Air-Frying Zucchini: Quick, Easy, And Healthy Way!

Air fryers are a great way to cook zucchini. The intense heat of the air fryer can mimic the deep-fried vegetable experience in a healthier way. Zucchini is a versatile vegetable that can be cooked in an air fryer in a variety of ways, including as fries, chips, or slices. It can be cooked with a variety of seasonings and spices, such as Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. It can also be cooked with a breading, such as panko breadcrumbs, and cheese, such as Parmesan. Air fryer zucchini is a quick and easy dish to make, with a cooking time of around 8 to 15 minutes, depending on the model of the air fryer and the size of the zucchini pieces.

Air fryer zucchini chips

Yes, you can cook zucchini in an air fryer! Here is a recipe for air fryer zucchini chips:

Ingredients:

• Zucchini
• Extra-virgin olive oil
• Panko breadcrumbs
• Parmesan cheese
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder
• Flour

Instructions:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Slice the zucchini into thin, even rounds, about 1/8 to 1/4-inch thick.
• Pat the zucchini slices dry with a paper towel or kitchen cloth.
• Combine the panko, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a medium-sized bowl.
• Beat an egg in a separate bowl.
• Dip each zucchini slice first into the egg, then into the panko mixture, ensuring each slice is well-coated.
• Place the breaded zucchini slices on a plate or wire rack and lightly drizzle or spray with olive oil.
• Place the zucchini slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving enough space for air to circulate.
• Air fry for 8-12 minutes, shaking or flipping the zucchini halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
• Serve immediately, with a squeeze of lemon juice or a dipping sauce such as marinara, pesto, or ranch.

Notes: The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model and the thickness of your zucchini slices. For crispier chips, allow the zucchini to cool before serving.

Air fryer zucchini fries

To make zucchini fries, start by slicing the zucchini into sticks. The zucchini should be cut into equal-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. It is recommended to use small zucchini as they are less watery and have fewer seeds.

Next, prepare the batter. In a bag, shake the zucchini sticks with flour to coat them. In a medium bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and a small amount of water.

Now, it's time to batter the zucchini. Dip each stick in the flour seasoning, then the egg mixture, and finally, the breadcrumb mixture. Repeat this process until all the zucchini sticks are coated.

Grease the air fryer tray with cooking oil or spray it with olive oil. Place the zucchini sticks in a single layer on the tray, making sure they don't overlap. This will ensure even cooking and help achieve the desired crispness. Lightly coat the zucchini with oil to help them turn golden brown.

Air fry the zucchini at 400°F for 7 to 18 minutes, depending on their thickness. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking, and add additional time as needed. The zucchini is ready when it is golden brown and tender, with a crispy texture.

Serve the zucchini fries warm with your favorite dipping sauce. Some popular options include marinara sauce, ranch dressing, garlic aioli, whipped feta, and Sriracha mayo.

Air fryer zucchini prep and storage

Air fryer zucchini is a quick, easy, and healthy dish to make. It can be served as a side or a snack and is packed with vitamins and minerals.

Prep

To prepare zucchini for air frying, you will need a sharp knife and a cutting board. Cut off the ends of the zucchini and then cut it in half crosswise, creating two shorter cylinders. Then, cut each half into four quarters lengthwise, which will give you eight spears per zucchini.

Next, you will need to toss the zucchini spears with olive oil and seasonings. You can use a large zip-top bag or a bowl to do this. For seasonings, you can use a simple blend of salt, pepper, and garlic powder, or get creative with spices like Italian seasoning, onion powder, or cayenne. You can also add some grated Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast for a crispy texture and extra flavor.

Once the zucchini is coated, place the spears in a single layer in the air fryer basket or tray, leaving enough room for air to circulate. Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and, once heated, place the zucchini inside.

Cooking

Cooking time will depend on your air fryer model, but on average, zucchini will take between 7 and 12 minutes to cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Shake or toss the zucchini halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking. The zucchini is ready when it is golden brown and can be easily pierced with a fork.

Storage

Air fryer zucchini is best when freshly made, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. It is not recommended to make a large batch for meal prep, as the zucchini will lose its crispiness in the fridge. To reheat, place the zucchini back in the air fryer at 350-375 degrees Fahrenheit for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through.

You can also freeze zucchini, but it may become soggy once thawed. If you wish to freeze it, place it in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Air fryer zucchini seasoning

Zucchini is a versatile vegetable that can be cooked in many ways, including in an air fryer. Air-fried zucchini is a healthy, tender, and flavourful dish that can be served as a side or a snack.

When it comes to seasoning air-fried zucchini, there are several options to choose from. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Basic Seasoning:

A simple blend of kosher salt and black pepper can enhance the natural flavour of zucchini. This basic seasoning is a good option if you want to keep the dish light and healthy.

Cheesy Seasoning:

For a more indulgent option, you can add Parmesan cheese to the zucchini before air frying. The cheese will melt and become crispy, adding a salty and toasty flavour to the dish. You can also sprinkle nutritional yeast on the zucchini for a vegan option.

Spicy Seasoning:

If you prefer a kick of heat, you can add cayenne pepper or paprika to the zucchini before air frying. This will give the dish a spicy kick that complements the natural sweetness of the zucchini.

Garlic and Herb Seasoning:

For a more complex flavour profile, you can use a blend of garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt. This combination adds a savoury and aromatic touch to the zucchini. You can also add some fresh or dried herbs, such as basil or oregano, for extra flavour.

Breaded Coating:

For an extra crispy texture, you can create a breading mixture by combining panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, flour, salt, onion powder, and pepper. Toss the zucchini spears in this mixture before air frying. This will create a delicious, crispy exterior while keeping the zucchini tender on the inside.

When seasoning zucchini for the air fryer, it is important to consider your personal preferences and taste. You can experiment with different combinations of spices and herbs to find your favourite flavour profile. Additionally, the cooking time and temperature may vary depending on your air fryer model, so be sure to adjust the settings as needed.

Air fryer zucchini as a side

Air fryer zucchini is a simple, healthy, and versatile side dish that can be served with almost any meal. It is also a great way to use up extra zucchini. The intense heat of the air fryer creates a delicious, crispy veggie dish that is tender on the inside.

To prepare the zucchini, trim off the ends and cut into quarters lengthwise. Place each quarter flat against the cutting board and cut crosswise into 3/4-inch thick half-moons. You can also cut the zucchini into bite-sized pieces or fries. The key is to cut the zucchini into even-sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly.

Next, drizzle the zucchini with olive oil and toss to coat. You can also add salt, pepper, and other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or Italian seasoning to enhance the flavor. If you want a breaded zucchini, dip the zucchini in a mixture of flour, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese before placing them in the air fryer.

Place the zucchini in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving enough space for air to circulate. Avoid stacking or overlapping the pieces. Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the zucchini for 7 to 10 minutes, tossing them halfway through. The zucchini is done when it is golden brown and tender.

Air fryer zucchini is best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days. To reheat, return the zucchini to the air fryer and cook at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 to 5 minutes until warmed through.

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