Zucchini Pizza Bites (Air Fryer Or Oven)
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In about 15 minutes, you can serve these easy, keto-friendly, and delicious Zucchini Pizza Bites. They are the perfect snack or appetizer topped with melty cheese, pepperoni and olives. Air fry them for the quickest time or bake them in the oven.
Zucchini Pizza Bites
Here we go again, using my favorite air fryer appliance. It’s hard to believe that mini zucchini pizzas can be so good using this healthy vegetable, although it’s technically a fruit. I’ve topped them with a bit of marinara sauce, some pepperoni slices, some Kalamata olives, shredded mozzarella, and Italian seasoning. I bet you want to make them now, right? So here’s the best part; you don’t need an air fryer to make these because I’ve also included instructions for baking them in the oven.
I love zucchini because it is such a versatile vegetable and it’s so good for you! Not to mention, they have practically zero calories. This is my kind of treat because it can be eaten totally guilt free. Whether served as a snack, appetizer, or for a light lunch, both kids and adults alike will go crazy for these incredibly tasty bites. They will be an absolutely huge hit when served for any game day as well.
Zucchini Pizza Bites Highlights
✅ QUICK AND EASY. It doesn’t get much quicker or easier than this to make. In under 15 minutes, they can be done!
✅ HEALTHY. Made with healthy zucchini, these bites are low carb and keto friendly. Leave out the meat for a meatless option.
✅ DELICIOUS. Everyone loves these delightful morsels. So delicious!
✅ CROWD PLEASER. Bring these to a party or gathering and you’ll be asked for the recipe! Make a double batch as they will not last long.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- ZUCCHINI – Use a large sized zucchini that’s sliced in about ¼ inch thick pieces, or use a couple of smaller sized ones.
- MARINARA – I’ve used some of my homemade marinara sauce. I make it in batches and freeze. Store bought jarred marinara or pizza sauce works fantastic as well.
- PEPPERONI – Use pepperoni sticks and cut them into thin slices, or cut sliced pepperoni in mini pieces.
- OLIVES – Some wonderful sliced black Kalamata olives that are slightly salty and fantastic on a pizza. Omit them if you prefer.
- CHEESE – What’s any pizza without freshly shredded mozzarella cheese. Feel free to mix up different cheeses such as provolone or cheddar.
- SEASONINGS – Use as much or as little Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes to amp up the flavor.
How To Make Zucchini Pizza Bites
AIR FRYER
Start assembling the bites: Spread about a teaspoon of marinara sauce over each zucchini slice. Then top with a few pepperoni slices, and a couple of black olives.
Finish assembling: Place the zucchini slices in the basket of your air fryer and top them with cheese. Sprinkle with some Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes for an extra kick. Since seasoning can be a personal preference, add more or less to taste.
Cook and serve: Turn your air fryer on to 400°F and cook the zucchini pizza bites for 5 minutes or until the cheese has melted. Although not necessary, I like to preheat my air fryer first. Serve immediately.
OVEN
Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F, and line either a medium to large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Start assembling the bites: Spread about a teaspoon of marinara sauce over each zucchini slice. Then top with a few pepperoni slices, and a couple of black olives.
Finish assembling: Place the zucchini pieces on the baking sheet and top them with cheese. Season with some Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Since seasoning can be a personal preference, add more or less to taste.
Bake and serve: Bake the zucchini pizza bites for 8 minutes and then broil them for an additional 3-4 minutes or until golden brown. Serve immediately.
What Can I Serve With Zucchini Pizza Bites?
I love to serve these by themselves as an appetizer or snack. However, if you want to have them for a light lunch, try some side dishes such as a Caesar salad or make a tuna salad sandwich to go with them.
Should You Peel Zucchini?
Don’t peel the zucchini. Yes, it’s tempting to remove the zucchini’s skin, but there is no need to do that. The pizza bites will hold their shape much better with the peel. Also, most of the nutrition is in the skin.
Do You Need To Wash Zucchini?
Moisture is not a friend to your raw zucchinis and can accelerate and diminish the length of its shelf life. Wait until you are ready to use your zucchini before washing it. Zucchini that is stored properly can last anywhere from 4-5 days in the refrigerator.
Expert Tips
- The larger zucchinis are much better for placing the ingredients on top.
- If using medium sized zucchinis, cut them on a diagonal to create a larger surface for placing the toppings on.
- Customize the toppings by using your favorite pizza toppings. Experimenting can be fun!
- Include some black pepper for additional spice.
Leftovers
Zucchini pizza bites are definitely best served hot and fresh, but can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Freezer
Although cooked/blanched zucchini by itself is often frozen, freezing the zucchini pizza bites is not recommended.
More Great Recipes To Try
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Zucchini Pizza Bites
Video
Ingredients
- 1 large zucchini (cut into ¼-inch slices)
- ¼ cup marinara sauce
- ½ cup mini pepperoni (slices)
- ¼ cup black olives (sliced)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese (freshly shredded)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.
Instructions
Air Fryer
- Start assembling the bites: Spread about a teaspoon of marinara sauce over each zucchini slice. Top with a few pepperoni slices, and a couple of black olives.
- Finish assembling: Place the zucchini slices in the basket of your air fryer then top them with cheese. Season with some Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes.
- Cook and serve: Turn your air fryer on to 400°F and cook the zucchini pizza bites for 5 minutes or until the cheese has melted. Serve immediately.
Oven
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F, and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Start assembling the bites: Spread about a teaspoon of marinara sauce over each zucchini slice. Top with a few pepperoni slices, and a couple of black olives.
- Finish assembling: Place the zucchini slices on the baking sheet and top them with cheese. Season with some Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
- Bake and serve: Bake the zucchini pizza bites for 8 minutes and then broil them for an additional 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Serve immediately.
Equipment
Notes
- The larger zucchinis are much better for placing the ingredients on top.
- If using medium sized zucchinis, cut them on a diagonal to create a larger surface for placing the toppings on.
- Customize the toppings by using your favorite pizza toppings. Experimenting can be fun!
- Include some black pepper for additional spice.
- Zucchini pizza bites are definitely best served hot and fresh, but can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Nutrition Information
Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.
These are delicious! I used shredded cheddar because I didn’t have mozzarella, and kalamata olive. Yum!