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 video
Ingredients & Substitutions for air fried zucchini
How to make air fryer zucchini
Serving suggestions
Variations
Storage
More air fryer recipes
More zucchini recipes
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. 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. 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. 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. Serve as an appetizer, snack, or side dish. You can add some fresh herbs (thyme, mint, basil) and a squeeze of lemon. Eat with pita chips or warm pita bread for a delicious and healthy meal.
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.
As a starter
Serve with your favorite dipping sauce. Try chipotle sauce, basil pesto, marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or vegan mayo.
Crispy air fryer zucchini chips
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
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
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. 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.
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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.
For many more side dish ideas, check out our sides category page.
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