If you have been looking for a quick, delicious way to enjoy fresh zucchini, this Air Fryer Zucchini Recipe is your new best friend. Perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, it brings out the natural sweetness of zucchini with a flavorful blend of herbs and spices. Whether you are craving a healthy snack or a vibrant side dish, this recipe is incredibly easy to whip up and sure to impress everyone at the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients for this Air Fryer Zucchini Recipe are simple yet essential to create a perfectly balanced dish bursting with flavor and color. Each component adds a special touch to the texture and aroma, making this zucchini irresistible.
- 1-1 ¼ lbs. medium zucchini (3 medium-sized): The star of the recipe, zucchini provides freshness and a lovely tender bite.
- 1 Tbsp. oil (olive or avocado): Helps to crisp the zucchini beautifully and keeps it from sticking in the air fryer.
- ¾ tsp. salt (to taste): Enhances the natural flavor of zucchini and balances the seasoning.
- ¼ tsp. black pepper (to taste): Adds a subtle kick and depth to the overall taste.
- ¼ tsp. garlic powder: Infuses a warm, savory note that complements zucchini perfectly.
- ¼ tsp. dried basil and oregano (each): These herbs lend an aromatic Italian twist that brightens the dish.
- ¼ tsp. paprika: Offers a gentle smokiness and vibrant color to the zucchini slices.
- Fresh parsley (optional): For garnish, adding freshness and a pop of green when serving.
How to Make Air Fryer Zucchini Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Start by preheating your 6-quart air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit for at least 3 minutes. This ensures the air fryer is hot and ready, resulting in perfectly crisp zucchini from the moment you place them inside.
Step 2: Prepare the Zucchini
Cut your zucchini in half lengthwise, then again into quarters, and finally slice into ½-inch pieces. This uniform size helps the zucchini cook evenly, guaranteeing every bite is tender and nicely browned.
Step 3: Season the Zucchini
Transfer the zucchini pieces into a large bowl and drizzle with your choice of olive or avocado oil. Sprinkle salt, black pepper, garlic powder, dried basil, oregano, and paprika over the zucchini. Toss everything until the pieces are thoroughly coated in this flavorful seasoning blend.
Step 4: Arrange in the Air Fryer
Place the seasoned zucchini in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding to promote even cooking and lovely crispiness.
Step 5: Air Fry to Perfection
Cook the zucchini at 380 degrees for 9 to 10 minutes. Make sure to toss the basket halfway through cooking to ensure all sides get that golden crisp. You’ll know they’re done when the zucchini are lightly browned and tender.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once cooked, sprinkle fresh parsley on top if you like for a refreshing finish. Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect textures and flavors of this Air Fryer Zucchini Recipe.
How to Serve Air Fryer Zucchini Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a vibrant touch of color and freshness. You can also consider a light dusting of freshly grated Parmesan or a squeeze of lemon juice to bring even more brightness to your Air Fryer Zucchini Recipe.
Side Dishes
This zucchini pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or alongside a hearty grain like quinoa or couscous. It also shines as a healthy side for pasta dishes or a weekend brunch table, making every meal feel a little more special.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful twist, serve the zucchini in small bowls with a creamy dip like tzatziki or ranch dressing. Alternatively, toss the cooked zucchini with cooked pasta and fresh tomatoes to create a light and delicious pasta salad perfect for warm days. The possibilities are endless and fun to explore!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover zucchini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. While the zucchini will lose a bit of its crispiness, reheating it properly can help revive much of the texture.
Freezing
Freezing air-fried zucchini is not ideal as it tends to become mushy upon thawing. For best results, enjoy this dish fresh or refrigerate leftovers rather than freezing.
Reheating
To reheat, toss the zucchini back into your air fryer at 350 degrees for 3 to 5 minutes. This method brings back the crispy edges and warms the zucchini thoroughly without drying it out.
FAQs
Can I use other vegetables in this Air Fryer Zucchini Recipe?
Absolutely! Vegetables like yellow squash, bell peppers, or mushrooms can be seasoned similarly and air fried alongside zucchini for a colorful, delicious medley.
What oil is best for air frying zucchini?
Olive oil and avocado oil are ideal choices because of their flavor and high smoke points, which make them perfect for air frying and help create a crisp texture.
Do I need to peel the zucchini before cooking?
No need to peel zucchini — the skin is tender and packed with nutrients. It also helps the zucchini hold its shape better during cooking.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Air Fryer Zucchini Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free seasoning blends. It’s a great choice for gluten-sensitive eaters.
How do I prevent zucchini from becoming soggy in the air fryer?
Cutting the zucchini into evenly sized pieces and avoiding overcrowding in the air fryer basket ensures they cook evenly and get crispy instead of soggy.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Zucchini Recipe is such a wonderful way to enjoy a simple vegetable with vibrant flavor and perfect texture. It’s a quick, healthy, and tasty recipe that will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. I hope you dive in and make this your go-to zucchini dish — it’s a joyous snack or side that’s sure to brighten up any meal!
Print
Air Fryer Zucchini Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Air Fryer Zucchini recipe offers a quick and healthy way to enjoy tender, lightly browned zucchini using simple seasonings and a splash of oil. Perfect as a nutritious side dish, this recipe enhances zucchini’s natural flavors with garlic, herbs, and a hint of paprika, all cooked to perfection in the air fryer for a crispy yet tender texture in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 to 1 ¼ lbs. medium zucchini (about 3 medium-sized zucchini)
Seasonings & Oil
- 1 Tbsp. oil (olive or avocado)
- ¾ tsp. salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp. black pepper (adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp. garlic powder
- ¼ tsp. dried basil
- ¼ tsp. dried oregano
- ¼ tsp. paprika
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat a 6-quart air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for at least 3 minutes to ensure even cooking temperature.
- Prepare the Zucchini: Cut each zucchini in half lengthwise, then cut each half into quarters lengthwise again. Finally, slice into ½-inch pieces to ensure uniform sizes for even cooking.
- Season the Zucchini: Place the zucchini pieces in a large bowl. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive or avocado oil. Sprinkle on salt, black pepper, garlic powder, dried basil, oregano, and paprika. Toss thoroughly to evenly coat all pieces with the seasoning and oil.
- Arrange in Air Fryer Basket: Spread the seasoned zucchini pieces in a single layer inside the air fryer basket to promote even air circulation and browning.
- Air Fry the Zucchini: Cook the zucchini at 380°F for 9 to 10 minutes until they become lightly browned and tender. Halfway through cooking, toss the basket contents gently to ensure all sides cook evenly.
- Serve: Immediately transfer the cooked zucchini to a serving dish. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired and enjoy this flavorful and healthy side dish.
Notes
- You can substitute olive oil with avocado oil for a different flavor and higher smoke point.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to your taste preference.
- For added crispiness, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary.
- Fresh parsley adds a bright, fresh touch but can be omitted if not available.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated in the air fryer briefly to retain crispness.
