I’ve tried plenty of zucchini recipes over the years and enjoy the produce in my healthy zucchini recipes. However, when cooked on its own, it often ends up too soggy or bland, especially when deep-fried. That’s why I keep coming back to this quick air fryer zucchini recipe. With just a few steps, it turns out crisp on the edges, tender in the middle, and full of savory, cheesy flavor.
Recipe Highlights
Quick to prep: The air fryer makes cooking super quick, and with a prep time of just 5 minutes, I can have a healthful side or appetizer on the table in 15 minutes.
Nutritious: Technically a fruit, not a veggie, zucchini has a variety of health benefits. It’s an excellent source of vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, magnesium, and folate. It also contains soluble and insoluble fiber to support healthy digestion.
Special diet friendly: This side dish is naturally egg-free, gluten-free, grain-free, nut-free, and vegetarian, and it easily can be made dairy-free to accommodate dairy-free and vegan diets, as well.
Main Ingredients
Here are the key ingredients for this air fryer zucchini recipe:
- Zucchini – I use about 3 ½ to 4 cups of zucchini, cut into half moons, which is 3 small or 2 medium-sized zucchini
- Avocado oil – May sub extra virgin olive oil
- Grated Parmesan cheese – This adds a delicious salty flavor and a boost of calcium. For the best taste and texture, I buy a block of Parmesan cheese and grate it myself. For a dairy-free option, I’ve used plant-based Parmesan, and it works well, too.
- Chili powder – I find that this doesn’t make the zucchini spicy, but rather adds a nice touch of warmth. When cooking for myself, I add a little more than the recipe calls for to create a slightly spicier taste.
Find the ingredient list with exact measurements in the recipe card below.
What To Serve This Side With
I find myself making this recipe almost every week in the summer and fall, especially when my garden is overflowing with zucchini. However, it’s such a versatile side that it easily carries into the rest of the year, pairing well with a variety of main courses. Some of my favorites are my air fryer pork chops, blackened chicken, air fryer cod, and these Instant Pot baby back ribs.
I sometimes add a side of roasted butternut squash, crispy smashed potatoes, or mashed sweet potatoes for extra carbohydrates and a more filling meal.
How To Store And Reheat
Once cool, I transfer any remaining zucchini to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. I don’t recommend freezing this recipe, because the zucchini tends to become mushy once thawed. To reheat, I preheat my air fryer to 375°F, arrange the zucchini in an even layer, and air fry for just a few minutes to achieve warm, crispy zucchini. Or, if my air fryer is occupied, I warm leftovers in the oven at 400°F for 5-7 minutes or until warmed through. I tend to avoid using the microwave as it causes the zucchini to become soft.
Frequently Asked Questions
The exact cooking time will vary based on the type of air fryer, how much zucchini is being cooked, and how thinly the summer squash is cut. However, on average, I find that it only takes about 15 minutes to achieve air fryer roasted zucchini. Cooking any longer tends to turn the zucchini pieces into zucchini chips. I know the zucchini is done when it’s golden brown, fork-tender, and crisp around the edges.
Zucchini has a naturally high water content, which means it can easily get soft or soggy if overcrowded in the air fryer basket. To keep it crisp, cut the pieces evenly, spread them in a single layer (not stacked). Cooking in batches, if needed, so that the air circulates around each piece, cooking them evenly. Using just enough oil (but not too much) also helps prevent sogginess. If I have particularly watery zucchini, I sometimes skip the oil and lightly spritz it with cooking spray instead.
I prefer a simple blend of garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, sea salt, and black pepper. Italian seasoning also tastes great, especially when combined with panko bread crumbs and kosher salt and used as a breading for air fryer zucchini fries.
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Air Fryer Zucchini Recipe
Crisp around the edges and tender in the center, this air fryer zucchini is savory and cheesy with just a touch of heat. Quick and easy to make, it’s a kid-friendly side dish perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 2–3 medium zucchini, cut into ¼-inch thick half moons or quarters (3 ½-4 cups total)
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese*
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon fine salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil
Get Recipe IngredientsInstructions
- Preheat an air fryer to 400 degrees. Cut zucchini into half moons or quarters that are about ¼-inch thick. Add the pieces to a mixing bowl.
- In a small bowl, combine the Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt and pepper and mix together.
- Drizzle the oil over the zucchini pieces and toss to coat, then sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the pieces; toss again.
- Add zucchini to the air fryer basket in an even layer. Air fry until pieces are golden brown and tender, 12-15 minutes.
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Notes
* For dairy-free, omit the Parmesan or use dairy-free grated Parmesan
Nutrition Information
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe or ~ 1 cup
- Calories: 84
- Fat: 5 g
- (Sat Fat: 1 g)
- Sodium: 365 mg
- Carbohydrate: 5 g
- (Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 2 g)
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 3 mg
Dietary
The photos in this post were taken by Megan McKeehan.
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My family loves this recipe! So easy and quick.
Excellent! We appreciate the 5-star review!
Can you recommend a particular air fryer?
Here is a link to a nontoxic one we like,
https://amzn.to/3Wci0Kf
So easy and delicious!
Excellent, Mary!
These recipes make me love my air fryer even more! Delicious!
We are so happy to hear it, Sue! Such a great way to enjoy quick vegetables.