These air fryer zucchini hash brown egg nests are a fresh, low-carb take on a classic hash brown breakfast. Grated zucchini, a little Parmesan and egg are shaped into small nests, crisped in the air fryer and filled with a whole egg, crumbled feta, chives and a pinch of chili flakes. The edges turn golden and lacy, the middle stays tender, and the soft yolk runs right over the plate.

The idea comes from a short breakfast video on the Airfryworld Facebook page, and it is a great way to use up zucchini. All you need is a box grater, a clean kitchen towel and about 30 minutes.

Air Fryer Zucchini Hash Brown Egg Nests

Recipe by JuliaCourse: Breakfast, BrunchCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Calories

225

kcal

Protein

Carbohydrates

Fat

Fiber

Total time

minutes

Crispy air fryer zucchini hash brown egg nests filled with a soft-baked egg, crumbled feta, fresh chives and chili flakes. A quick, low-carb and vegetarian breakfast ready in about 30 minutes.

Ingredients

2 medium zucchini (about 500 g / 1 lb), coarsely grated
1/2 teaspoon salt, to draw out the water
2 large eggs, for the zucchini mixture
3 large eggs, for filling the nests
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Black pepper, to taste
Fresh chives, finely chopped
Chili flakes, to taste
Cooking spray or olive oil

Directions

Salt the zucchini
Grate the zucchini on the coarse side of a box grater, toss it with the salt and let it rest in a sieve for 10 minutes.
Squeeze out the water
Wrap the zucchini in a clean kitchen towel and twist firmly until almost no more liquid comes out. You should get about 1/2 cup of liquid.
Make the nest mixture
In a bowl, mix the dry zucchini with 2 beaten eggs, the Parmesan, garlic powder and black pepper.
Shape the nests
Line the air fryer basket with a piece of parchment paper and spray it lightly with oil. Divide the mixture into 3 portions and press each into a nest about 4 inches (10 cm) wide with a deep well in the center and raised edges.
Pre-crisp the nests
Spray the nests with a little oil and air fry at 380°F (190°C) for 8 to 10 minutes, until the edges are golden and the nests are set.
Add the eggs
Crack one egg into each nest. Air fry at 330°F (165°C) for 6 to 8 minutes for a runny yolk, or 9 to 10 minutes for a firm yolk.
Finish and serve
Top the nests with crumbled feta, chives and a pinch of chili flakes. Lift them out with a spatula and serve right away.

Notes

Squeezing the zucchini really dry is the most important step for crispy nests.
Crack each egg into a small cup first, then slide it into the nest so the yolk stays whole.
Air fryers vary, so check the eggs after 6 minutes.
The nests (without the egg) can be pre-baked and kept in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Julia’s Tip: Don’t skip the squeezing step. Wrap the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel and twist until almost no more liquid comes out. Dry zucchini is the difference between crispy nests and soggy ones.

Why Squeezing the Zucchini Matters

Zucchini is about 95 percent water. If that water stays in the grated zucchini, it turns into steam in the air fryer and the nests come out soft and pale instead of crisp. Salting the zucchini for 10 minutes draws the liquid out, and squeezing it in a towel removes it. From two medium zucchini you can easily press out half a cup of liquid. The drier the zucchini, the better the nests hold their shape and the crispier the edges become.

How to Cook the Eggs in Zucchini Hash Brown Egg Nests

The nests are cooked in two stages: first hot, so the zucchini crisps up, then a little cooler, so the egg white sets gently before the yolk turns firm. At 330°F (165°C) you can expect:

6 to 7 minutes: set whites and a runny, golden yolk
8 minutes: a soft, jammy yolk
9 to 10 minutes: a fully set yolk, great for meal prep and lunch boxes

Small eggs cook faster, and so do eggs at room temperature. Check the first batch a minute early and note the time that works best in your air fryer.

Zucchini hash brown egg nest with a runny yolk, crumbled feta and fresh chives on a breakfast plate — Cut into the nest while it is warm and let the soft yolk run over the crispy zucchini.

Are Zucchini Hash Brown Egg Nests Low Carb?

Yes. Each nest has only about 5 grams of carbohydrates and around 16 grams of protein, which makes this recipe a great fit for low-carb and keto breakfasts. It is also vegetarian and naturally gluten-free, because the nests are held together by egg and cheese instead of flour or breadcrumbs. Compared to classic potato hash browns, the zucchini version is lighter, but still filling thanks to the eggs and feta.

Meal Prep: Make Zucchini Hash Brown Egg Nests Ahead

For busy mornings, shape and pre-crisp the zucchini nests the evening before. Let them cool, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. In the morning, place them back in the air fryer for 2 minutes to warm and re-crisp, add the eggs and cook as usual. Fully cooked nests with a firm yolk also keep for a day in the fridge and can be reheated at 320°F (160°C) for 3 to 4 minutes.

What to Serve with Zucchini Hash Brown Egg Nests

Sliced avocado with lemon and flaky salt
Smoked salmon and a spoonful of herb yogurt
A quick cherry tomato and cucumber salad
Crispy bacon or breakfast sausages
A slice of toasted sourdough, if you are not eating low carb

Flavor Variations

Half and half: mix grated zucchini with grated potato or sweet potato for a heartier nest.
Cheddar and bacon: swap the feta for sharp cheddar and add crumbled bacon on top.
Greek style: add dried oregano to the mixture and serve with olives and tomatoes.
Everything bagel: sprinkle everything bagel seasoning over the eggs before serving.
Extra greens: place a few baby spinach leaves in each nest before adding the egg.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my zucchini nests falling apart?

Usually the zucchini was not squeezed dry enough, or the nests were moved before they had set. Squeeze out as much liquid as possible and only lift the nests once they are golden around the edges.

Can I make them in silicone muffin cups?

Yes. Press the mixture into silicone muffin cups to form small nests and use quail eggs or one small egg per cup. Reduce the egg cooking time by 1 to 2 minutes.

Can I make them without the egg in the middle?

Yes. Flatten the mixture into patties instead of nests and air fry them for 12 to 14 minutes, flipping halfway, for crispy zucchini hash browns.

Can I freeze them?

The pre-crisped nests without the egg freeze well for up to 1 month. Reheat them from frozen for 4 to 5 minutes, then add the eggs. Cooked eggs do not freeze well, so add them fresh.