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    You are here: Home » Method » Air Fryer » Air Fryer Zucchini

    Air Fryer Zucchini

    May 20, 2021 By Danielle Esposti 1 Comment

    May contain affiliate links.See our Privacy Policy and disclosure.

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    Pinterest pin for sautéed zucchini made in the air fryer.
    Pinterest pin for an air fryer zucchini recipe.
    Pinterest collage for sautéed zucchini made in the air fryer.
    Pinterest collage for an air fryer zucchini recipe.

    Goodbye, grease. Suck it, splatter. Move it, mush. Air Fryer Zucchini is a veritable celebration of this beloved summer favorite. This super simple side cooks up quickly and cleanly in your air fryer. Toss and garnish with herbs to level up the mellow, buttery flavor.

    From overhead, a detail of sautéed zucchini in the basket of an air fryer.
    Jump to:
    • How to Cook Air Fryer Zucchini
    • Chef’s Tips
    • May It Your Way
    • More Air Fryer Veggie Sides
    • Recipe

    Air fryer fans know that this device is a magical vortex of deliciousness that saves time, space, and cleanup. But twasn’t until I tackled one of our most problematic summer squashes that I truly understood why it’s so easy to become obsessed.

    You know those running jokes about bananas? How you buy them and almost ALWAYS miss peak banana? Happens in the moment you’re not looking at them. You check – they’re green… they’re green… they’re green… you go grab the mail, come back, they’re brown. Well, I have this conundrum with cooked zucchini going from raw to mush in the blink of an eye.

    Why? Why, zucchini, why? So tasty. So seasonal. And yet, sometimes nothing can save you. Don’t get me wrong – I still eat it because the flavor still works and fresh summer veggies are a limited-time-only offer I won’t pass up – but that texture? Think mid-range hotel conference buffet line at the end of dinner service after it’s been overcooked and then sweat under a heat lamp for 2 hours.

    I’ve developed plenty of zucchini recipes for this site and should probably add disclaimers to all that for every second you cook it over the time stated in the recipe or for every fraction of a milliliter of oil over the suggested amount you use, your chances of rendering it into pudding increase exponentially. And then I got an air fryer.

    And when you cook zucchini in an air fryer, it hits that perfect tender spot between soft and firm, with the perfect amount of crust. It got there with less time, less grease, and certainly less hovering. Magical vortex indeed.

    How to Cook Air Fryer Zucchini

    Take this as your sign to swap out your saute pan this summer. Air Fryer Zucchini cuts out the grease and the guesswork. Even better, it gives this delicate squash absolutely beautiful texture. Simply slice and season to prep. Cooks in under 15 minutes, with a few mid-cycle tosses for even browning.

    For an interactive post, click here to view the story pin for this recipe!

    • Raw zucchini chopped into half moon shapes on a white cutting board with a large chef's knife.
    • Chopped zucchini in a mixing bowl tossed with olive oil, italian seasoning, and garlic.
    • Chopped zucchini tossed with olive oil, garlic, and italian seasoning in the basket of an air fryer.
    • Sautéed zucchini in the basket of an air fryer.
    1. Slice the zucchini lengthwise, then widthwise into ½” moon shapes. 
    2. Combine the zucchini, oil, and seasoning in a bowl and toss until coated.
    3. Place zucchini in air fryer basket in an even layer no more than halfway. 
    4. Cook 12 minutes at 400°F, shaking every 3-4 minutes.
    5. Garnish and serve immediately.

    Chef’s Tips

    • Oil in a separate bowl – don’t use aerosol spray in your air fryer basket; if you need to add a bit more oil while cooking, use a mister instead.
    • Preheat your air fryer as required (check manufacturer instructions).
    • Arrange in an even layer. Some overlap is fine, but don’t fill the basket more than halfway full.
    • Shake every 3-4 minutes for more browning, but at least once, halfway through.
    Side view, air fryer zucchini on a grey plate garnished with fresh basil.

    May It Your Way

    Zucchini shines with Italian flavors. Sprinkle 2-3 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese before or after air frying. Garnish with fresh, flat-leaf (Italian) parsley instead of basil. And feel free to give it a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a zippy finish!

    More Air Fryer Veggie Sides

    • Air Fryer Asparagus
    • Air Fryer Cauliflower
    • Air Fryer Broccoli
    • Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Potatoes
    From overhead, air fryer zucchini slices on a grey plate garnished with chopped basil.

    Did you make this Air Fryer Zucchini? I’d love to know how it turned out! Leave a comment and a rating below.

    While you’re at it, let’s be friends – follow me on Pinterest and Instagram for the latest and greatest.

    Recipe

    Side view, air fryer zucchini on a grey plate garnished with fresh basil.

    Air Fryer Zucchini

    5 from 1 vote
    Author: Danielle Esposti
    Print Recipe Rate this Recipe Pin Recipe
    Take this as your sign to swap out your saute pan this summer. Air Fryer Zucchini cuts out the grease and the guesswork. Even better, it gives this delicate squash absolutely beautiful texture. Simply slice and season to prep. Cooks in about 15 minutes, with a few mid-cycle tosses for even browning.
    Prep Time: 5 mins
    Cook Time: 12 mins
    Total Time: 17 mins
    Servings : 4
    Calories: 53

    Recommended Equipment

    • Air Fryer
    • Large Mixing Bowl

    Ingredients

    • 3 small to medium zucchini, about 1 lb
    • 1 tbsp olive oil
    • 1 tsp italian seasoning
    • ½ tsp garlic powder
    • ½ tsp kosher salt
    • ½ tsp ground pepper
    • chopped fresh basil, to taste

    Instructions

    • Slice the zucchini lengthwise, then widthwise into ½” moon shapes.
    • In a large bowl, combine the zucchini, olive oil and italian seasoning. Toss until well combined, and be sure each piece is evenly coated.
    • Arrange the zucchini into an even layer in the basket of an air fryer. Do not fill more than halfway.
    • Program the air fryer to 400°F. Cook 12 minutes, shaking every 4 minutes, until the zucchini is tender and golden brown.
    • Season with salt and pepper, then garnish with fresh basil. Serve immediately.

    Nutrition Information

    Serving: 0.75cup, Calories: 53kcal (3%), Carbohydrates: 4g (1%), Protein: 2g (4%), Fat: 4g (6%), Saturated Fat: 1g (5%), Polyunsaturated Fat: 0g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Trans Fat: 0g, Cholesterol: 0mg, Sodium: 150mg (6%), Potassium: 308mg (9%), Fiber: 1g (4%), Sugar: 3g (3%), Vitamin A: 12% (12%), Vitamin C: 21% (21%), Calcium: 19% (19%), Iron: 2% (2%)
    Did you make this recipe?Mention @oursaltykitchen or tag #oursaltykitchen!
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    Disclaimer: This post and the recipe card may contain affiliate links, which means we receive a small commission (at no cost to you!) if you make a purchase using these links. Rest assured, we only endorse products we own and truly love!

    1 Comment
    Filed Under: Air Fryer, Gluten Free, Grain Free, Keto, Paleo, Side Dishes, Spring Recipes, Summer Recipes, Vegan, Vegetarian, Whole30 Recipes

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    1. Air Fryer Broccoli (15 Minutes!) - Our Salty Kitchen says:
      July 7, 2022 at 5:08 pm

      […] their own veggies too! If you had told me a year ago that my kids would actually want to help cook air fryer zucchini or asparagus, I’d have probably laughed in your face. Sometimes I even giggle WITH them, but […]

      Reply

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