These Crispy Zucchini Rolls with Ham and Cheese are a deliciously satisfying snack, appetizer, or light lunch that combines the freshness of zucchini with the savory richness of Emmental and ham. Lightly breaded and air-fried to golden perfection, they’re irresistibly crunchy on the outside with a gooey, meaty center on the inside. Best of all, they use minimal oil and are made in the air fryer—quick, healthier, and oh-so-good!
Preparation Time, Cook Time, Total Time
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield
Servings: Makes 10–12 rolls
Cuisine
Italian-Inspired Air Fryer Appetizer
Ingredients
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1 medium zucchini (about 350 g / 12 oz)
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100 g (3.5 oz) cooked ham (sliced thin)
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100 g (3.5 oz) Emmental cheese or any semi-hard cheese, sliced into sticks
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Salt – ¼ teaspoon
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Black pepper – a pinch
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2–3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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1 egg
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100 g (3.5 oz) breadcrumbs
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30 g (1 oz) grated Parmesan cheese
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A small bunch of parsley, finely chopped
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Olive oil or seed oil spray
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
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Prepare the zucchini
Wash the zucchini and trim off the ends. Using a mandolin or sharp knife, slice the zucchini lengthwise into thin strips, about 2–3 mm thick. -
Salt the zucchini
Place the slices on a plate or tray and sprinkle with ¼ teaspoon salt. Let them rest for 10 minutes. This helps release excess water and softens them for easy rolling. -
Dry the zucchini
After 10 minutes, pat the zucchini slices dry with paper towels to remove moisture. This step is key for a crispy coating. -
Prepare the filling
Cut the cheese into small sticks, about the length of the zucchini strips. Wrap each cheese stick with a slice of ham, sealing it well so the cheese doesn’t leak during cooking. -
Roll the zucchini
Take one zucchini slice and place the ham-wrapped cheese at one end. Roll tightly and secure with a toothpick if necessary. Repeat until all rolls are prepared. -
Set up the breading station
Prepare three bowls:-
One with flour
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One with a beaten egg, seasoned with a pinch of pepper
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One with breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan and chopped parsley
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Bread the rolls
Dredge each roll in flour, then dip in the egg, and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture. Press lightly to ensure the crumbs stick well. -
Preheat the air fryer
Set your air fryer to 200°C (392°F) and let it preheat while you finish breading the rolls. -
Spray with oil
Lightly spray the rolls with olive oil or seed oil on all sides. This promotes even browning without deep frying. -
Cook in the air fryer
Place the rolls in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 10 minutes at 200°C (392°F). No flipping needed if both sides are sprayed. -
Serve hot
Let cool for a minute or two before serving. Enjoy hot with your favorite dip or simply on their own!
Nutritional Information (Per Roll, Approximate for 12 Rolls)
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Calories: 110
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Protein: 6g
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Fat: 7g
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Carbohydrates: 5g
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Fiber: 1g
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Sugar: 1g
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Sodium: 220mg
Values may vary based on cheese and ham variety used.
The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe
Zucchini rolls are a modern twist on classic Italian comfort food. Rooted in the country’s appreciation for simple, high-quality ingredients, they combine the beloved flavors of cheese, ham, and breadcrumbs in an innovative format. Traditionally pan-fried or baked, the air fryer gives this recipe a crispy texture without the excess oil.
Their growing popularity is due to the air fryer trend, which brings healthier, faster versions of fried favorites to home kitchens. This particular version—thanks to Rosario’s charming Italian inspiration—is a fantastic combination of traditional flavors and modern technique.
Reasons Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Crispy, cheesy, and satisfying: Everything you want in one bite.
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No deep frying: All the crunch with less oil and mess.
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High-protein, low-carb option: Especially when using low-carb breadcrumbs.
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Kid-friendly and adult-approved: Fun to make and eat!
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Great for parties: Make a big batch and serve as appetizers.
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Perfect for any meal: Serve as a main dish with salad or as a snack.
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Creative way to use zucchini: Especially when they’re abundant in season.
You’ll find yourself making these again and again—not just because they’re easy, but because they’re so satisfying.
Health Benefits
This recipe offers several nutritional advantages, especially when compared to deep-fried alternatives:
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Zucchini: Rich in vitamin A, potassium, and antioxidants with very few calories.
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Emmental cheese: Provides calcium and protein without being overly greasy.
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Ham: Adds protein and umami flavor, helping to keep you full.
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Parsley: A nutrient-dense herb that adds antioxidants and fresh flavor.
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Air-fried: Reduces overall fat and calorie content compared to pan or deep frying.
It’s a smart way to indulge in a cheesy snack without compromising your health goals.
Serving Suggestions
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With dipping sauces: Try marinara, garlic yogurt sauce, or honey mustard.
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On a salad: Serve over a bed of greens for a more substantial meal.
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With pasta: Pair with a light tomato pasta or couscous.
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In lunchboxes: Great warm or room temp for kids and adults.
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Party platter: Serve on a charcuterie board or appetizer spread with olives and cherry tomatoes.
They also make a delightful brunch or picnic item—portable, tasty, and easy to eat.
Cooking Tips
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Use a mandolin for even slices: Uniform thickness helps them cook evenly and roll easily.
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Dry the zucchini thoroughly: Prevents sogginess and ensures a crispy crust.
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Choose the right cheese: Emmental is ideal for melt resistance, while mozzarella gives a gooier texture.
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Season the breading: Add garlic powder, smoked paprika, or herbs for a flavor boost.
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Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: Cook in batches if needed for best crispiness.
Variations to Try
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Vegetarian version: Use cooked mushrooms or grilled peppers instead of ham.
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Spicy option: Add chili flakes to the breadcrumb mix or use spicy cheese.
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Mini rolls: Use smaller zucchini and cut cheese/ham into bite-sized portions.
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Baked instead of air fried: Bake at 200°C (392°F) for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway.
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Gluten-free: Use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
These variations allow you to keep things exciting and cater to dietary needs.
Conclusion
Crispy Zucchini Rolls with Ham and Cheese are the perfect combination of rustic Italian charm and modern cooking technique. They’re golden, gooey, and crunchy in every bite—and made with ingredients you likely already have on hand. Whether you’re feeding a family, entertaining guests, or looking for a simple weeknight dinner upgrade, these rolls deliver flavor and fun in a compact, cheesy package. With the help of an air fryer, they’re healthier too—so you can enjoy more without guilt.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes. You can prepare and refrigerate them uncooked for up to 1 day. Bake or air fry when ready to serve.
2. Can I reheat leftovers?
Absolutely. Reheat in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes to restore crispiness.
3. What other cheeses can I use?
Mozzarella, Provolone, Cheddar, or Swiss work well. Just avoid very soft or runny cheeses.
4. Can I freeze them?
Yes. Freeze the breaded, uncooked rolls. Air fry directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
5. What dipping sauces go best with these?
Try garlic aioli, tzatziki, ranch, honey mustard, or spicy marinara.
6. Are these keto-friendly?
Use low-carb breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds to make them keto-friendly.
7. What kind of ham is best?
Thinly sliced cooked ham or prosciutto works well. Avoid overly moist deli meats.
8. Do I need to flip them in the air fryer?
Not if you spray both sides before cooking. For extra even browning, you can flip halfway through.
9. What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can bake them in the oven at the same temperature—200°C (392°F)—for 15–20 minutes.
10. How do I keep the cheese from leaking out?
Wrap the cheese fully in ham and seal well with the zucchini. Don’t overfill the rolls.