This air fryer zucchini recipe makes perfectly seasoned slices that cook up tender, lightly crisp, and irresistibly delicious in just minutes.
We have a bumper crop of zucchini in our garden right now that our 4-year-old absolutely loves picking. So whenever he proudly runs in with his harvest just before dinner, air frying has become our favorite way to cook it up quickly. ♡
This simple method couldn’t be easier — just slice up the zucchini, toss it with a drizzle of olive oil and a few seasonings, then let the air fryer work its magic. In less than 10 minutes, you’ll have zucchini that’s tender on the inside with irresistible golden edges. It’s so simple but remarkably good!
Pair it with any weeknight dinner, toss it into pastas, salads or grain bowls, or enjoy it warm straight out of the basket (our personal favorite). However you serve it, this air fryer zucchini is a quick, healthy, and delicious way to put the season’s produce to good use.
Tips For Success
Step-by-step instructions are included in the recipe below, but here are a few extra tips to make sure that things turn out perfectly each time:
- Dry the zucchini well: Moisture is the enemy of crispness. A quick pat with paper towels before seasoning makes a big difference.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: Arrange zucchini in a single layer so they have space to crisp up. Work in batches if needed.
- Shake halfway through: This helps the zucchini cook evenly and develop those golden edges.
- Serve immediately: Air fryer zucchini tastes best hot from the basket while still crisp.
Seasoning Options
Here are a few of my other favorite ways to season this zucchini:
- Cheesy: Sprinkle with freshly-grated Parmesan, Pecorino Romano, or even a little crumbled feta as soon as they come out of the air fryer.
- Lemony: Add a quick squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving for brightness.
- Spicy: Toss with crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili crisp for a kick.
- Herby: Mix in a pinch of Italian seasoning, herbes de Provence, or fresh chopped herbs like basil, dill, or parsley.
- Everything bagel style: Sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning right after air frying for a savory, crunchy twist.
FAQ
Nope! The skin is thin, tender, and full of nutrients, so there’s no need to peel it before cooking. Just give the zucchini a good wash and pat dry.
Rounds, half-moons, or spears all work well here. Just try to keep the pieces about the same thickness (around ½-inch) so that they cook evenly.
Be sure to pat the zucchini slices really well with paper towels before seasoning, toss them with just enough oil to coat, and arrange them in a single layer in the basket. For extra golden edges, cook a minute or two longer.
The air fryer works perfectly here too. Reheat zucchini at 375°F for 2–3 minutes until warmed through and lightly crisp again.
Air Fryer Zucchini
- Prep Time: 4 mins
- Cook Time: 8 mins
- Total Time: 12 mins
- Yield: 3 to 4 servings
Description
This air fryer zucchini recipe makes perfectly seasoned slices that cook up tender, lightly crisp, and irresistibly delicious in just minutes.
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchini, cut into ½-inch thick rounds or half-moons
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prep the air fryer and zucchini: Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Pat dry with a paper towel so they crisp up better.
- Season: Place zucchini in a mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt, garlic powder, and pepper. Toss until evenly coated.
- Air fry: Arrange zucchini in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until tender with lightly golden edges.
- Serve: Serve warm and enjoy!
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