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My air fryer zucchini recipe guarantees crispy, flavorful, and juicy zucchini. It’s ready in under 10 minutes using only 4 ingredients!
Need more veggie air fryer recipes? Try my air fryer cauliflower, air fryer frozen green beans, air fryer butternut squash, and air fryer broccoli next.
I love cooking zucchini because it’s fast, healthy, and mild enough to absorb whatever it’s cooked with. One of my favorite ways to prepare it is in the air fryer.
My air fried zucchini is crispy yet soft, with plenty of moisture and the perfect, albeit simple, blend of seasonings. It’s so good it’ll actually make you WANT to eat your vegetables!
Table of Contents
Why I love this recipe
- A healthy side dish. Fried zucchini uses up to ¼ cup of cooking oil or more! When you air fry it instead, you use a spoonful at most.
- It’s fast. By far, this is the fastest way to prepare zucchini.
- Extra crispy. The high heat paired with the aerated basket ensures extra crispiness on the outside without drying out the middle.
- No mess. There’s only one bowl and one air fryer basket to clean up afterward.
Ingredients needed
- Zucchini. Look for two large or three medium zucchini that are firm with no bruising or soft spots. They’ll need to be sliced into half-inch coins. Yellow summer squash can also be used.
- Olive oil spray. Just a touch to crisp up the zucchini.
- Salt and black pepper. To taste.
How to make air fryer zucchini
I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step 1- Season. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced zucchini, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Step 2- Air fry. Transfer the zucchini to an air fryer basket and air fry at 200C/400F for 10 minutes. Shake the basket every 3 minutes.
Arman’s recipe tips
- Pat dry the zucchini before air frying. Once the zucchini is sliced, pat it dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. I don’t always do this step, but it can be helpful to guarantee crispy zucchini.
- Go easy on the salt. Too much before cooking can draw out moisture and make it dry and tough. You can always add more salt once it’s been cooked.
- Air fry in batches. You want to line the basket in a single layer; otherwise, the zucchini won’t get crispy.
- Want those classic grill marks? Place a grill pan in the basket.
Flavor variations
- Play around with spices. Like red pepper flakes, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, or Italian seasoning.
- Add cheese. Toss the zucchini in grated parmesan cheese. It’ll form a crust around the zucchini as it browns.
- Serve with dipping sauce. Like garlic yogurt sauce, ranch dressing, marinara sauce, or cottage cheese dip.
Storage instructions
To store: Store leftover zucchini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.
To freeze: Place cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to two months.
Reheating: Reheat in an air fryer basket at 200C/400F for 4 minutes, flipping halfway through, or reheat in a preheated oven.
Frequently asked questions
Zucchini may become soggy if it’s overcooked or if too much oil is added. Stick to the suggested cooking time and only add enough oil to lightly coat the zucchini pieces.
More ways to enjoy zucchini
Air Fryer Zucchini
Video
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, add your sliced zucchini, olive oil, salt, and pepper, and mix well.
- Transfer the zucchini into an air fryer basket and air fry the zucchini for 10 minutes at 200C/400F, shaking the basket every 3 minutes.
- Remove the zucchini from the air fryer and serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Originally published July 2022, updated and republished September 2024
I made this
Yesterday and they were so sweet, zucchini I mean.
Love this air fryer zucchini so much!!
This is like zucchini chips. Very good. Must be so tastyy
Love your air fryer zucchini.
just made this in my new air fryer as my zucchini needed to use up having this for my brunch tomorrow how to reheat this in oven or microwave oven where i should keep this in fridge or freezer it is my first time making your recipe
LOVING your recipes!!! They are all AMAZING! Thinking of buying an air fryer…people rave about them and I never thought about them cooking great vegetables! Do you have one you suggest that works well??
Hi JoAnna- This is my favorite and works a treat (and affordable!)- > https://amzn.to/3kAap4X