VEGETARIAN
Zucchini bread just got better with the addition of cocoa powder and chocolate chips. You can make this recipe with white or dark chocolate chips instead of semisweet chocolate chips. This bread also tastes great with the addition of walnuts or pecans, and you might like it with a little cream cheese frosting on top.
MAKES 1 LOAF (8 SLICES)
PREP TIME: 10 minutes
COOK TIME: 30 to 35 minutes, plus 30 minutes to cool
BAKE: 310°F
Shortening, for greasing the pan
½ cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup cocoa powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
1 egg, at room temperature
6 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
2 tablespoons butter, melted and slightly cooled
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
¾ cup packed shredded zucchini, dried (see Ingredient tip)
½ cup semisweet chocolate chips, divided
1 . Preheat the air fryer. (This will keep the bread from overbrowning while still getting the center cooked through.)
2 . Grease a mini loaf pan with shortening. Set aside.
3 . In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
4 . In a large bowl, combine the egg, brown sugar, melted butter, oil, and vanilla. Whisk until smooth.
5 . Add the dry ingredients to the wet, and mix until just combined.
6 . Fold in the zucchini and most of the chocolate chips, reserving a few for the top.
7 . Transfer the batter to the prepared mini loaf pan, and sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips on top. Place the pan inside the air fryer basket.
8 . Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9 . Remove and cool on a wire rack until slightly warm, at least 30 minutes. Then remove from the loaf pan and serve, or continue cooling on the wire rack before storing in an airtight container. This recipe also freezes well if you would like to cut the loaf in half and save the rest for another time.
Ingredient tip: Make sure to squeeze all the extra moisture out of the shredded zucchini before adding it to the batter. You can do this by rolling it tightly in a couple of paper towels.
PER SERVING (2 SLICES): Calories: 422; Total fat: 23g; Saturated fat: 11g; Cholesterol: 56mg; Sodium: 372mg; Carbohydrates: 54g; Fiber: 4g; Protein: 4g