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    Home » Sides

    Air Fryer Zucchini

    Published: Aug 11, 2023 · by Nico Pallotta

    Jump to Recipe

    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
    On this page:
    • Ingredients & Substitutions
    • How to make air fryer zucchini
    • Serving suggestions
    • Variations
    • Storage
    • More air fryer recipes
    • More zucchini recipes
    • Recipe

    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 ¼ 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

    • With a protein-rich main: such as our BBQ Tofu, marinated tofu, fried tofu, or orange tofu.
    • Add to your favorite salad: serve next to a vegan pasta salad, tofu salad, or upgrade a chickpea salad with extra veggies.
    • Serve as a side dish for pasta: either pasta aglio e olio, lemon pasta, or any of these vegan pasta recipes.
    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

    Air frying is a fantastic way of making easy recipes with less oil. Here are some of our favorites:

    • Air fryer Brussels sprouts
    • Air fryer cauliflower
    • Air fryer green beans
    • Air fryer asparagus
    • Air fryer tofu
    • Air fryer eggplant
    • Air fryer mushrooms
    • Air fryer broccoli
    • Or any of these best air fryer recipes
    • air fryer eggplant
      Air Fryer Eggplant
    • air fryer sweet potato
      Air Fryer Sweet Potato
    • Roasted peppers in a bowl
      Roasted Peppers
    • crispy air fryer tofu
      Air Fryer Tofu

    More zucchini recipes

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

    • Sauteed zucchini: a super easy and basic recipe, ready in just 10 mins.
    • Zucchini frittata: an egg-free frittata perfect for picnics, brunch, and lunch.
    • Zucchini pesto: a healthy condiment with plenty of good fats and vitamins. A great addition to pasta and vegan salads.
    • Roasted zucchini easy baked zucchini in 2 ways that you can serve as a flavorful side or appetizer.
    • Zucchini risotto: a creamy and indulgent dinner idea perfect for social gatherings.
    • Tofu soup: one of our favorite easy dinners as it's ready in just 20 mins.
    • Fried zucchini on a platter with a lemon wedge
      Fried Zucchini
    • zucchini salad
      Zucchini Salad
    • Roasted zucchini with lemon
      Roasted Zucchini
    • vegan zucchini bread
      Vegan Zucchini Bread

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

    Recipe

    Air fryer zucchini on a plate

    Air Fryer Zucchini

    Author: Nico Pallotta
    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.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Share Recipe
    5 from 3 votes
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 9 minutes mins
    Total Time 14 minutes mins
    Course Appetizer, Side dish, Snack
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4 people
    Calories 50 kcal

    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
    Keep screen on

    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

    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
    • Substitutions
    • Serving suggestions
    • Variations
    • More air fryer recipes
    • More zucchini recipes

    Nutritional Values

    Nutrition Facts
    Air Fryer Zucchini
    Amount per Serving
    Calories
    50
    % Daily Value*
    Fat
     
    3
    g
    5
    %
    Saturated Fat
     
    0.4
    g
    3
    %
    Trans Fat
     
    0
    g
    Polyunsaturated Fat
     
    0.4
    g
    Monounsaturated Fat
     
    1
    g
    Cholesterol
     
    0
    mg
    0
    %
    Potassium
     
    450
    mg
    13
    %
    Carbohydrates
     
    6
    g
    2
    %
    Dietary Fiber
     
    2
    g
    8
    %
    Sugar
     
    4
    g
    4
    %
    Protein
     
    2
    g
    4
    %
    Vitamin A
     
    578
    IU
    12
    %
    Vitamin B6
     
    0.3
    mg
    15
    %
    Vitamin C
     
    29
    mg
    35
    %
    Vitamin E
     
    1
    mg
    7
    %
    Vitamin K
     
    11
    µg
    10
    %
    Calcium
     
    34
    mg
    3
    %
    Folate
     
    40
    µg
    10
    %
    Iron
     
    1
    mg
    6
    %
    Manganese
     
    0.4
    mg
    20
    %
    Magnesium
     
    32
    mg
    8
    %
    Zinc
     
    1
    mg
    7
    %
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
    Did you like this recipe?Leave us a comment below or find us on Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, TikTok, and Facebook.

    If you liked this air fryer zucchini recipe, you might also like:

    • Zucchini recipes for weeknight dinners
      20 Easy Zucchini Recipes
    • Vegetable sides with salad and mashed veggies
      40 Best Vegetable Sides
    • Easy vegan pasta dishes that pleases omnivores
      40 Vegan Pasta Recipes
    • Easy vegetable recipes with eggplant and zucchini
      25 Easy Vegetable Recipes
    « Romesco Sauce
    What to Serve with Risotto: 25 Sides »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. cookhomey

      June 14, 2022 at 2:36 pm

      5 stars
      This looks absolutely delicious! Can't wait to try this amazing recipe.
      Hello from a fellow food blogger, https://www.cookhomey.com/ 🙂

      Reply

    Leave a comment and star rating :-) Cancel reply

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    Recipe Rating




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    Nico and Louise founders of the Plant-Based School.

    Hi, we are Nico Pallotta and Louise Vestergaard, and we love cooking! Welcome to our blog.

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    Nico and Louise founders of the Plant-Based School.

    Hi, we are Nico Pallotta and Louise Vestergaard, and we love cooking! Welcome to our blog.

    Here we share veggie-packed recipes for the whole family.

    Omnivores, flexitarians, vegetarians, and vegans, you are ALL WELCOME!

    More about us →

    Trending

    • lentil curry with basmati rice
      Lentil Curry
    • Rice salad with olives and tomatoes
      Rice Salad
    • Creamy pasta salad with mayo and olives
      Creamy Pasta Salad
    • Black bean salad with lime and avocado
      Black Bean Salad

    Seasonal

    • Broccoli salad in a white bowl
      Broccoli Salad
    • Dill Potato Salad
    • Buddha bowl with grilled tofu, mango, and peanut sauce
      Buddha Bowl
    • zucchini fritters with tzatziki
      Zucchini Fritters

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