If you’re like us, you’re always looking for ways to feed your family quick, healthy meals that everyone will love. The air fryer is one of those kitchen tools that makes this goal so much easier.
Whether you’re whipping up a quick side dish or looking to put a healthier spin on some of your favorites, the air fryer is a game-changer. It allows you to create crispy, flavorful dishes with a fraction of the oil used in traditional frying methods.
For families who want to enjoy healthier meals without sacrificing taste or texture, it’s become a must-have.
Zucchini is one of those vegetables that’s perfect for busy families. It’s incredibly versatile, nutritious, and easy to cook.
Whether you’re adding it to stir-fries, soups, or grilling it alongside other veggies, zucchini packs in nutrients like Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and potassium.
But when you toss zucchini in the air fryer? You’re looking at a crispy, delicious dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. The air fryer gives zucchini a perfect, lightly browned texture that makes it a great side for almost any meal.
In this article, we’ll guide you through a simple recipe for air fryer zucchini. Whether you’re new to air fryers, new to cooking zucchini, or just looking to perfect your technique, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make this healthy dish quickly and easily.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Zucchini
The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. You don’t need a long list of ingredients to create a flavorful, crispy dish. Here are the key ingredients you’ll need to make the best air fryer zucchini:
Zucchini
Zucchini is a family favorite for many reasons. It’s mild in flavor, which makes it easy to pair with a variety of seasonings and dishes, and it’s loaded with health benefits.
This green vegetable is high in fiber and contains essential nutrients like Vitamin A, Vitamin C, potassium, and manganese. It’s also a great source of antioxidants, which can help protect your body from inflammation and support overall health.
Zucchini is often praised for its versatility, whether you’re roasting it, grilling it, or adding it to pasta dishes. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to air fry it to crispy perfection, locking in all those nutrients.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
A little bit of olive oil goes a long way in this recipe. It helps the zucchini become tender without getting soggy and helps the seasoning stick.
While extra virgin olive oil is the go-to option for its rich flavor and health benefits, feel free to substitute it with grapeseed or avocado oil if you prefer.
These oils will provide similar results and are great alternatives if you’re looking for a change.
Italian Seasoning
Italian seasoning adds a burst of flavor to the zucchini without overpowering its natural taste.
The blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme works beautifully with the zucchini’s delicate flavor, elevating the dish with minimal effort.
If you’re out of Italian seasoning, don’t worry! This recipe is versatile enough for you to try other seasonings that suit your tastes.
How to Cook Zucchini in the Air Fryer
This dish is as quick as it is easy. With a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious appetizer or side dish ready in no time. It’s a great way to add more vegetables to your meals without much fuss.
- Serves: 4
- Calories: 36
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Equipment Needed
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowl
- Cutting board
- Knife
Ingredient List
- 2 medium zucchini
- 2 teaspoons of extra virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon of garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Prep the zucchini: Start by cutting your zucchini into even cubes, about half an inch in size. Cutting them evenly ensures that they cook consistently. No need to peel your zucchini—most of the nutrients are in the skin, and it crisps up nicely in the air fryer.
- Season the zucchini: Place the zucchini cubes in a mixing bowl. Add the extra virgin olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss the cubes until they’re evenly coated. This step is key to making sure each bite is packed with flavor.
- Preheat and arrange: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Spread the seasoned zucchini in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd them. If you have more zucchini than fits in a single layer, it’s best to cook in batches. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking.
- Cook and shake: Air fry the zucchini for 10 to 12 minutes, giving the basket a good shake halfway through cooking. This ensures that the zucchini cooks evenly and doesn’t stick to the basket. The cubes should be lightly browned and roasted by the time they’re done.
- Serve: Once the zucchini is crispy and golden, it’s ready to eat. Air fryer zucchini is best served immediately while it’s still warm and has that perfect crunch.
Our Tips for the Best Air Fryer Zucchini
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of your air fryer zucchini every time:
- Even cutting is key: Keeping the zucchini cubes the same size ensures they cook evenly. You don’t want some pieces to be overcooked while others are still undercooked.
- Cook in batches: If you pile too much zucchini into the air fryer, the hot air won’t circulate properly, and your zucchini won’t get crispy. Make sure to cook in a single layer and, if needed, do multiple batches.
- Shake halfway through: Don’t forget to shake the basket halfway through cooking. This helps the zucchini cook evenly on all sides and prevents sticking.
- Serve immediately: Zucchini can lose its crispiness if it sits out too long, so it’s best to serve it right away.
- Adjust cooking time as needed: Different air fryers may cook at slightly different rates, so keep an eye on your zucchini. If you like it extra crispy, give it an extra minute or two in the fryer.
Variations To Air Fryer Zucchini
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, you can try mixing it up with these variations:
- Different seasonings: Italian seasoning is a classic, but feel free to experiment with other flavors. Try taco seasoning for a spicy kick or Cajun seasoning for something bolder.
- Swap out the veggies: Zucchini isn’t the only vegetable that works well in the air fryer. Broccoli, cauliflower, and bell peppers are all great options. You can even mix them together for a colorful, nutritious side dish.
- Fresh herbs: If you prefer using fresh ingredients, swap out the Italian seasoning for fresh herbs like oregano, basil, or thyme. These add a vibrant, fresh flavor to your zucchini.
- Add a little heat: If your family likes things spicy, toss in some red chili flakes or cayenne pepper with the seasoning mix.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Zucchini
Air fryer zucchini is a versatile side dish that pairs well with many different meals, making it an easy addition to your family’s regular meal rotation.
For a balanced and wholesome dinner, consider serving it alongside a grain bowl. Zucchini adds a delightful contrast in both flavor and texture when paired with quinoa, brown rice, or couscous.
You can top your grain bowl with a mix of veggies and drizzle a simple tahini or lemon vinaigrette for extra flavor.
Another great option is to pair air fryer zucchini with pasta dishes. It complements hearty pasta meals, especially when served with a rich, creamy vegan alfredo or a simple marinara sauce. The crispy zucchini provides a nice contrast to the smooth pasta, offering a well-rounded meal.
If you’re looking for a lighter option, serve it with a fresh salad. Zucchini’s crispy texture and savory flavors go hand-in-hand with leafy greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers. A squeeze of lemon or a light vinaigrette will enhance the flavors of both the salad and the zucchini.
Finally, air fryer zucchini can be served as part of a snack platter. Add it to a spread with hummus, sliced veggies, and some whole-grain crackers for a quick and healthy snack or appetizer that the whole family can enjoy.
How to Store Air Fryer Zucchini
While air fryer zucchini is best eaten fresh, you might have some leftovers. If so, here’s how to store them:
In the Refrigerator
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Just make sure the zucchini has cooled completely before storing it to avoid condensation making it soggy.
In the Freezer
For longer storage, you can freeze the zucchini. Lay the pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them.
Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Keep in mind that the texture may change slightly when you reheat it.
How to Reheat Air Fryer Zucchini
To reheat zucchini, the air fryer is your best option to maintain that crispy texture. Set it to 350°F and air fry for about 2 minutes.
If you’re in a rush, you can microwave the zucchini for 30 seconds, though the texture might be softer.
Final Thoughts
Air fryer zucchini is a simple, nutritious dish that’s perfect for busy families. It’s quick, easy to make, and full of flavor.
Whether you’re serving it as a side, appetizer, or snack, air fryer zucchini is sure to be a hit.
We hope this recipe becomes a staple in your kitchen, helping you add more veggies to your meals in a fun and delicious way.
