Air Fryer Zucchini

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A plate of air fried zucchini on the coutner.

5 from 1 vote

This Air Fryer Zucchini is an easy and delicious side dish recipe you can enjoy all year long. It's made in a few simple steps, and the air fryer does the rest, making the veggies tender, caramelized, and sweet.

The cooking time for medallions and spears is the same. Season the zucchini with garlic, salt, and pepper, or try one of my optional variations to make it your own!

Prep Time5

Cook Time15

Total Time20

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Servings: Servings

Author: Jenné Claiborne

Ingredients

2 medium zucchini sliced into ⅛-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

Preheat the air fryer to 350°F.
In a mixing bowl, toss the sliced zucchini with the olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Transfer the zucchini to the air fryer in a single, even layer — you may need to cook the zucchini in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.
Air fry for 13 minutes, shaking the zucchini every 5 minutes.
Enjoy hot.

Video

Notes

Storage Directions

Refrigerating: To prevent the zucchini from getting soggy, cool it uncovered at room temperature. Once cooled, transfer it to a freezer-safe container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. I do not recommend freezing the zucchini, as its texture can break down upon thawing.
Reheating: Warm the zucchini in an air fryer preheated to 325°F for 2-3 minutes or in a microwave on gentle heat until hot.

Optional Variations

Mixed Squash: Swap a medium yellow summer squash or 2-3 pattypan squash for one of the zucchini for a two-toned veggie side!
Seasoning: When it comes to seasoning variations, the options are nearly endless! Swap 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, Herbes de Provence, taco seasoning, or your favorite savory seasoning blend for the garlic powder to make this dish your own.
Finishing: For a fresh, citrusy finish, squeeze the zucchini with fresh lemon juice. Chopped flat-leaf parsley or sliced fresh basil adds a light and herbaceous touch. Alternatively, sprinkle the zucchini with toasted breadcrumbs for a bit of crunch.
"Cheesy": Add 2 teaspoons of nutritional yeast to the seasoning mixture or finish the hot zucchini with 1-2 tablespoons of shredded vegan parmesan cheese for some savory comfort.

Recipe Pro-Tips

Air fry in a single layer. This is the most important tip! The zucchini requires ample space for the moisture to evaporate as it air fries, preventing it from becoming wet and soggy. If your basket isn't large enough to fit all of the zucchini in one layer, cook it in batches. If desired, keep cooked batches warm in a 200°F oven while the others cook.

Shake or turn regularly. This ensures that the vegetables cook and brown evenly. A light shake should help release the vegetables to turn, but you can use a wooden spoon or spatula if needed.

Monitor the cooking process. I recommend keeping an eye on the zucchini in the air fryer from 10 minutes onward. For al dente zucchini, you may want to remove it before the 13-minute mark. If caramelized and crisp veggies are more your thing, they may need a few extra minutes of cooking time.

Nutrition