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In the time it takes to preheat your oven, you can whip up a batch of easy Air Fryer Zucchini. The easy vegetable side dish can be yours in just 10 minutes with simple ingredients and lots of flavor.
Meggan’s notes
You probably already know that an air fryer is a fantastic time-saving device that cooks everything fast and with ease, whether you’re making Air Fryer Salmon or a side of Air Fryer Broccoli.
Like any busy paret moving at full speed in the kitchen, saving time while packing in whole foods is key, and Air Fryer Zucchini is a regular on my table.
Here are my best tips to make the most of zucchini and all your air fryer veggies:
- Size matters: Cut zucchini into pieces of a similar size. I prefer to quarter them lengthwise and then chop into chunks, but planks and slices air fry well, too.
- Fat and flavor: Use just enough oil to coat the zucchini, then sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. If you want to add dried spices such as garlic powder, now’s the time.
- Crowd control: Don’t overcrowd the basket. Leave enough room so heat can circulate evenly between, above, and below the vegetables.
- High heat: Fire up your air fryer at a high heat (400 degrees is my preferred temperature).
- Final flourishes: For even more flavor, add a squeeze of fresh citrus, a dash of Parmesan cheese, or a handful of fresh herbs after cooking.
Table of Contents
Recipe ingredients
At a Glance: Here is a quick snapshot of what ingredients are in this recipe.
Please see the recipe card below for specific quantities.
Ingredient notes
- Zucchini: This recipe works for green zucchini, yellow summer squash, or even baby sunburst squash and patty pan squash.
- Olive oil: Even though you’re air-frying, you’ll want a little oil for optimal flavor and texture. Light olive oil is my default cooking oil, but feel free to use avocado oil, peanut oil, or a generous spritz of cooking spray if you prefer.
Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees. In a large bowl, add zucchini, olive oil, and salt and pepper (I like at least ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper).
- Toss to combine. Transfer the zucchini to the air fryer basket , aiming for a single layer (work in batches if necessary).
- Air fry at 400 degrees until the zucchini is softened with caramelized edges, about 10 to 12 minutes. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Recipe tips and variations
- Yield: This Air Fryer Zucchini recipe makes about 2 cups, enough for four 1/2-cup servings.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Punch Up the Flavor: Garlic powder, Parmesan cheese, oregano, basil, chili powder, parsley, thyme, Italian Seasoning, Greek seasoning, or any other savory herbs and spices you adore.
- Dress it up: Just before serving, take your Air Fryer Zucchini to new flavor heights with a spritz of fresh lemon juice, a drizzle of balsamic glaze, a flourish of fresh herbs, and/or grated Parmesan cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions
Air Fryer Zucchini is one of my signature summer side dish recipes as-is. When peak season arrives, I often make a double batch to refrigerate and use as part of my weekly meal prep. (It’s a terrific addition to salads and grain bowls; try it warm or chilled).
I’ve also been known to combine air-fried zucchini with drained and rinsed canned beans for a high-fiber vegetarian taco filling. For another stellar swap, try Air Fryer Zucchini instead of spaghetti squash as the base for your favorite pasta sauce. I adore this as the foundation for my Meat Sauce for a high-protein lunch or dinner.
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Air Fryer Zucchini
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound zucchini trimmed, quartered lengthwise, and cut into 2-inch pieces (about 2 medium, see note 1)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees. In a large bowl, add zucchini, olive oil, and salt and pepper (I like at least ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper). Toss to combine. Transfer the zucchini to the basket of an air fryer (work in batches if necessary).
- Air fry at 400 degrees until the zucchini is softened with caramelized edges, about 10 to 12 minutes. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Notes
- Zucchini: This recipe works for green zucchini, yellow summer squash, or even baby sunburst squash and patty pan squash.
- Yield: This Air Fryer zucchini recipe makes about 2 cups, enough for four 1/2-cup servings.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
Meggan Hill is a classically-trained chef and professional writer. Her meticulously-tested recipes and detailed tutorials bring confidence and success to home cooks everywhere. Meggan has been featured on NPR, HuffPost, FoxNews, LA Times, and more.