to the pan.
  6. Sprinkle the fresh basil over top. Serve the zucchini “meatballs” over pasta, with toasted Italian bread, or on their own with ricotta or Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Zucchini “Meatballs” - Air Fryer Version
Amount Per Serving (3 meatballs)
Calories 242 Calories from Fat 72
% Daily Value*
Fat 8g12%
Saturated Fat 3g15%
Trans Fat 1g
Cholesterol 93mg31%
Sodium 1361mg57%
Potassium 779mg22%
Carbohydrates 31g10%
Fiber 4g16%
Sugar 10g11%
Protein 14g28%
Vitamin A 1046IU21%
Vitamin C 28mg34%
Calcium 243mg24%
Iron 4mg22%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.