Air Fryer Zucchini Cake: Easy Savory Spanish Tapas Bake 59 2026

This air fryer zucchini cake is the kind of quick, no-fuss dish that saves the day when you are not sure what to cook. It is creamy, savory and always delicious, and it works just as well for a weeknight dinner as it does for a casual appetizer spread.

You only need eight simple ingredients, most of which you probably already have on hand. The air fryer does most of the work, first softening the zucchini and then baking the egg-and-milk custard into a tender, golden cake.

Serve it as a main course with a fresh salad, or cut it into small squares and pass it around as a tapa. Either way, it is a reliable recipe that comes together in under an hour.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Zucchini Cake

This recipe makes 4 servings.

• 1 zucchini
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• Salt
• Ground black pepper
• 2 medium eggs
• 300 ml whole milk
• 1 tablespoon herbes de Provence
• 65 g grated Parmesan cheese

How to Make Air Fryer Zucchini Cake Step by Step

1. Arrange the zucchini in the basket

Wash the zucchini, cut it into thin slices and place them in the air fryer basket. Brush with 1 teaspoon of olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

2. Cook the zucchini

Cook the zucchini at 180 °C (355 °F) for 5 minutes, stir, and cook for 5 more minutes.

3. Beat the eggs with milk and herbs

Meanwhile, beat the 2 medium eggs with a pinch of salt in a bowl. Pour in the 300 ml of milk and add 1 tablespoon of herbes de Provence.

4. Add the zucchini and cheese

Mix the beaten eggs with the cooked zucchini and 30 g of the grated Parmesan cheese.

5. Fill the mold with the mixture

Grease the mold with the remaining olive oil and pour in the mixture, making sure the zucchini sits flat. Cover with the remaining 35 g of Parmesan cheese.

6. Cook the zucchini cake in the air fryer

Cook in the air fryer at 160 °C (320 °F) for 30 to 35 minutes, until the cake is set. You can check by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.

7. Let it cool and serve

Remove and let it cool slightly before serving. You can unmold it or serve it straight from the tray.

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Zucchini Cake

Customize the vegetables and cheese

You can add leek and carrot along with the zucchini, or use cooking cream instead of milk for a creamier texture. The cheese is up to you: Parmesan or Grana Padano are our favorites, but mozzarella, cheddar or Gruyère will bring different nuances.

Make it richer with a gratin top

You can mix all the cheese into the batter, or reserve some for the top of the cake to get a delicious gratin crust. If you use a smaller mold than the 24 x 11 cm one we used, the cake will be taller, so you will need to extend the cooking time a little.

Serve it for any occasion

This zucchini cake is great as part of a daily menu, as a quick dinner with a salad of your choice, or even as an appetizer.

30 Top Recipes I Keep Coming Back to at Home

Like a lot of home cooks, I like having a go-to lineup that covers cozy classics, dishes from around the world, and sweets that make everyone happy.

When a rich, indulgent craving hits, my picks are usually this La Viña Molten Cheesecake recipe, this elegant Original French Crème Brûlée recipe, or a decadent Chocolate Mousse Cake recipe. And whenever something fruity and comforting sounds good, this classic French Tarte Tatin recipe is the one I reach for.

Some mornings I want an easy breakfast or a lighter plate, so I'll whip up these fluffy Oatmeal and Banana Pancakes recipe, a satisfying Stuffed Sweet Potato recipe, or these fresh Eggs Stuffed with Avocado and Salmon recipe. And for a gluten-free staple to keep in the pantry, this simple Gluten-Free Rice Flour recipe is one I rely on.

For tapas nights and Mediterranean flavors, I bounce between this bold Basque Tuna with Tomato recipe, crispy Patatas Bravas Air Fryer recipe, creamy Tirokafteri Greek Dip Sauce recipe, and refreshing Burrata Salad with Tomato and Pesto recipe. This crisp Italian Vitello Tonnato recipe also comes out whenever I want to serve something a bit more special.

For filling lunches and cozy dinners, my recommendations are this comforting Meatballs in Spanish Sauce recipe, traditional Meatballs in Almond Sauce recipe, rich Italian Bolognese Sauce recipe, and creamy Chicken Croquettes in Thermomix recipe. When I'm after something heartier, I'll bake this Greek Pastitsio Pie recipe, rustic Potatoes and Squid Stew recipe, or the ultra-comforting French Boeuf Bourguignon recipe.

Anytime I'm in the mood for street food or party-style plates, I'll usually make this juicy Homemade Chicken Doner Kebab recipe, crispy Salchipapas recipe, flavorful Mexican Pork Carnitas recipe, or these crunchy Korean Hobak Jeon recipe. These easy Air Fryer Zucchini Rings recipe also work great as a laid-back appetizer or snack.

And when I'm hosting guests with drinks and a full spread, dinner often gets paired with this refreshing Original Cuban Mojito recipe, this bold Long Island Iced Tea recipe, or a pitcher of this fruity Bleeding Spanish Sangria recipe. To fill out the table, I like adding this tangy French Remoulade Sauce recipe on the side or finishing with this striking Mediterranean Black Rice with Squid recipe.

Even More Tasty Recipes to Cook for the Family

After years of testing and tweaking recipes in my own kitchen, I've come to believe the best dishes are built on simplicity, dependable techniques, and big flavor.

Every recipe in this collection is one I genuinely come back to time and time again—whether it's a fast meal just for me or something special for friends and family.

For dessert, the rich and silky Orange Chocolate Mousse Recipe is a go-to when I want something elegant yet effortless. Another sweet favorite is the caramelized Trdelnik Slavic Pastry Recipe, inspired by the famous Central European chimney cake. If you enjoy baking, knowing how to make syrup for better texture in desserts is useful, and my Inverted Sugar Recipe explains exactly how I prepare it in my own kitchen.

When something fresh and simple is what I'm after, I usually reach for the classic Italian Caprese Salad Recipe or a perfectly cooked Simple Poached Egg Recipe. For heartier comfort meals, I often point people to the satisfying Meatball Sandwich Recipe, the creamy Russian Stroganoff Beef Recipe, and the quick weeknight favorite One Pot Pasta Recipe.

Traditional dishes from around the world are another thing I love to share, including the authentic Sorropotún de Bonito Fish Stew Recipe, crispy Chilean Pumpkin Sopaipillas Recipe, and the classic Spanish Cochifrito Segovian Fried Pig Recipe.

Air fryer recipes are another category I cook often, since they save time while still delivering great texture. My go-to options include Air Fryer Pork Ribs Recipe, Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe, Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes Recipe, Air Fryer Baked Potatoes Recipe, Air Fryer Peppers Recipe, Air Fryer Mixed Sandwich Recipe, Air Fryer Toasted Bread Recipe, and Air Fryer Hard-Boiled Eggs Recipe.

And for anyone steering clear of wheat, my comforting Gluten-Free Lasagna Recipe shows that classic baked pasta can still be rich, cheesy, and completely satisfying without gluten.

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