Air fryer zucchini is an easy, healthy, and tasty way of preparing this delicious vegetable. The air fryer’s hot air and quick cooking time produce a tender-crisp zucchini with minimal use of oil.

This technique is a godsend for health-conscious home cooks looking to put a mouthwatering and wholesome meal on the table within minutes.

Air fryer zucchini on a plate

There are many ways of cooking zucchini in the air fryer.

From air fryer zucchini chips to zucchini boats and stuffed zucchini, the air fryer is the perfect substitute for an oven.

Here we’ll show you the simplest and quickest recipe for air fryer zucchini.

We cut the zucchini into wedges, season them with spices, and cook them till tender crisp for 7 to 9 minutes, depending on your air fryer model.

The air fryer’s hot air and quick cooking time produces zucchini wedges that are tender and crisp without getting soggy as in a traditional oven.

In the variations chapter, we’ll provide you with more recipes you can make with zucchini in an air fryer.

Air fryer zucchini on a romesco sauce
Air fryer zucchini served with warm pita bread on a bed or Romesco sauce, drizzled with tahini sauce, paprika, and toasted slivered almonds.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Air fryer zucchini ingredients

Zucchini

We use green zucchini, but you can use any summer squash. Try globe zucchini, yellow crookneck, yellow squash, yellow zucchini, and grey zucchini.

For best results, use the freshest zucchini so that they stay tender-crisp and won’t be bitter.

Whether at the grocery store or at the farmer’s market, to check for freshness, apply pressure with your fingers close to the tip of the zucchini (opposite the stem). The zucchini should be firm and not yield to pressure.

Olive oil

We use extra virgin olive oil because it’s flavorful, rich in antioxidants, and stable at high temperatures.

Avocado oil is another good oil for air frying, but extra virgin olive oil adds more flavor.

We don’t recommend cooking spray as it is often made with low-quality oils and additives.

Garlic powder

We find it to be more effective than fresh garlic in this recipe. It coats the zucchini evenly, adding a pleasant garlic aroma.

Substitute onion powder for garlic powder.

Paprika

Paprika adds a touch of color and spice. You can also use smoked paprika or chipotle powder in hot smokey flavors.

Herbs (optional)

Try dry oregano, thyme, mint, basil, or mixed Italian seasoning to add before cooking.

Or use fresh parsley, basil, or mint to sprinkle on top after cooking.

Salt and pepper

We recommend sea salt or kosher salt. Freshly ground black pepper adds fragrance.

Air fryer zucchini on a plate with lemon wedge

How to make air fryer zucchini

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F or 200°C for 3 minutes.

In the meantime, wash and dry the zucchini. Trim the ends, cut the zucchini in half lengthwise, then chop it into 1/4 Inch (0.5 cm) half-discs.

hand and chopped zucchini

Transfer the zucchini to a bowl. Season with olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and dried herbs.

Toss with a spoon to distribute the seasoning evenly.

zucchini in a bowl with spices

Transfer half of the zucchini to the air fryer basket and arrange them mainly on a single layer without too much overlapping (some overlapping is ok).

Air fry at 400°F or 200°C for 7 to 9 minutes, depending on your air-fryer, then proceed with the next batch.

The zucchini are ready when tender-crisp and slightly browned on the outside.

Tip: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket because the zucchini will become soggy.

Air fryer zucchini in an air fryer bowl

Serve as an appetizer, snack, or side dish. You can add some fresh herbs (thyme, mint, basil) and a squeeze of lemon.

Air fryer zucchini on a plate with lemon wedge

Serving suggestions

Make it a meal

Serve air fryer zucchini on a bed of Romesco sauce, drizzled with tahini sauce, a pinch of smoked paprika, a squeeze of lemon juice, and toasted slivered almonds.

Eat with pita chips or warm pita bread for a delicious and healthy meal.

Air fryer zucchini on a romesco sauce

As a side dish

BBQ sauce in a burger with coleslaw
BBQ tofu sandwich with bbq sauce, homemade mayo, and creamy coleslaw served next to air-fried zucchini and carrot.

As a starter

Serve with your favorite dipping sauce. Try chipotle sauce, basil pesto, marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or vegan mayo.

air fried zucchini with chipotle sauce

Variations

An air fryer allows you to cook most zucchini recipes you would otherwise do in an oven, usually in half the time. For example, try:

Crispy air fryer zucchini chips

Fried zucchini cooked in an air fryer

Crisp zucchini chips coated in flour and a bread crumbs mixture (or panko bread crumbs) with herbs, garlic, and parmesan cheese.

Check out our fried zucchini recipe.

Stuffed zucchini

stuffed zucchini with ricotta on a platter

Our stuffed zucchini with ricotta and sun-dried tomato filling is an excellent recipe to cook in the air fryer at 350°F or 180°C for 15 to 20 minutes.

Check out our stuffed zucchini recipe.

Zucchini boats

Easy zucchini boats

Zucchini boats are filled with a lentil and tomato mixture to is bold, rich, and fulfilling. You can cook them in the air fryer at 350°F or 180°C for 15 to 20 minutes.

Check out our zucchini boats recipe.

Storage

Make ahead: air fryer zucchini is not the best recipe to make ahead because the zucchini get softer and sometimes soggy soon after they are cooked.

Refrigerator: keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or microwave.

Freezer: we don’t recommend freezing. The zucchini will lose its texture and get soggy.

More air fryer recipes

More zucchini recipes

If you love zucchini as much as we do, check out these vibrant recipes:

For many more side dish ideas, check out our sides category page.

Air fryer zucchini on a plate

Air Fryer Zucchini

By: Nico Pallotta
5 from 3 votes
Air fryer zucchini is an easy, healthy, and tasty way of preparing this delicious vegetable. The air fryer's hot air and quick cooking time produce a tender-crisp zucchini with minimal use of oil.
This technique is a godsend for health-conscious home cooks looking to put a mouthwatering and wholesome meal on the table within minutes.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 9 minutes
Total Time: 14 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Appetizer, Side dish, Snack
Cuisine: American

Equipment

  • Air fryer

Ingredients

  • 3 medium-sized zucchini (about 1½ pound)
  • 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 twists black pepper

Instructions 

  • Preheat the air fryer to 400°F or 200°C for 3 minutes.
    In the meantime, wash and dry the zucchini. Trim the ends, cut 3 medium-sized zucchini in half lengthwise, then chop it into ¼ Inch (0.5 cm) half-discs.
    hand and chopped zucchini
  • Transfer the zucchini to a bowl. Season with 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil, 1 teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon salt, and 2 twists black pepper.
    Toss with a spoon to distribute the seasoning evenly.
    zucchini in a bowl with spices
  • Transfer half of the zucchini to the air fryer basket and arrange them mainly on a single layer without too much overlapping (some overlapping is ok).
    Air fry at 400°F or 200°C for 7 to 9 minutes, depending on your air-fryer, then proceed with the next batch.
    The zucchinis are ready when tender-crisp and slightly browned on the outside.
    Tip: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
    Air fryer zucchini in an air fryer bowl
  • Serve as an appetizer, snack, or side dish. You can add some fresh herbs (thyme, mint, basil) and a squeeze of lemon.
    Air fryer zucchini on a plate with garlic
  • Nico's serving tip: Serve air fryer zucchini on a bed of Romesco sauce, drizzled with tahini sauce, a pinch of smoked paprika, a squeeze of lemon juice, and toasted slivered almonds.
    Eat with pita chips or warm pita bread for a delicious and healthy meal.
    Air fryer zucchini on a romesco sauce

Video

Easy Air Fried Zucchini

Notes

Nutrition Information is an estimate for 1 portion of air fryer zucchini out of 4.
STORAGE
Make ahead: air fryer zucchini is not the best recipe to make ahead because the zucchini get softer and sometimes soggy soon after they are cooked.
Refrigerator: keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or microwave.
Freezer: we don’t recommend freezing. The zucchini will lose its texture and get soggy.
ALSO ON THIS PAGE

Nutrition

Calories: 50kcal, Carbohydrates: 6g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 3g, Saturated Fat: 0.4g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Trans Fat: 0g, Cholesterol: 0mg, Potassium: 450mg, Dietary Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 4g, Vitamin A: 578IU, Vitamin B6: 0.3mg, Vitamin C: 29mg, Vitamin E: 1mg, Vitamin K: 11µg, Calcium: 34mg, Folate: 40µg, Iron: 1mg, Manganese: 0.4mg, Magnesium: 32mg, Zinc: 1mg
Tried this recipe? Leave a comment below or mention @theplantbasedschool on Instagram. We are also on Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube, and TikTok.

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Nico and Louise in the kitchen

Hi! We are Nico & Louise

Welcome to The Plant-Based School, a food blog with easy, tasty, and wholesome recipes.

Our aim is to help you and your family eat more veggies through delicious recipes with simple ingredients.

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