If you don’t have an air fryer, you don’t have to miss out! Even if you can’t make air fried zucchini, you can make this exact dish in the oven instead, or try stovetop fried zucchini or baked zucchini fries.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ingredients for air fryer zucchini, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.
Zucchini – I cut it into 1/2 inch thick slices, but you could cut zucchini sticks if you prefer. For slices, don’t make them too thin, unless you want crispy air fryer zucchini chips instead of tender zucchini! You can also make this air fryer zucchini recipe using yellow summer squash instead. Olive Oil – Adds flavor and helps the seasonings stick. Avocado oil, or any neutral cooking oil, would also work. Herbs & Spices – Garlic powder, dried oregano (optional, you can omit if you want or use Italian seasoning instead), sea salt, and black pepper. Grated Parmesan Cheese – Makes a cheesy, crisp outside! You can swap half of it with breadcrumbs if it fits your lifestyle, or substitute other grated hard cheeses, such as pecorino romano. Semi-soft or semi-hard cheeses, such as mozzarella or cheddar, also taste great on air fried zucchini, but they will turn out more melty rather than crispy.
How To Cook Zucchini In The Air Fryer
This section shows how to make air fryer zucchini, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card. If you like the flavor, add a few teaspoons of lemon juice at the same time as the olive oil.
How Long To Cook Zucchini In The Air Fryer?
Air fry zucchini for about 8 minutes, or until tender. Cook time can vary depending on the thickness of the slices.
Storage Instructions
Store: Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat: You can reheat zucchini in the air fryer again (this time at 350 degrees F), or in the oven. I don’t love microwaving zucchini because it gets soggy, but you can if you’re in a hurry. Freeze: You can freeze this dish, but it will be more mushy after thawing. If you still want to, freeze in a single layer on a parchment paper lined baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
What To Serve With Air Fried Zucchini
Although air fryer zucchini recipes work well with just about any main, I like to stick to easy options for a quick weeknight dinner. Here are some ideas:
Chicken – Virtually any chicken recipe can be paired with this zucchini air fryer recipe. A couple of my faves are lemon garlic chicken and crispy baked chicken legs. Beef – You can’t go wrong with a juicy sirloin steak or an easy burger recipe. For a fancy, yet quick air fryer meal for a special occasion, try air fryer filet mignon. Fish – For a complete air fryer meal, try air fryer cod or air fryer salmon. If you want your side and main dish to be ready at the same time, go for broiled salmon or pan fried tilapia. Dipping Sauce – Air fried zucchini even works as an appetizer with homemade marinara sauce, creamy tahini sauce, easy ranch dressing (less conventional, but my personal favorite!), or some spicy mayo. Appetizers – Make an appetizer smorgasbord by serving these crispy zucchini rounds with bacon wrapped shrimp, some cold crab dip with crackers, and a plate of buffalo cauliflower.
More Air Fryer Side Dish Recipes
Easy air fryer veggies make an appearance at my house multiple times a week, because they are so fast! Try these easy, flavorful options: Please enter your first name for your account. Your saved recipe will also be sent to your email. Nutritional information does not include optional dried oregano.
