This Air Fryer Zucchini is a simple, flavorful side dish you can make any time of year. With only a few steps and the help of an air fryer, the zucchini becomes tender, caramelized, and slightly sweet.
I use my air fryer all the time because it’s fast and adds great texture and flavor to vegetables and many other dishes. This zucchini recipe is one of my go-to side dishes: it’s affordable, easy to find year-round, and mild in flavor—perfect with weeknight meals.
If you have extra zucchini, try making zucchini burgers or a grilled-vegetable pasta salad for another way to enjoy summer squash.
Looking for more air-fryer veggie ideas? Check the roundup of easy air fryer recipes.
Ingredients
Zucchini: 2 medium zucchinis with firm, smooth skin. Wash, trim the ends, and slice into 1/8-inch medallions or cut into spears.
Olive oil: 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil (or avocado oil) to help the zucchini brown and prevent sticking.
Seasonings: Garlic powder, fine sea salt or kosher salt, and black pepper to taste. These simple seasonings highlight the zucchini’s natural sweetness.
Recipe Variations
This recipe is very adaptable—try one of these ideas to change the flavor or presentation:
- Cheesy: Mix 2 teaspoons of nutritional yeast into the seasoning or sprinkle 1–2 tablespoons of shredded vegan parmesan over the hot zucchini.
- Mixed squash: Replace one zucchini with a yellow summer squash or a few pattypan squash for a colorful side.
- Spears: Cut into spears for a finger-food version; cook time remains the same.
- Seasoning swap: Use 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, Herbes de Provence, or a taco seasoning blend instead of garlic powder for a different profile.
- Finishing touches: A squeeze of fresh lemon, chopped parsley or basil, or a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs brightens and textures the dish.
How to Air Fry Zucchini
- Preheat: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Slice zucchini into 1/8-inch medallions or into spears.
- Season: In a bowl, toss the zucchini with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Arrange: Place zucchini in a single, even layer in the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding.
- Cook: Air fry for about 13 minutes, shaking or turning the zucchini every 5 minutes so it browns evenly. For al dente zucchini, check at 10–12 minutes; for more caramelization, cook 13–15 minutes.
- Serve: Enjoy hot as a side to your favorite main dishes.
Jenné’s Recipe Pro-Tips
- Cook in a single layer: Give each piece space so moisture can evaporate; overcrowding causes sogginess. Cook in batches if necessary and keep finished batches warm in a 200°F oven.
- Turn or shake often: Moving the zucchini every few minutes promotes even browning. Use a light shake or a spatula to turn pieces if needed.
- Watch the time: Start checking zucchini at 10 minutes. Remove earlier for al dente texture, or leave it a few extra minutes for more crispness and caramelization.
Serving Suggestions
Air-fried zucchini pairs well with many entrees. Try it with garlic noodles, veggie burgers, pan-fried mushrooms, or a creamy mushroom pasta.
- Saucy Garlic Noodles
- Beet and Black Bean Veggie Burgers
- Pan-Fried Oyster Mushrooms
- Mushroom Alfredo Pasta
Storage Directions
- Refrigerate: Let zucchini cool uncovered to room temperature to avoid condensation. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate up to 5 days. Freezing is not recommended because the texture changes on thawing.
- Reheat: Reheat in a preheated air fryer at 325°F for 2–3 minutes or in the microwave on low power until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
About 13 minutes is a good target for tender, cooked zucchini. For firmer, al dente pieces cook 10–12 minutes; for more browned, caramelized zucchini, cook 13–15 minutes.
More Air Fryer Vegetable Recipes
- Air Fryer Carrots
- Air Fryer Broccolini
- Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potato
- Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
- Air Fryer Green Beans
- Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges
Air Fryer Zucchini
Medallions and spears cook in the same time. Season simply with garlic, salt, and pepper, or use one of the variations to customize the dish.
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchini, sliced into 1/8-inch medallions or spears
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp fine sea salt or kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
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Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
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Toss sliced zucchini with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl until evenly coated.
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Place zucchini in a single layer in the air fryer basket, working in batches if needed.
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Air fry for 13 minutes, shaking or turning every 5 minutes for even browning.
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Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
- Refrigerating: Cool zucchini uncovered to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Freezing is not recommended because the texture will degrade.
- Reheating: Reheat in an air fryer at 325°F for 2–3 minutes or microwave gently until hot.
Optional Variations
- Mixed Squash: Swap in a yellow squash or pattypan for one zucchini for a colorful presentation.
- Seasoning: Try Italian seasoning, Herbes de Provence, or taco seasoning in place of garlic powder.
- Finishing: Add a squeeze of lemon, chopped parsley or basil, or a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs for extra flavor and texture.
- Cheesy: Stir 2 teaspoons nutritional yeast into the seasoning or top with 1–2 tablespoons vegan parmesan after cooking.
Recipe Pro-Tips
- Air fry in a single layer: Give pieces room to dry and brown; cook in batches if necessary.
- Shake or turn regularly: Move the zucchini every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Monitor doneness: Check at 10 minutes for al dente zucchini; cook a few minutes longer for more caramelization.
Nutrition
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Carbohydrates: 3g
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Protein: 1g
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Fat: 2g
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