Air Fryer Zucchini ⋆ 100 Days of Real Food

Name: Air Fryer Zucchini
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 large zucchini; olive oil spray; ½ tsp sea salt; ¼ tsp pepper; ¼ tsp garlic powder

Crispy, garlicky, and so easy to make—Air Fryer Zucchini is the perfect veggie side! With just a few ingredients, you get golden slices with a soft inside and crunchy edges. A healthy and delicious dish the whole family will enjoy!

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If you're trying to eat more veggies without giving up flavor, this easy Air Fryer Zucchini recipe is perfect for you! It is crispy, seasoned just right, and made with only a few ingredients.

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This crispy zucchini is a healthy side dish or snack that's quick, easy, and so satisfying. Serve with grilled chicken, air fryer steak, pasta, and more!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Quick & easy – Just slice, season, air fry, and enjoy in under 15 minutes.
Minimal ingredients – One zucchini and a few spices is all you need.
Crispy edges, tender center – The air fryer gives perfect texture without oil-heavy frying.
Healthy & low carb – A great option for keto, gluten-free, and low-calorie diets.
Versatile side dish – Works with pasta, grilled proteins, or as a guilt-free snack.
Family-friendly – A tasty way to get kids (and picky eaters) to eat more veggies!
Check out this Grilled Zucchini with Feta for another flavorful side dish recipe!

Ingredients & Substitutes

These are the ingredients and substitutes for this air fryer zucchini. Scroll down to the recipe card below for the entire recipe.

First, use fresh in-season zucchini when possible. The zucchini should feel firm and slightly heavy for its size. Avoid any with soft spots, cuts, or wrinkled skin, which can be signs of age or spoilage.

Olive oil spray helps make the zucchini slices crispy. We also love avocado oil spray for using with our air fryer.

Season with sea salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Feel free to add a little spice with cayenne powder or cumin!

Taste & Texture

Gone are the days of mushy, watery zucchini. When air-fried, zucchini develops a wonderful texture that's tender on the inside with a delicately crisp exterior.

The natural sweetness of the zucchini is enhanced by the cooking process, and the simple seasoning of sea salt, pepper, and garlic powder brings out its flavor. This air fryer zucchini is savory, satisfying, and utterly addictive.

How to Make

Step 1

First, slice the zucchini into rounds.

Step 2

Add the zucchini rounds to a large bowl. Spray with olive oil spray. Sprinkle with seasonings. Toss until everything is combined.

Step 3

Arrange in an even layer in the air fryer basket.

Step 4

Air fry at 400 degrees for 12 to 15 minutes, carefully flipping halfway.

Step 5

Lastly, remove from the air fryer. Serve this crispy air fryer zucchini!

Expert Tips for Success

Follow these expert tips to make the best air fryer zucchini.

Pat Dry: If your zucchini seems particularly watery, you can pat the slices dry with a paper towel before seasoning. This can help achieve a slightly crispier result.

Uniform Slices are Key: Slice your zucchini into equal-sized rounds (about ¼ to ½ inch thick). This ensures even cooking and consistent texture. Uneven slices will result in some pieces being undercooked and others overcooked.

Don't Overcrowd the Basket: For best results, arrange the zucchini in a single, even layer in your air fryer basket. Overlapping pieces will steam instead of crisp, leading to a less desirable texture. Cook in batches if necessary.

Flip for Evenness: Flipping the zucchini halfway through the cooking time ensures both sides get beautifully golden and tender.

Adjust Cook Time: Air fryer models can vary in their cooking power. Start with 12 minutes and check for doneness, adding a minute or two if needed. The zucchini should be tender when pierced with a fork but not mushy.

Flavor Variations & Add-Ins

This Air Fryer Zucchini recipe is a fantastic canvas for creativity!

Cheesy Zucchini: Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking for a savory, cheesy crust.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to your seasoning mix.
Herbaceous Goodness: Toss with dried herbs like Italian seasoning, oregano, or thyme for an aromatic twist. Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or dill can be added after cooking.
Smoky Flavor: A tiny pinch of smoked paprika can add a wonderful depth of flavor.
Ranch Delight: Swap out the salt and pepper for a sprinkle of ranch seasoning mix.
Lemon Brightness: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice after cooking brightens up the flavors beautifully.

How to Serve & Store

This versatile dish pairs well with almost anything!

Side Dish: It's an excellent healthy side for grilled chicken, fish, steak, or any main course.
Snack: Enjoy it warm straight from the air fryer as a satisfying and healthy snack.
Lunch Booster: Add it to salads, grain bowls, or even use it as a low-carb alternative to chips with your favorite dip.

To store leftovers, place cooled Air Fryer Zucchini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. While best enjoyed fresh, you can reheat it in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to regain some crispness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use yellow squash instead of zucchini?

Absolutely! Yellow squash works the same way and adds a pop of color to the dish.

Do I need to peel the zucchini first?

Nope! The peel adds texture and holds the shape better during cooking.

Why is my zucchini soggy in the air fryer?

It’s likely due to overcrowding or too much oil. Always place in a single layer and use just a light spray of oil.

Do I need to salt and drain the zucchini first?

For this quick recipe, it’s not necessary. However, if you notice your zucchini releases a lot of moisture, you can salt and pat dry before air frying.

Equipment Needed

Air Fryer: This is our air fryer! Easy to use and easy to clean.

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If you enjoyed this easy air fryer zucchini recipe, please leave a rating and comment! For more inspiration, check out my Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. For 5 free weekly meal plans and more free resources, sign up to receive my free newsletter! Check out these Dinner Recipes for more healthy and easy family dinner ideas.