Air Fryer Zucchini
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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.
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.
The biggest issue with other air fryer zucchini recipes is that the zucchini turns out soggy and limp. The one trick that makes all the difference is to ensure the zucchini is as dry as possible. If there’s any extra moisture on it, the zucchini steams instead of crisping and goes mushy as soon as you remove it from the air fryer.
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.
★★★★★ REVIEW
“This was terrific. I used one zucchini, added salt, pepper, and garlic, shaking every 3 minutes, and took it out before 10 minutes. Turned out awesome. Thank you for sharing. 😄” – Rachel
Key Ingredients
Here’s what goes into air fried zucchini, along with my kitchen notes. Full measurements are in the recipe card below.
- 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. Just a tablespoon to crisp up the zucchini.
- Salt and black pepper. To taste.
How to make air fryer zucchini
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.
- Go easy on the salt. Adding too much before cooking can draw out moisture, leaving 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.
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.
Air Fryer Zucchini
Video
Ingredients
- 2 large zucchini sliced into coins
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
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. The zucchini should be golden brown around the edges and tender-crisp in the center.
- Remove the zucchini from the air fryer and serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
More veggie air fryer recipes
- Air fryer cauliflower– Crispy edges and soft in the middle, this is my partner’s favorite side.
- Air fryer green beans– Crisp, tender, and ready in less than 5 minutes.
- Air fryer butternut squash– I love how this takes a fraction of the time that oven roasting does.
- Air fryer frozen broccoli– No soggy florets here.
Hi Arman! Love your site and recipes! How long to bake in oven instead of air fryer? I already have too many gadgets!
Thanks so much!
Bobbie Baron
San Francisco
Fast, super easy, tasty. Extremely versatile.
My go to recipe when I need a quick side.
I do leave the zucchini slices for about 20 minutes with a little salt and then pat them dry.
I “play” with the seasoning – smoked paprika and garlic. Or fresh thyme. Or onion powder… infinite possibilities…
Thank you, Armand, for another great recipe.
I love to hear that, Ossie- those seasonings sound fantastic.
My go-to easy side dish that uses up loads of zucchini.
Thank you so much, Colleen- I appreciate your comment and review!
Thank you for sharing your recipe. You are very kind
This was terrific. Did one zucchini added salt,pepper and garlic shaking every 3 minutes took out before the 10 minutes. Turned out awesome.
Thank you for sharing. 😄
Thank you for the feedback, Rachel- I’m glad you enjoyed the recipe!
Good clear instructions. I used one large zucchini, just for the two of us. Tasted great. Saved for future use.
Zucchini are one of my best veggie. Soooo good! Crispy looks!
I made this
Yesterday and they were so sweet, zucchini I mean.
Love this air fryer zucchini so much!!
Tried this today , I used garlic and paprika . Very tasty without feeling guilty.
Love to hear that, Marjorie!
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