15-Minute Zucchini Pizza Bites
These Zucchini Pizza Bites are a quick, low-carb alternative to traditional pizza, ready in just minutes. Made with zucchini slices topped with marinara, melty mozzarella, pepperoni, and olives, they’re packed with flavor while staying light and healthy. Perfect for snacking, appetizers, or even meal prep, these bites are crispy, cheesy, and absolutely satisfying.
Equipment
- 1 Air Fryer or Oven
- 1 Baking Sheet (if using oven)
- 1 Sharp Knife (for slicing zucchini)
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Cheese Grater (for shredding mozzarella)
- 1 Spoon (for spreading sauce)
Ingredients
- 1 large zucchini sliced into ¼-inch rounds
- 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
Instructions
- Prepare the Zucchini Base: Wash and dry the zucchini thoroughly to remove any dirt or moisture. Using a sharp knife, slice it into ¼-inch thick rounds. Keep the slices uniform in thickness so they cook evenly. If your zucchini is on the smaller side, you can cut on a diagonal to create slightly larger slices, giving you more surface area for toppings. Arrange the slices neatly on a cutting board, ready for assembling.
- Spread the Marinara: Take a small spoon and spread about 1 teaspoon of marinara sauce over the top of each zucchini slice. Be careful not to overload with sauce—too much can make the zucchini watery and cause the toppings to slide off. A thin, even layer works best to create that signature pizza flavor while still keeping the bites crisp.
- Add the Toppings: Now comes the fun part—layering the toppings! Place a few mini pepperoni slices over the marinara, making sure they’re evenly spaced. Next, scatter a couple of sliced black olives on top for a savory kick. Feel free to customize this step by swapping in mushrooms, bell peppers, or any of your favorite pizza toppings. Just remember to keep it balanced so the bites don’t get too heavy.
- Sprinkle the Cheese: Generously sprinkle freshly shredded mozzarella cheese over each zucchini slice until the toppings are nicely covered. Using freshly shredded cheese is key—it melts more smoothly and gives a creamier texture compared to pre-shredded cheese. The cheese acts as the “glue” that holds all the toppings together, so don’t skimp on this step.
- Season for Flavor: Lightly dust the bites with Italian seasoning for that classic pizza aroma, and add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you enjoy a little heat. Seasoning at this stage enhances the flavors and ensures each bite tastes bold and satisfying.
- Arrange in the Basket: Carefully place the assembled zucchini pizza bites into the basket of your air fryer in a single layer. Make sure they’re not overlapping, as this allows hot air to circulate evenly and ensures the bites cook crisply.
- Air Fry to Perfection: Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook for about 5 minutes or until the cheese has fully melted and turned slightly golden. Depending on your air fryer model, you may need to adjust the time by a minute or two. The goal is melty, bubbly cheese with firm but tender zucchini underneath.
- Serve Hot: Remove the bites carefully using tongs or a spatula, as they’ll be hot and slightly delicate. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture—zucchini tends to release moisture as it cools, so they’re at their crispiest when fresh out of the air fryer.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Arrange on the Baking Sheet: Place the assembled zucchini pizza bites onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each slice so the heat can circulate.
- Bake Until Melty: Bake the bites for 8 minutes to allow the zucchini to soften and the cheese to begin melting. Then switch your oven to the broil setting and cook for an additional 3–4 minutes. This step is crucial—it gives the cheese a golden-brown, bubbly finish that makes the bites extra irresistible. Keep a close eye on them during broiling to avoid burning.
- Plate and Enjoy: Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the bites cool for 1–2 minutes before serving. This quick rest helps the cheese set slightly, making them easier to pick up and enjoy.
- Serve and Store: Serve your zucchini pizza bites immediately while hot and cheesy. They’re best eaten fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply pop them back into the air fryer or oven for a few minutes until warm and crispy again.
Notes
- Larger zucchinis work best because they provide a broader surface for layering toppings.
- Slice zucchini evenly to ensure all bites cook at the same rate.
- Use freshly shredded mozzarella for the smoothest melt and best flavor.
- Don’t overload with sauce—too much liquid can make the bites soggy.
- Customize with your favorite pizza toppings, from veggies to different proteins.
- Add a pinch of black pepper or chili flakes for extra spice.
- Always serve hot and fresh for the best flavor and texture.
- For meal prep, assemble ahead and cook just before serving.
- Both air fryer and oven methods deliver great results—use whichever is convenient.
- Leftovers can be reheated but will lose some crispness compared to fresh.
