Air Fryer Zucchini: The Quick and Easy Side Dish

This Air Fryer Zucchini is your new secret weapon for lightning-fast side dishes that taste like you fussed over them for hours. It’s light, herby, with a gentle smoky kick, and so good it might just steal the spotlight from your main course.

In a nutshell, all you have to do is slice, season, air fry, and devour. Who will love it? Anyone who appreciates crunchy outsides, tender insides, and recipes that make them look like kitchen rock stars with minimal effort.

What is Air Fryer Zucchini?

This zucchini features lightly crisped edges, spiced with oregano, garlic, and paprika. Unlike soggy sautéed zucchini or oil-heavy fries, air fryer zucchini gives you that perfectly roasted feel without drowning in oil.

Historically, zucchini has been a garden darling in Mediterranean cuisines. Italians stuff it, Greeks toss it into fritters, and the French make ratatouille. However, this recipe takes things up a notch by giving it the air fryer treatment.

You will be surprised to know that zucchini is technically a fruit, just like tomatoes, though it rarely gets invited to the fruit salad party.

Pro Tips for the Best Air Fryer Zucchini

• Cut consistently. Whether you go for rounds or sticks, keep them roughly the same size so they cook evenly.
• Don’t overcrowd and give those zucchinis some personal space. Crowding traps steam and ruins the crisp.
• Make sure each piece is nicely coated with oil and spices, because a lazy toss leads to bland bites.
• You can change things up with your spices. Swap oregano for thyme, add a sprinkle of Parmesan, or squeeze a bit of lemon juice on top after cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my air fryer zucchini soggy?

Ah, the heartbreak of limp zucchini. Usually, it’s because you’ve overcrowded the basket, and air fryers need space to do their crispy magic. So you can work in batches, and also, pat your zucchini dry after washing, because too much surface moisture is an enemy of getting that crisp.

Can I use yellow squash or other veggies instead?

Yes, because yellow squash cooks almost identically. You can also toss in bell peppers, eggplant slices, or even thin carrot sticks. Just remember that different veggies have different water contents and thicknesses, so keep an eye on the cook time.

Do I need to peel zucchini?

No way! The skin is tender, totally edible, and loaded with nutrients such as fiber and antioxidants. Plus, it helps the zucchini keep its shape. Just give them a good scrub under water to remove any dirt or waxy residue.

Is adding oil necessary?

Technically, you could skip the oil, but don’t expect that golden crunch. A little oil helps the spices stick and promotes browning. If you’re watching calories, try a light spray instead of pouring.

How to Store Air Fryer Zucchini

You can refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days. To reheat, toss them back in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore the crisp. The microwave will make them sad and soggy, so resist the temptation.

How to Make Air Fryer Zucchini

Step 1

Step 1

Wash your zucchinis and cut them into rounds or sticks, whatever shapes you fancy.

Wash your zucchinis and cut them into rounds or sticks, whatever shapes you fancy.

Step 2

Step 2

Toss them into a big bowl. Add olive oil, salt, oregano, paprika, and garlic. Give everything a good mix, making sure each piece is coated.

Step 3

Step 3

Toss them into a big bowl. Add olive oil, salt, oregano, paprika, and garlic. Give everything a good mix, making sure each piece is coated.

Lightly oil your air fryer basket, trying not to overlap them too much.

Step 4

Step 4

Lightly oil your air fryer basket, trying not to overlap them too much.

Air fry at 200°C (400°F) for about 10 minutes. Give them a gentle shake halfway through so everyone gets equal time in the hot zone.

Step 5

Step 5

Air fry at 200°C (400°F) for about 10 minutes. Give them a gentle shake halfway through so everyone gets equal time in the hot zone.

When they’re crispy, tumble them onto a serving plate, scatter fresh mint over the top, and crunch away!