How long should you cook zucchini in the air fryer?

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.

Why is my air-fried zucchini soggy?

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.

What are the best seasonings for air fryer zucchini?

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.

Easy Air Fryer Zucchini

Servings: 4 (4 cups) 1x

Scale

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

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Instructions

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.

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

Egg-Free Gluten-free Grain-Free Nut-free

Recipe By: Molly Slama