Air Fryer Zucchini
2
Last updated on Dec 20, 2024
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Make air fryer zucchini in just 15 minutes with a little oil and seasonings! It’s perfectly tender and makes for a quick and healthy side dish for any meal.
If you haven’t tried making air fryer zucchini before here’s your sign!
It cooks up in less time than in the oven and always end up perfectly tender and caramelized. I could legit eat a whole plate of this zucchini to myself (which I may or may not have done before), but I also love pairing it with dishes like my air fryer chicken tenders or tossing it into my quinoa salad for a quick and easy dinner!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Zucchini
- Quick & efficient – This zucchini cooks up in just 15 minutes, making it a great option when you’re short on time.
- Flavor-packed – You can easily adjust the seasonings to suit your taste, so each batch can be as mild or bold as you like.
- Great for everything – Serve it as a healthy side, toss it into your favorite salad, or even snack on it straight from the air fryer!
Ingredients Needed
- zucchini – the star of the show! You’ll need two medium zucchinis, that you’ll cut into slices and then into ½-inch chunks.
- olive oil or avocado oil – just enough to coat the zucchini chunks, helping them to cook in the air fryer.
- sea salt – to bring out the natural flavors of the zucchini.
- garlic powder – for a subtle hint of garlic, because who doesn’t love garlic?!
- black pepper – just a pinch for that slight spicy kick and added flavor.
Recipe Variations
The options are endless when it comes to roasted zucchini flavor variations! Here are some ideas to try:
- Chips – Make air fryer zucchini chips by cutting the zucchini into thin circles before air frying. The cook time will likely vary.
- Spicy – For those who love some heat, sprinkle a bit of chili powder, cayenne pepper or chili flakes onto the zucchini before tossing them in the air fryer.
- Balsamic glazed – Toss the zucchini chunks with balsamic vinegar in addition to the seasonings.
- Herby – Add a sprinkle of your favorite dried herbs before air frying. Rosemary, thyme, basil or Italian seasoning can elevate the flavor profile of this zucchini.
- Cheesy – Sprinkle some grated parmesan cheese over the zucchini chunks for a cheesy crunch.
- Breaded – Toss the zucchini chunks in panko breadcrumbs for a nice crunch.
- Fries – Make air fryer zucchini fries by cutting the zucchini into longer pieces. You could follow my recipe for zucchini fries and just cook them in the air fryer.
How to Make Air Fryer Zucchini
This recipe couldn’t be any easier to make! Just follow these two steps for crispy and flavorful zucchini:
Step 1: Chop zucchini into chunks, toss with oil, salt, garlic, and pepper until evenly coated.
Step 2: Air fry at 390°F for 15-17 minutes, tossing a few times, until tender with golden brown spots.
Brittany’s Tips
- Cut evenly: Keep your zucchini slices uniform so they cook up perfectly at the same time. No one wants some pieces crispy while others are still soft!
- Give them space: Don’t crowd the air fryer basket! Cook in batches if needed to avoid mushy zucchini. You want each piece to have enough room to get that golden-brown, crispy finish.
- Toss halfway: Don’t forget to give the zucchini a good shake or toss midway through cooking. This helps them brown evenly and ensures every bite is deliciously crisp!
What to Serve with Air Fryer Zucchini
As I mentioned above, this recipe is extremely versatile. Here are some ideas:
- Alongside a protein – This air-fried zucchini is a perfect sidekick to any main dish!Think grilled chicken, air fryer salmon, or a juicy steak.
- In a bowl – Toss these crispy zucchini slices into your favorite bowl. Whether it’s a buddha bowl, chicken protein bowl or my roasted harvest bowl, they’ll fit right in and add a delicious veggie boost!
- In a salad – Give your green salads a little more warmth and texture by adding in this air-fried zucchini. It’s especially good in my roasted vegetable salad for that perfect mix of flavors.
- With a dip – Who doesn’t love dipping? Pair these zucchini slices with your favorite sauce. I love them with my vegan ranch dressing, but honestly, any dip works!
How to Store Leftovers
One thing I don’t recommend is making a big batch of air fryer zucchini to store as meal prep. Air fryer vegetables tend to lose their crispiness after you refrigerate them, which in my opinion is a big reason to use the air fryer in the first place!
To store: However, you can absolutely store leftovers in the fridge to enjoy later, they’ll still taste delicious they’ll just lose their crispness. After cooling, place leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for 2-3 days.
To reheat: Just place the zucchini in the air fryer in a single layer and cook at 375°F for 1-2 minutes. You can also reheat them in a toaster oven, regular oven or microwave. Just note that the zucchini will get soft if you reheat them in the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions
If your zucchini is turning out a little soggy, it’s probably because the air fryer basket was too crowded. Zucchini needs room to crisp up! Try cooking it in batches, making sure there’s enough space between each piece for the air to circulate.
Nope! No need to peel it. The skin adds a nice texture and helps keep the zucchini from getting too soft. Just give it a good wash, slice it up, and you’re ready to go.
A little oil goes a long way! Toss your zucchini slices in a bit of olive oil before air frying, and make sure your air fryer basket is clean. That way, nothing sticks, and you’ll get those beautiful crispy edges.
More Air Fryer Recipes
- Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
- Air Fryer Cauliflower
- Air Fryer Broccoli
- Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
- Air Fryer Carrots
- Air Fryer French Fries
- Air Fryer Potatoes
Be sure to check out all of the air fryer recipes and side dish recipes here on EBF!
If you enjoyed this recipe, please consider leaving a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below.
Air Fryer Zucchini
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchinis
- ½ Tablespoon olive or avocado oil
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Chop zucchini into ½-inch chunks. You want the pieces to be pretty similar in size so they cook evenly and you don’t want the pieces too small. Add the zucchini to a bowl and toss with the oil, salt, garlic and pepper.
- Transfer zucchini to the air fryer basket and air fry at 390°F for 15-17 minutes, tossing zucchini a few times. You’ll know it’s done when the zucchini is tender with a few golden brown spots.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Love this clean and simple recipe!
Yay! I am happy to hear you are loving this recipe, Ann! I appreciate your review + star rating, it means so much to me!