Craving the crispy, buttery satisfaction of Hasselback potatoes but want to keep it keto? These Air Fryer Hasselback Courgettes are the perfect low-carb alternative, delivering all the golden edges and tender centres you love—without the carbs. Courgettes (zucchini) soak up a rich garlic butter, crisp beautifully in the air fryer, and make a stunning side or snack.
Why swap potatoes for courgettes? Courgettes are naturally low in carbs and calories, yet their mild flavour and soft texture make them ideal for Hasselback-style slicing. The air fryer ensures a crisp finish in a fraction of the time, while a simple garlic butter infuses every slice with savoury flavour.
Simply slice, brush, and air fry—no fuss, no complicated prep. Serve these with your favourite grilled meats, a dollop of sour cream, or as a show-stopping veggie platter. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or impressing guests with a keto-friendly twist on a classic.
At a glance
- Time: 25 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Servings: 2
- Cost: Affordable
Macros (per serving)
- Protein: 5 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Carbs: 4 g
- Energy: 190 kcal
Ingredients
- 2 medium (about 300g) Courgettes (Choose firm, straight courgettes for best results)
- 40g Butter (Unsalted)
- 2 Garlic cloves (Finely minced)
- 1 tbsp Fresh parsley (Finely chopped)
- 20g Parmesan cheese (Finely grated)
- 1 tsp Olive oil
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper (Freshly ground)
Equipment Needed
- Air fryer
- Sharp knife
- Chopping board
- Small saucepan
- Pastry brush
Steps
- Preheat your air fryer to 200°C.
- Place each courgette between two chopsticks on a chopping board. Slice thinly (3mm intervals) across the courgette, stopping at the chopsticks so you don’t cut all the way through.
- Melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Brush the courgettes generously with the garlic butter, making sure to get some between the slices.
- Drizzle the courgettes with olive oil and sprinkle with half the Parmesan.
- Carefully transfer the courgettes to the air fryer basket. Air fry for 12–15 minutes, until golden and tender, with crisped edges.
- Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan over the courgettes and air fry for another 2 minutes until melted and golden.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra parsley if desired.
Allergens & Swaps
Allergens:
Recipe contains: dairy
Potential swaps:
- Butter → Vegan butter or coconut oil — For a dairy-free version
- Parmesan cheese → Nutritional yeast — For a dairy-free, cheesy flavour
Serving Ideas
- With grilled steak: The garlicky courgettes pair perfectly with juicy grilled meats.
- Topped with sour cream: Adds coolness and a creamy contrast.
- As a party platter: Serve with toothpicks for an impressive, low-carb appetiser.
Additional Info
Chefs Tips
- Use chopsticks or wooden spoons to prevent slicing all the way through the courgette.
- Brush butter between every slice for maximum flavour.
- For extra crispiness, finish under a hot grill for 2 minutes.
Variations
- Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or chilli flakes for a spicy kick.
- Swap parsley for fresh basil or chives for a different herb profile.
- Top with crumbled feta instead of Parmesan for a tangy twist.
Troubleshooting
- If courgettes are too soft, reduce air fryer time by 2–3 minutes.
- If not crisping, increase temperature to 210°C for the last 2 minutes.
Storage & Reheating
Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in the air fryer for best texture.
- Fridge: up to 3 days
- Freezer: up to 0 months
- Reheat: Air fry at 180°C for 3–4 minutes until hot and crisp.
Ingredient Spotlight
Courgettes: Low in carbs and calories, courgettes are a versatile keto-friendly vegetable that absorb flavours beautifully.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, umami-rich crust and helps the courgettes crisp in the air fryer.
Garlic: Infuses the butter with aromatic depth, making every bite savoury and satisfying.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can slice and prep the courgettes ahead, then air fry just before serving for best texture.
What can I use instead of Parmesan?
Try nutritional yeast for a dairy-free, cheesy flavour or omit for a lighter dish.
How do I get the slices to fan out?
Gently separate the slices with your fingers after brushing with butter to help them crisp and fan out.
Can I use yellow squash instead?
Yes, yellow squash works just as well and offers a similar texture and flavour.
How do I store leftovers?
Cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for best results.
Keto Air Fryer Hasselback Courgettes with Garlic Butter
Ingredients
- 2 medium (about 300g) Courgettes (Choose firm, straight courgettes for best results)
- 40g Butter (Unsalted)
- 2 Garlic cloves (Finely minced)
- 1 tbsp Fresh parsley (Finely chopped)
- 20g Parmesan cheese (Finely grated)
- 1 tsp Olive oil
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper (Freshly ground)
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 200°C.
- Place each courgette between two chopsticks on a chopping board. Slice thinly (3mm intervals) across the courgette, stopping at the chopsticks so you don’t cut all the way through.
- Melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Brush the courgettes generously with the garlic butter, making sure to get some between the slices.
- Drizzle the courgettes with olive oil and sprinkle with half the Parmesan.
- Carefully transfer the courgettes to the air fryer basket. Air fry for 12–15 minutes, until golden and tender, with crisped edges.
- Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan over the courgettes and air fry for another 2 minutes until melted and golden.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra parsley if desired.
Allergens & Swaps
Allergens: dairy
- Butter → Vegan butter or coconut oil — For a dairy-free version
- Parmesan cheese → Nutritional yeast — For a dairy-free, cheesy flavour
Nutrition (per serving)
- Protein: 5 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Carbs: 4 g
- Energy: 190 kcal
