Today, we’re making a recipe that my daughters absolutely love: zucchini parmesan balls. They’re simple, quick, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. A real treat, perfect from 12 months when baby is getting good at chewing!
At home, Alix and Sasha enjoy them with spaghetti and a homemade tomato sauce. Honestly? It’s a hit, a complete and balanced meal for the whole family.
This recipe is ideal for introducing (or reintroducing!) zucchini to your baby’s plate in a fun and tasty way. And bonus: you can bake them in the oven or use the air fryer, depending on what you have at home.
Ingredients
For about 12 balls:
- 1 large zucchini (about 1 ½ cup / 350g)
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs (55g)
- ¼ cup grated parmesan (30g)
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped onion
- ½ garlic clove, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- A pinch of black pepper (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
Instructions
- Grate the zucchini.
- Place it in a clean, thin kitchen towel and squeeze well with your hands to remove as much water as possible.
- Finely chop the onion and garlic. In a large bowl, mix the zucchini, onion, garlic, parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, parsley and a bit of pepper.
- Lightly oil your hands and shape small balls with the mixture.
- Preheat the oven to 390°F (200°C) or the air fryer to 355°F (180°C).
- Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with olive oil.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes in the oven (or 10–12 minutes in the air fryer), until golden brown and crispy.
Your zucchini parmesan balls are ready!
Want to see the video tutorial?
Check out the full preparation on Instagram here:
Storage Tips
These zucchini parmesan balls store really well:
In the fridge – up to 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat for a few minutes in the oven or air fryer to get them crispy again.
In the freezer – up to 3 months. Place them on a tray without touching, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. No need to thaw: just reheat directly in the oven at 170°C (340°F) for 10–15 min.
Tip: Freeze in small portions if you want to take out just a few at a time for baby or a quick dinner side.
FAQs
Can I replace the parmesan?
Absolutely! You can use grated Gruyère, Comté or mild cheddar. Just be mindful of added salt depending on the cheese.
Can I offer this to babies under 10 months?
Technically, yes, if all ingredients have been introduced and there’s no added salt. However, since the texture is crispy outside, it’s best from 10 months when baby is confidently chewing.
Can I make patties instead of balls?
Yes! You can shape the mix into small flat patties instead of balls. They’ll cook faster and can be easier for little hands to grab.
Zucchini parmesan balls (from 10 months) was last modified: 6 September 2025 by
