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Six baked zucchini pizza bites topped with melted cheese and pepperoni slices, ready to eat.

Amazing 25-Minute Zucchini Pizza Bites

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Written by Alex Hayes

February 1, 2026

If you’re anything like me, sometimes you just need pizza, but you don’t want that heavy, doughy feeling afterward. That’s where I discovered sheer genius! For years, I avoided my pizza cravings because of the carbs, but finding smart swaps changed everything. Introducing my favorite solution: the Ultimate Easy Air Fryer Zucchini Pizza Bites Recipe (Low-Carb & Keto Friendly). These little *zucchini pizza bites* take all the deliciousness of a classic slice—the sauce, the melted cheese, the savory pepperoni—and ditch what you don’t want. They are pure cooking joy, guaranteed, and they fit perfectly alongside my other simple great appetizer ideas!

Why These Zucchini Pizza Bites Are Your New Go-To Snack

I’m telling you, these aren’t just another vegetable appetizer; these *healthy zucchini pizza bites* hit that pizza spot perfectly without weighing you down. They are fast—seriously, we are talking under 30 minutes start to finish—which makes them ideal for those sudden cravings or when you need *quick zucchini appetizers* for unexpected guests.

  • Ready in under 30 minutes, thanks to the speedy air fryer!
  • They make the absolute best party appetizer—everyone always asks for the recipe.
  • They are wonderfully crispy on the outside but still tender inside.

Perfect for Low Carb and Keto Lifestyles

If you follow a low-carb or keto way of eating, you know the struggle of finding good pizza alternatives. Well, these are your salvation! By using the zucchini slice as the base instead of heavy dough, these become amazing *low carb zucchini bites*. You get savory flavor and melted cheese without that carb crash. It’s such a simple swap that feels like cheating!

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Zucchini Pizza Bites

Okay, let’s talk about what you actually need to bring these little pizza masterpieces to life. The ingredient list is short, which is part of why I love them so much! I’ve broken them down based on what works best for the base versus the topping. Remember, amazing flavor starts with quality ingredients, even for something this simple.

For the zucchini base, you’ll need two small-to-medium zucchini—and please, pick ones that are firm! We are using one large egg, lightly beaten, and for that low-carb magic, make sure you have 1/4 cup of your almond flour measured out and packed just a little bit.

The flavor comes from 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese—and here’s my little tip—use the good, drier stuff, not the pre-shredded bag if you can help it. That real Parmesan really ramps up the savory notes! We season simply with 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

For the toppings, keep it classic: 1/2 cup of your favorite pizza sauce, 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella, and maybe a few mini pepperoni slices if you’re feeling extra decadent! That’s it! Easy peasy.

Ingredient Notes and Smart Substitutions

Since these *zucchini pizza bites* are designed to be lower in carbs, that almond flour in the coating is doing all the heavy lifting where bread usually sits. If you are making this for someone who isn’t strictly following keto, you could swap the almond flour for regular all-purpose flour, but keep in mind it will change the texture slightly.

When it comes to toppings, feel free to get creative! If you don’t like pepperoni, little bits of diced ham, crumbled cooked sausage, or even finely chopped mushrooms work wonderfully on these *keto zucchini pizza* bases. But promise me you’ll use a firm zucchini; that’s the number one way to ensure a crispy bite when you’re figuring out *how to make zucchini pizza bites* that don’t get watery!

How to Make Easy Zucchini Pizza Bites in the Air Fryer

This process is so straightforward, and honestly, the air fryer does most of the hard work for us! We’re aiming for a total active air frying time of about 12 to 14 minutes before we even add the toppings. But listen closely, because the prep stage is where we lock in that crispy texture we crave. If you’ve messed up *zucchini pizza bites* before and ended up with a soggy mess, I promise you the next few steps are the difference-maker.

First things first, you absolutely must preheat that air fryer! Set it to 375°F (190°C) and give it a quick spray with cooking oil. You want it hot and ready before anything goes in. Also, if you’re looking for other fast, crispy air fryer magic, check out my guide on air fryer chicken wings—the principles of heat circulation are similar! People always rave about how crispy these come out, just like the excellent tips you can find at sites like Recipes Molly.

The Crucial Step: Removing Moisture from Zucchini

We cannot skip the salt bath! Zucchini is basically a water balloon waiting to burst in the oven. Slice your rounds about a quarter-inch thick, sprinkle them gently with salt, and let them sit for ten minutes. That salt pulls the water out. Then, you must pat them bone dry with paper towels. This step is non-negotiable if you want actual, crispy *zucchini pizza bites* instead of mini vegetable pancakes!

Coating and First Air Fry Cycle for Zucchini Pizza Bites

While those zucchini slices are sweating out their moisture, mix up your coating—that egg, Parmesan, almond flour blend. Dip each dried slice completely into the mixture. Now, this is important for air frying: place the coated slices into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Don’t let them touch! Work in batches if you have to. Air fry them for about 8 to 10 minutes, flipping them gently halfway through. You’re looking for them to turn a beautiful, lightly golden brown around the edges.

Topping and Melting Cheese for the Best Zucchini Pizza Bites

Once those bases come out of the first round of air frying, they should have a nice structure—they’ve firmed up beautifully! Now comes the fun part where we turn our crispy zucchini discs into amazing *cheesy zucchini snacks*. Be mindful when you top them:

  • Start with just a teaspoon or so of pizza sauce—you don’t want too much liquid sitting on the base.
  • Follow that up with your mozzarella, and then those mini pepperoni slices if you’re adding them.

After topping, we return them to the fryer for just a quick blast. We only need 2 to 4 minutes more at that same 375°F. We are just aiming for bubbly, perfectly melted cheese, not sizzling hot sauce that might soak through. If you saw the great tips over at 5 Recipes, they often recommend keeping the topping layer thin—and I agree! Pull them out as soon as that cheese gets gooey, serve immediately, and enjoy the perfection!

Tips for Success When Making Zucchini Pizza Bites

Even though these *zucchini pizza bites* are so simple, a couple of small things can make the difference between ‘pretty good’ and ‘absolute perfection.’ My biggest piece of advice, which I learned the hard way, is to keep your zucchini slice thickness super consistent. If some are thin and some are thick, they won’t cook evenly, and you’ll end up with sad, slightly raw centers on the thick ones. Aim for that 1/4 inch mark!

Now, if your air fryer is truly tiny or you don’t have one, don’t sweat it! These are still delicious baked. Just lay them out on parchment paper on a simple baking sheet—you can read about my favorite weeknight dinner setup sometime—and pop them into a 400°F oven for about 15 to 20 minutes total. You’ll still top them halfway through, just like the air fryer method.

The key takeaway is: drain that water, keep the heat high, and don’t overcrowd the basket. That’s how we guarantee a great *guilt free pizza bite* every single time.

Serving Suggestions for Your Zucchini Pizza Bites

Part of the joy of making these *quick healthy snacks* is deciding what to serve them with! While they are perfectly happy just sitting there all cheesy and glorious on their own, I always like to have a little something for dipping. A side of extra marinara sauce is always a hit, but if you’re feeling fancier, try a simple homemade ranch dressing. You can find my recipe for easy homemade Alfredo sauce, but for ranch, just stir in some dried herbs into sour cream and mayo!

If you’re making these as a lighter lunch or dinner substitute, they work beautifully next to a small, crisp green salad tossed in a bright vinaigrette. That freshness cuts right through the cheesy richness. Honestly, they are so versatile, whether they are an appetizer or the main feature!

Storage and Meal Prep for Zucchini Pizza Bites

I know that sometimes we can’t eat all 24 bites in one sitting—or maybe you’re one of those brilliant people who plans ahead! These turn into awesome *meal prep zucchini bites* if you store them right. Once they are completely cooled down, you need to put them into an airtight container.

I stick mine in the fridge, where they do well for about two to three days. Any longer than that, and honestly, the zucchini might start getting a little soft, even though we did that salty step! If you’re reheating them, skip the microwave if you can. A short blast in a toaster oven or even back in the air fryer for just three minutes at 350°F brings back the crisp edges beautifully. It’s easy! You can check out my favorite egg muffin meal prep recipe for other quick grab-and-go ideas for the week!

Frequently Asked Questions About Zucchini Pizza Bites

I get so many questions about these little guys! Since everyone wants their *zucchini pizza bites* to turn out perfect, I wanted to quickly cover the common hurdles people face. If you’re still wondering exactly *how to make zucchini pizza bites* that never get soggy, the answer is always that salting step—you just have to trust me on that one!

Can I use regular all-purpose flour instead of almond flour?

Yes, you absolutely can! If you aren’t worried about keeping them strictly low-carb or keto, regular AP flour works just fine in the coating mixture. Just remember that almond flour gives a slightly nuttier flavor and a texture that holds up really well against the moisture from the zucchini. It’s a subtle difference, but worth noting!

Are these zucchini pizza snacks suitable for toddlers?

They really are! Because they are low-carb and veggie-packed, they make amazing *fun toddler snacks zucchini* when you prepare them right. Just make sure to either skip the red pepper flakes if you add any spice to your sauce, and maybe chop the pepperoni into really small, manageable pieces. Or, skip the pepperoni entirely and load up on extra mozzarella!

What if I need to make a really big batch for a party?

For a party, you’ll definitely be working in batches in the air fryer, which takes time. My advice is to complete the first air fry cycle (the one where the zucchini bases are cooked but not yet topped) ahead of time. Store those cooked bases on a plate until you’re ready to serve, then just add the toppings and finish them in the air fryer for those final few minutes. This keeps your timing flexible!

Nutritional Snapshot of These Guilt Free Pizza Bites

I know that for many of us, knowing what goes into our bodies is just as important as flavor! These *guilt free pizza bites* are super light, especially compared to carrying around a heavy slice of bread-based pizza. Based on the recipe above (using almond flour and standard amounts of cheese), one serving—about four little bites—comes in around 150 calories, with about 8 grams of carbs (and 2 grams of those are filling fiber!).

Here is a quick estimate of what you’re looking at per serving:

  • Calories: ~150
  • Fat: ~9g
  • Carbohydrates: ~8g
  • Protein: ~10g

Now, keep in mind this is just great guidance. If you load up on extra mozzarella or use fattier pepperoni, that number shifts! You can always check out my full disclosure policy for more on what these estimates mean. But overall, this is a fantastic, macro-friendly snack!

Share Your Zucchini Pizza Bites Creations

I truly love seeing what you whip up in your kitchens! When you make these *mini pizza zucchini*, please don’t just disappear! I’d be so thrilled if you came back here and left a star rating so other home cooks know they’re delicious. If you snap a photo, share it with me over on Facebook—you can tag us there or find us on our main page. I pop over to look at everyone’s cooking adventures regularly. Let’s keep that pure cooking joy going! Find more inspiration on my latest blog posts!

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Easy Air Fryer Zucchini Pizza Bites (Low-Carb & Keto Friendly)

Close-up of several baked zucchini pizza bites topped with melted cheese and pepperoni slices.

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Make these simple Zucchini Pizza Bites in your air fryer for a quick, healthy snack or appetizer. They replace heavy crust with fresh zucchini, satisfying your pizza cravings without the carbs.

  • Author: purejoyalex
  • Prep Time: 15 min
  • Cook Time: 14 min
  • Total Time: 29 min
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium zucchini
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup almond flour (for low carb/keto)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tablespoons mini pepperoni slices (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray.
  2. Wash and trim the ends off the zucchini. Slice the zucchini into rounds about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick.
  3. Place the zucchini slices on a paper towel-lined surface. Sprinkle salt lightly over the slices and let them sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Pat them very dry with more paper towels. This step is key for crispy bites.
  4. In a shallow bowl, whisk together the beaten egg, Parmesan cheese, almond flour, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  5. Dip each dried zucchini slice into the egg mixture, coating both sides lightly.
  6. Place the coated zucchini slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
  7. Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the edges are lightly golden brown.
  8. Remove the zucchini bases from the air fryer. Top each slice with a small amount of pizza sauce, followed by mozzarella cheese and a few pepperoni slices, if using.
  9. Return the topped bites to the air fryer basket. Air fry for another 2 to 4 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  10. Serve these quick zucchini appetizers immediately.

Notes

  • If you do not have an air fryer, you can bake these. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15 to 20 minutes, topping them halfway through the cooking time.
  • For a crispier base, you can lightly toast the plain zucchini slices in the air fryer for 5 minutes before adding the wet toppings.
  • These cheesy zucchini snacks are great for meal prep; store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4 bites
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 3
  • Sodium: 350
  • Fat: 9
  • Saturated Fat: 5
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4
  • Trans Fat: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 8
  • Fiber: 2
  • Protein: 10
  • Cholesterol: 30

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Hi, I'm Alex! I believe incredible food doesn't have to be complicated. Here at Pure Cooking Joy, I share delicious, approachable recipes designed to bring happiness back into your kitchen. Let's get cooking!

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