Air Fryer Zucchini

The air fills with the mouthwatering aroma of crispy, golden zucchini, enticing you to dive in. This Air Fryer Zucchini recipe takes just 15 minutes from start to finish, and the air fryer ensures an irresistibly crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a healthy side dish without the need for oil-heavy frying.

This recipe is perfect for anyone seeking a quick and delicious vegetable dish. Make it for a weeknight dinner or as a colorful addition to a potluck. You can easily make it ahead of time; just store the cooked zucchini in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The air fryer creates a perfectly crispy texture without excess oil.
• It’s a quick recipe that takes only 8-10 minutes to cook.
• Easily customizable with a variety of seasonings to suit your taste.
• Perfectly tender zucchini complements any meal.

What You’ll Need

Here’s what you need to make this tasty dish:

For the Zucchini

• 2 pounds zucchini, diced into ½-inch pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, extra-virgin preferred
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Olive oil can be swapped for other oils.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Zucchini: yellow squash works well too.
• Olive oil: canola or avocado oil are good alternatives.
• Onion powder: shallot powder serves as a substitute.
• Garlic powder: fresh garlic can be used, adjust to taste.

How to Make It

Follow these simple steps for delicious air-fried zucchini.

Preheat the air fryer

Install the air fryer’s grilling rack in the basket and preheat the air fryer to 400° Fahrenheit.

Prepare the zucchini

Place the zucchini pieces in a medium mixing bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and top with seasonings. Toss to coat evenly.

Arrange the zucchini

Arrange the zucchini on the air fryer’s grilling rack in a single layer without crowding the pieces.

Air fry the zucchini

Air fry for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket once during cooking, until golden brown and crispy on the outside, tender on the inside.

How to Store It

Fridge: store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: no, zucchini doesn’t freeze well cooked.
Reheat: in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes.

Tips for Best Results

• Cut the zucchini into uniform pieces for even cooking.
• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer; this ensures crispiness.
• For extra flavor, add grated Parmesan cheese before air frying.
• Experiment with different spices for variety.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve as a side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish.
• Add to salads for extra texture and flavor.
• Pair with a dipping sauce like ranch or tzatziki for a tasty appetizer.