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Keto Hasselback Zucchini with Bacon and Cheese

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If you’re looking for an easy low-carb side dish that feels more exciting than just another pile of roasted veggies, this air fryer keto loaded hasselback zucchini is for you. It’s cheesy, savory, and crispy in all the right places with a golden finish that’s hard to resist. Every bite is packed with melted cheddar, crunchy bacon, and tender zucchini—all done right in the air fryer.

air fryer keto loaded hasselback zucchini

Air Fryer Keto Loaded Hasselback Zucchini

This recipe is perfect alongside grilled meats or other keto air fryer favorites. It’s also a great way to use up garden zucchini during the summer. If you’re a fan of low-carb comfort food, you’ll want to check out more [easy keto vegetable sides] and [quick air fryer recipes] that pair well with this one.

The best part is how simple it is. The hasselback technique looks impressive but only takes a minute to do. The air fryer crisps the edges perfectly while keeping the inside tender. It’s a weeknight winner that looks like it took a lot more effort than it actually did.

air fryer keto loaded hasselback zucchini

What You Will Love About This Recipe

It’s keto friendly and naturally low carb


Packed with melty cheese and savory bacon


Quick cook time using the air fryer


No oven needed—great for warm days


Looks fancy enough to serve for company but simple enough for every day

air fryer keto loaded hasselback zucchini

How To Make

Step 1: Start by washing and drying your zucchini. Then you will cut your zucchini in thin slices, not fully cutting all the way through. Making it a Hasselback style. I used chopsticks to help ensure I didn’t cut through. 

Step 2: Massage zucchini in olive oil and salt and pepper in between each slice. You can use the chopstick to push open slots to get in there. 


Step 3: Then place zucchini in the air fryer at 400 degrees and cook for 10 minutes. At that time remove your zucchini and then place the crumbled bacon and shredded cheese on the zucchini. You can use the chopstick to push open slots to get in there.

Step 4: Return loaded zucchini back into the air fryer and cook for another 10 minutes or so. Remove and serve! 

air fryer keto loaded hasselback zucchini

 How To Serve Up Zucchini 

  • Top with sour cream
  • Use Greek Plain Yogurt to top 
  • Fresh Chives
  • Drizzle on some hot sauce 
  • Salsa
  • Eat plain 
  • Etc 
air fryer keto loaded hasselback zucchini

Tips & Tricks

  • Place chopsticks or wooden spoons on each side of the zucchini to help guide your knife and keep from slicing all the way through
  • Massage the olive oil, salt, and pepper into the slices so the flavor gets into every bite
  • Use thick shredded cheddar for the best melt and flavor
  • Air fry times can vary slightly—check on your zucchini toward the end so your cheese doesn’t overcook
  • These are best served hot, but you can reheat them in the air fryer to keep the texture
air fryer keto loaded hasselback zucchini

FAQs

Yes. You can slice and season the zucchini ahead of time, then just add the cheese and bacon right before cooking.

No, the skin helps it hold its shape and adds nutrients. Just wash and trim the ends.

Cheddar is great, but you can also try mozzarella, Colby Jack, or pepper jack for a little kick.

Yes. Just skip the bacon or replace it with a vegetarian bacon alternative or mushrooms for a similar texture.

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to bring back the crispiness.

air fryer keto loaded hasselback zucchini
air fryer keto loaded hasselback zucchini long pin
air fryer keto loaded hasselback zucchini

Air Fryer Keto Loaded Hasselback Zucchini

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Air Fryer Keto Loaded Hasselback Zucchini is one incredible and savory way to use up zucchini from your garden. Bacon and cheese collide in this zucchini air fryer recipe.

Ingredients

  • 3 Medium Zucchini
  • 4 Slices Bacon, crumbled
  • 2 Cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese
  • 1 TBSP Olive Oil
  • 1/4 Sour Cream (optional)
  • Chives (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cut the ends of the zucchini off.
  2. Place a chop stick, or something of similar size/height, next t your zucchini and use it to prevent your knife from cutting completely through.
  3. Brush with olive oil. Season with salt & pepper. Massage a bit in between your slices helping the olive oil, salt and pepper to get in between.
  4. Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees.
  5. Cook for 10 minutes. Remove from the air fryer carefully since your zucchini will be hot.
  6. Gently stuff (your chop stick will come in handy again, use your chopstick to gently open the slices) with shredded cheese and bacon crumbles.
  7. Place back in the air fryer and air fry for an additional 10 minutes.
  8. Remove from the air fryer, top with sour cream and chives.

Notes

*OVEN DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with foil. Prepare the zucchini as stated above. Bake for 15 minutes, remove from the oven. Stuff as stated above. Put back in the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is completely melted.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

3

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 451Total Fat: 36gSaturated Fat: 17gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 16gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 757mgCarbohydrates: 9gFiber: 2gSugar: 4gProtein: 25g

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