Leo Martinez

Leo Martinez
Leo Martinez
Crispy Sides, Air Fryer & Grill

Leo Martinez, side dish cook – crispy air fryer sides, roasted vegetables and easy party food.

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Leo Martinez writes about the dishes that fill the rest of the table: zucchini fritters, garlic Parmesan wings, roasted potatoes, corn salads and party dips. Nearly all of his recipes sit in Sides, and a few simple chicken dishes, such as Mediterranean chicken tacos and a charred street corn chicken bowl, appear in Dinners.

His cooking is built around texture and seasoning. The air fryer handles most of the crisping, from wings to vegetable fritters, while the oven and grill take care of roasted and charred dishes. Flavors come from garlic, Parmesan, feta, lemon, smoked paprika and fresh herbs, and the recipes are written with short ingredient lists, clear timings and serving sizes so you know what to expect before you start. Many take 30 minutes or less, and a good number work as appetizers or make-ahead party food as well as weeknight sides.

If you are planning a barbecue, a potluck or just want something better than plain steamed vegetables next to dinner, browse Leo's recipes and pick a side that gets eaten first.

Latest recipes:

Lemon Garlic Zucchini in 15 Minutes

Lemon Garlic Zucchini

3.83 (6 Ratings)

Fresh garlic, lemon, and olive oil define this Lemon Garlic Zucchini. Our guide includes quick recipe specs and takes just 15 minutes of total time.

Garlic Sauteed Zucchini with Lemon Butter

Garlic Sauteed Zucchini

4.83 (6 Ratings)

Butter, lemon juice, and fresh garlic make this Garlic Sauteed Zucchini shine. See the section on why this method works for a crisp finish in 15 min.

Golden Zucchini Parmesan Casserole

Zucchini Parmesan Casserole

4.71 (7 Ratings)

Wondering how to make a Zucchini Parmesan Casserole that isn't watery? Purging the squash first ensures a golden crust, and our recipe specs detail the timing.

Crispy Parmesan Zucchini Bites

Crispy Parmesan Zucchini Bites

4.57 (7 Ratings)

Bread these slices with panko for Parmesan Zucchini Bites. See the from prep to plate breakdown for this healthy snack ready in 27 minutes.

Greek Zucchini Feta Bake with Tomatoes

Zucchini Feta Bake with Tomatoes

4.25 (8 Ratings)

Ready in 50 minutes, this Zucchini Feta Bake is a tangy Greek side. The ingredient breakdown explains how eggs prevent wateriness for a gold crust.

Pan-Seared Garlic Parmesan Zucchini

Garlic Parmesan Zucchini

4.17 (6 Ratings)

Includes a guide on the step-by-step to the perfect sear. This Garlic Parmesan Zucchini is a savory side for anyone wanting a fast, healthy vegetable dish.

Healthy Baked Cheesy Zucchini Bites

Crispy Cheesy Zucchini Bites

4.67 (6 Ratings)

Crispy, savory Cheesy Zucchini Bites. The section Key Steps shows how to remove excess moisture to prevent sogginess. A great party-ready snack.

Sauteed Zucchini with Tomatoes and Garlic

Sauteed Zucchini with Tomatoes

4.50 (6 Ratings)

How do you make a savory Sauteed Zucchini with Tomatoes? Use high heat and a wide pan for a golden sear, plus the section Why It Works explains the science.

Crispy Vegan Zucchini Fritters

Crispy Vegan Zucchini Fritters

4.67 (6 Ratings)

Squeeze the squash for crisp Vegan Zucchini Fritters. This guide includes a section on how to actually nail this and takes just 30 minutes to prepare.

Roasted Zucchini Tomatoes with Garlic

Roasted Zucchini Tomatoes

4.67 (6 Ratings)

Ready in 30 minutes, these Roasted Zucchini Tomatoes are a bright side dish. This recipe includes a guide on why the texture works for a savory crust.

Crispy Zucchini Fritters Air Fryer

Zucchini Fritters Air Fryer

4.83 (6 Ratings)

Zucchini fritters often turn out soggy. These Zucchini Fritters Air Fryer stay crisp by removing moisture, and the truth behind crunch section explains why.

Crispy Zucchini Fritters Greek with Feta

Zucchini Fritters Greek with Feta

4.50 (8 Ratings)

Home cooks seeking a side dish will love these Zucchini Fritters Greek. The guide includes the right gear for frying to ensure a golden, crunchy result.

Crispy Zucchini Potato Fritters

Crispy Zucchini Potato Fritters

4.71 (7 Ratings)

Want the crispiest Zucchini Potato Fritters for your next meal? Get a golden sear every time with our guide, which includes an ingredient role table.

Parmesan Crusted Zucchini in 25 Minutes

Parmesan Crusted Zucchini

4.63 (8 Ratings)

Savory and golden Parmesan Crusted Zucchini. Learn the physics of the crunch in the section What Makes This Crispy. Great for party appetizers.

Zucchini Pizza Bites: Cheesy and Crisp

Zucchini Pizza Bites

4.83 (6 Ratings)

Getting kids to eat vegetables is often a struggle. Zucchini Pizza Bites solve this with a cheesy twist and includes an analysis of why these bites work.

Crispy Corn Zucchini Fritters with Lemon Basil Aioli

Corn Zucchini Fritters

4.43 (7 Ratings)

Golden edges and a tender center define these Corn Zucchini Fritters. This guide includes the texture trick to prevent mushy results. Try them today!

Squash and Zucchini Grilled with Parmesan

Squash and Zucchini Grilled

4.71 (7 Ratings)

For summer BBQ hosts, Squash and Zucchini Grilled is a winner. Learn the steps to the perfect char for a smoky finish with zesty parmesan.

Sauteed Zucchini and Yellow Squash with Garlic

Sautéed Zucchini and Squash

4.50 (6 Ratings)

Butter, garlic, and onion flavor this Sauteed Zucchini and Yellow Squash. See the section on why these veggies stay crisp in this 15 min recipe.

Perfectly Crisp Sauteed Zucchini

Pan-Seared Sauteed Zucchini

4.38 (8 Ratings)

Tender slices with a mahogany sear make this Sauteed Zucchini. Our guide to fresh ingredients helps you achieve a bold and savory result today.

Roasted Butternut Squash with Garlic Powder

Roasted Butternut Squash

4.17 (6 Ratings)

Caramelized Roasted Butternut Squash. This guide includes simple roasting steps for a golden finish. It is a great addition to holiday side dishes.

Fragrant Toasted Coconut Rice Recipe

Toasted Coconut Rice Recipe

4.83 (6 Ratings)

This Toasted Coconut Rice Recipe provides a nutty base for any meal. It includes a quick method comparison for better results. Ready in 30 minutes.

Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders

Coconut Chicken Tenders

4.33 (6 Ratings)

Coconut Chicken Tenders with a shattering crunch. This Crispy Coconut Chicken Recipe includes a budget swap table for easy prep. Ready in 35 minutes.

Watermelon and Feta Snack in 45 Minutes

Watermelon and Feta Snack

4.83 (6 Ratings)

This Easy Cold Summer Snack with Watermelon and Feta is salty and crisp. Try this watermelon salad with red onion and feta. Budget swap table included. 45 min.

No-Cook Cold Party Bites Platter

Cold Party Bites

4.40 (5 Ratings)

These Cold Party Bites are a hit. Try these no-cook party appetizers and cold party food for a crowd. Includes a budget swap table. Ready in 30 min prep.