Air Fryer Zucchini
Air fryer zucchini is a quick, easy, and healthy side dish to complement almost any meal. If you have a garden or live near a Farmer’s Market, serve this fresh, flavorful, and budget-friendly recipe with dinner tonight!
If you’re a fan of no-fuss and nutrient-dense sides, you’re going to love this air fryer zucchini recipe! Like my air fryer eggplant, it comes together in no time but is packed with vibrant flavors.
Why I love this recipe
With only 4 ingredients and 12 minutes of actual cooking time, virtually anyone can make this air fryer zucchini recipe! It’s my go-to for busy weeknights or last-minute meals.
The zucchini comes out crispy on the outside and perfectly tender on the inside, with a savory garlic aroma. It’s also gluten-free, low-carb, and vegan, making it suitable for almost every dietary preference (just like these baked radish chips).
Plus, this recipe is an easy way to get your kids to eat their greens (it’s tested and kid-approved). Try different seasonings, shapes, and cooking lengths to make it your own!
Ingredient notes
Besides the zucchini, the ingredients in this recipe are all pantry staples. Find a breakdown and suitable substitutes below.
Zucchini
I use grey zucchini in this recipe, but you can use any summer squash you want. Just ensure they are relatively small (6-8 inches) and even in size.
Garlic powder
Imparts a robust and savory depth of flavor that complements the roasted zucchini perfectly.
Substitute: If you’re not feeling garlic, try other herbs like oregano or basil and spices like red pepper flakes, cumin, or cayenne.
For a complete ingredient list and step-by-step guide, scroll down to the recipe card.
How to make
Learn how easy it is to make air fryer zucchini with my step-by-step instructions. Look for the tips in green throughout this section for consistent and successful results!
Preparation
Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 4-5 minutes. Meanwhile, wash and slice the zucchini thinly, either in half-moons or coins.
Transfer the zucchini to a mixing bowl and drizzle it with olive oil. Season it with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then stir gently to combine.
Cooking
Step 1
Add the zucchini slices to your air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overlap them to prevent them from steaming.
You may need to work in batches, depending on how big your air fryer is and how much zucchini you’re making.
Step 2
Air fry the zucchini at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 12 minutes, removing the lid halfway to flip them. Repeat with the remaining zucchini, then serve while warm. Happy eating!
For more seasoning ideas and vegetables, check out these carrot fries, air fryer onion rings, and air fryer frozen cauliflower recipes.
Expert tip
This air fryer zucchini recipe is simple, but it’s important to get the small details right. Slice the zucchini evenly to help each piece cook at the same rate, preventing some from becoming too soft while others are too crispy.
Make sure each slice is lightly coated with oil and spices before adding them to the air fryer basket. This step promotes an even, golden-brown finish and enhances their flavor.
Once they’re seasoned, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow hot air to circulate freely around each slice. And while not 100% necessary, preheating your air fryer means the zucchini will start cooking immediately, leading to a better texture and faster cooking time.
Cooking tips
Flip halfway: To promote even airflow and consistent cooking, remember to flip your zucchini slices at the halfway point.
Don’t use too much oil: The best part about air fryers is that you can reduce the amount of oil you need to cook with. Go easy at first, and increase it gradually.
Serve immediately: Cooked zucchini tastes the best when it’s warm, crispy, and tender! Don’t start air frying it until you’re just about ready to serve.
Frequently asked questions
If you end up with soggy zucchini, it’s likely due to overcrowding the air fryer. Place the zucchini in a single layer to ensure the air circulates properly.
Although you can, it’s not at all necessary to peel zucchini before cooking it in the air fryer. Many of the essential vitamins and minerals are contained in the skin.
Half-moons or coins provide the best surface area for cooking evenly.
Storing & reheating
Air fryer zucchini is easy to prepare in advance and store for later. Before storing, let the zucchini slices cool completely to maintain their texture and flavor.
Fridge
You can store air fryer zucchini in the fridge. Place the slices in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap. They should last for 3-4 days.
Freezer
Since the texture will become mushy once thawed, I donโt recommend freezing already air-fried zucchini.
Reheating
Reheat your air fryer zucchini by placing the slices back in the air fryer at 380 degrees Fahrenheit for about 3-4 minutes until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy.
More air fryer recipes
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Recipe
Easy Air Fryer Zucchini
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive or avocado oil
- 3 medium (6-8-inch) zucchini or summer squash
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400ยฐF for 4-5 minutes. Meanwhile, wash and slice the zucchini thinly, either in half-moons or coins.
- Transfer to a mixing bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then stir gently to combine.
- Add the zucchini slices to the air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overlap them.ย
- Air fry the zucchini at 400ยฐF for 12 minutes, removing the lid halfway to flip them. Repeat with the remaining zucchini, then serve immediately. Happy eating!
Notes
Nutrition
Note: Iโve updated this post to include new information and helpful tips about the recipe.
Mitch Chapman is a food writer, photographer, and one of the founders of Broke Bank Vegan. With a background in healthcare and the restaurant industry, he has a passion for sharing healthy yet flavorful plant-based food.