Name: The Perfect Air Fryer Zucchini
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 2 whole Zucchini, medium to large size; 1 tablespoon Olive oil; 2 teaspoons All purpose seasoning; 1 teaspoon Garlic powder; ½ teaspoon Onion powder; ½ teaspoon Black pepper

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Air fryer zucchini is a quick and easy veggie side dish for your weeknight meals. Skip the oven because bite-sized air fried zucchini is flavorful, tender, and cooked to perfection.

Looking for more delicious zucchini recipes? Then you have to try my Delicious Grilled Zucchini and Squash and Baked Creamy Mixed Vegetables next!

Learn how to cook zucchini in the air fryer with this simple recipe. The fear with most zucchini recipes is that they’ll be soggy. But in the air fryer, they develop a nice crust, while still having a soft, creamy center.

Why You Will Love Air Fryer Zucchini:

Quick & Easy! With just 5 minutes of prep work, and another 15 of cooking time, zucchini takes just 20 minutes to make.

Healthy Side! This low-carb air fryer zucchini has no breading so they’re fewer calories than air fryer zucchini fries. Zucchini is a nutrient-dense vegetable rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, promoting digestive health and weight loss.

So Versatile! Zucchini is such a versatile vegetable. Alter the seasoning, cooking time, and how you slice it to make this recipe yours!

close up view of cooked zucchini in a plate

Ingredients for Air Fryer Zucchini Recipe

You will need the following ingredients:

Zucchini: This summer squash is firm with a mild flavor so it tastes however you season it.
Olive oil: Use oil to ensure the zucchini crisps up as it cooks. Avocado oil works as a substitute.
Seasoning: Sprinkle the zucchini slices with all purpose seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.

How to Make Air Fryer Zucchini

Preheat the air fryer to 350° F. Thoroughly rinse the zucchini under cold water to remove any debris.

Then cut the ends off of each zucchini and discard them. Next, cut each zucchini in half lengthwise. Now slice the zucchini into thin slices, about ½ inch each.

Place the sliced zucchini into a large bowl and drizzle in the olive oil. Now add the seasonings including the all purpose seasoning (or seasoned salt), the garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.

seasoned sliced zucchini in a white bowl

Use tongs or a spoon to toss the zucchini pieces in the bowl to ensure each piece is fully coated by the olive oil and seasoning.

Then add the seasoned zucchini to a piece of parchment paper or aluminum foil. Place them in one single layer if possible. Now place it in the air fryer.

chopped and seasoned zucchini wrapped in parchment paper in an air fryer basket

Air fry the zucchini for 7 minutes at 350º F. Open the air fryer and use the tongs to gently turn the veggies. Air fry for another 7 minutes.

air fried zucchini wrapped in parchment paper, placed in a white bowl

Serve right away, and enjoy!

How Long to Cook Zucchini in Air Fryer

It takes about 8-15 minutes to cook zucchini in the air fryer. The exact cooking time depends on temperature, how thick or thin the zucchini is sliced, and your preferred texture.

This recipe yields firm yet tender zucchini. For even more tender zucchini, air fry for an additional 2-3 minutes.

If you prefer crispy air fryer zucchini or air fryer zucchini chips, increase the temperature to 400 degrees F and cook for about 8-10 minutes on both sides.

close up view of air fryer zucchini on a plate

Tips and Variations

When preparing air fryer zucchini, do not peel off the skin. It’s edible and packed with nutrients.
For added salty, cheesy flavor, sprinkle parmesan cheese over the seasoned zucchini before cooking. It also serves as a crispy coating for extra crunch.
Spread the zucchini out in one layer for even cooking. If the air fryer basket isn’t big enough, cook in batches.
Use parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy retrieval.
This recipe is best enjoyed straight out of the air fryer so make sure the rest of your meal is ready.
For crunchy zucchini, consider coating seasoned zucchini in flour and then breadcrumbs.

FAQ

Avoid soggy zucchini by cooking them in a single layer so they aren’t clumped together. This allows them to roast rather than steam.

It’s not necessary to dry zucchini before cooking but it can help you achieve crispier zucchini. Some recipes include salting zucchini slices and letting them sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture.

The air fryer is the best way to prepare zucchini. It’s a quick and convenient cooking method that produces a crispy exterior and tender center without excessive oil. The air fryer also ensures even cooking, making it an ideal choice for a healthier and delicious zucchini side dish.

Leftover zucchini lasts up to 4 days in the fridge when properly stored in an airtight container. I do not recommend freezing zucchini because it will be soggy once thawed.

More Delicious Air Fryer Recipes

4 servings