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A tray of crispy Zucchini Pizza Bites with melted cheese and pepperoni.

Zucchini Pizza Bites

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 115
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 medium zucchinis sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
  • 1/2 cup marinara sauce no sugar added
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Optional: Mini pepperoni fresh basil

Method
 

  1. Prep: Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F) or air fryer to 180°C (350°F).
  2. Dry: Lay zucchini rounds on a paper towel, sprinkle with salt, let sit for 5 mins, and pat dry.
  3. Season: Toss rounds in a bowl with olive oil and Italian seasoning.
  4. Initial Bake: Arrange in a single layer. Bake for 5 mins (oven) or 3 mins (air fryer).
  5. Top: Remove and add a teaspoon of sauce and a pinch of cheese to each round.
  6. Melt: Return to heat. Bake for 5–7 mins (oven) or 3–4 mins (air fryer) until cheese is bubbly.
  7. Serve: Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Avoid Sogginess: Do not skip the "salting" step. Drawing out the water for 5–10 minutes and patting dry is the only way to ensure a firm, crispy base.
  • Thickness Matters: Slice zucchinis to exactly 1/2 inch. Any thinner and they will collapse under the weight of the cheese; any thicker and they won't soften properly in the center.
  • Sauce Control: Use only 1/2 teaspoon of sauce per round. Overloading with sauce will make the bites slippery and soggy.
  • Cheese Choice: Always use low-moisture shredded mozzarella. Fresh mozzarella (the kind packed in water) will release too much liquid during baking.
  • High Heat is Key: Ensure your oven or air fryer is fully preheated before the zucchini goes in. This "shocks" the vegetable to sear the outside while keeping the bite tender.