Air Fryer Hack: Frozen Zucchini, Cooked Perfectly

Air fryers are a convenient and healthy way to cook vegetables, and zucchini is no exception. You can cook zucchini in an air fryer by slicing it, seasoning it, and cooking it at a temperature of around 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 7 to 10 minutes. The result is a crispy, tender, and flavourful dish that can be served as a side or a snack. You can even cook frozen zucchini in an air fryer by letting it thaw in the refrigerator and then reheating it in the air fryer.

Air fryer zucchini chips

Ingredients

• Zucchini (2 medium-sized ones)
• 1 egg
• Panko bread crumbs
• Almond flour
• Parmesan cheese
• Extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder

Instructions

• Cut the zucchini into thin slices (about 1/8" thick).
• Place the zucchini slices on a paper towel and sprinkle salt generously on top. Let them sit for 5-10 minutes.
• Pat the zucchini slices dry with another paper towel to remove excess moisture.
• In a large mixing bowl, add the zucchini slices, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
• In a separate plate, combine the panko and Parmesan cheese.
• Dip each zucchini slice into the beaten egg, then into the panko mixture, pressing to coat.
• Place the zucchini slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving some space around each one. You may need to work in batches.
• Lightly spray the zucchini slices with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil.
• Air fry at 400°F for 10 minutes, shaking the basket every 3 minutes.
• Flip the zucchini slices and air fry for another 2 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
• Serve immediately.

Tips

• You can freeze leftover zucchini chips and reheat them in the air fryer at 400°F for 4 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• If you want to make this recipe vegan, use vegan Parmesan cheese and replace the egg with a mixture of plant milk and ground flaxseed.
• Play around with different spices and seasonings to suit your taste.

Air fryer zucchini fries

Ingredients

• Zucchini
• Olive oil or cooking spray
• Parmesan cheese
• Breadcrumbs (preferably Panko)
• Eggs
• Flour
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder
• Italian seasoning

Method

• Cut the zucchini into equal-sized sticks.
• Pat the zucchini dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
• Add flour to a bag with the zucchini and shake to coat.
• In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs, parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt.
• In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs.
• Remove the zucchini from the bag and dip them in the egg mixture, then into the bread crumb mixture.
• Grease the air fryer basket or tray with cooking spray or oil.
• Place the zucchini in a single layer in the air fryer.
• Spray the zucchini with olive oil or cooking spray.
• Air fry at 350-400°F for 7-18 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
• Serve immediately with dips such as marinara, ranch, or garlic aioli.

Tips

• Avoid soggy zucchini by serving it fresh out of the air fryer.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
• Play around with spices and seasonings to suit your taste.
• For a vegan option, swap the parmesan for nutritional yeast or omit it altogether.

Air fryer zucchini prep and cook time

Air fryer zucchini is a quick, easy, and healthy way to cook this tasty vegetable. It's a great side dish, and kids love it too!

Prep

Firstly, trim the ends off the zucchini. Then, slice the zucchini into 3/16-inch thick rounds. If you want to make zucchini fries, cut the zucchini lengthwise into halves or spears. You can also cut them into bite-sized pieces for a faster cook time and to fit more into the air fryer basket.

Place the zucchini slices into a bowl and toss with 2 teaspoons of cooking oil, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/8 teaspoon of pepper. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, or cayenne pepper. If you want to make breaded zucchini, add 1/3 cup of plain, traditional breadcrumbs, not panko, and a small handful of Parmesan cheese. Toss the mixture until the zucchini is well coated.

Cook Time

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Transfer the zucchini to the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer. If you are cooking zucchini fries, sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top. Air fry for 7-10 minutes, shaking the basket every 3 minutes, until the zucchini is tender and golden brown.

Reheating and Storing

To reheat, place the zucchini back in the air fryer at 400°F for 1-2 minutes. You can store leftover zucchini in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze it for up to 2 months.

Air fryer zucchini seasoning

Zucchini is a versatile vegetable that can be seasoned in a variety of ways when cooked in an air fryer. The cooking time for air fryer zucchini is typically around 10 minutes at 400°F, and it is important to ensure that the zucchini is in a single layer to allow for even cooking.

One option for seasoning is to use Italian blend seasoning, which can include spices such as basil, oregano, and garlic powder. You can also add olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste. For a crispy texture, you can coat the zucchini in a light layer of flour and panko breadcrumbs before air frying. Some people also like to add Parmesan cheese to the zucchini before or after cooking for extra flavor.

Another option is to use Cajun seasoning, which can add a spicy kick to the zucchini. You can also experiment with other spices such as red pepper flakes, chili powder, onion powder, or garlic granules. If you're looking for a more savory option, you can try adding ranch seasoning to the panko and breadcrumb coating.

Additionally, you can cut the zucchini into different shapes, such as fries, chips, or slices, to vary the texture and cooking time. It is worth noting that the cooking time may vary depending on the size and model of your air fryer, so it is important to keep an eye on the zucchini to ensure it doesn't overcook and become soggy.

Air fryer zucchini reheating and storage

Air fryer zucchini is a quick and easy way to cook zucchini, and it can be reheated and stored in several ways.

Reheating

To reheat zucchini in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 375°F to 400°F and place the zucchini in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Reheat for 1-4 minutes, flipping halfway through, until heated through. You can also reheat zucchini in a toaster oven, regular oven, or microwave; however, the zucchini will get soft if reheated in the microwave.

Storage

Air fryer zucchini is best consumed fresh, as it tends to lose its crispiness when stored. If you do have leftovers, it is recommended to store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-5 days.

Freezing

While it is not recommended due to the zucchini becoming soggy once thawed, you can freeze zucchini in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. To freeze, let the zucchini cool to room temperature, then place it in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and pop it in the freezer for about 2 hours. Once frozen, transfer the zucchini to a freezer bag or container. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

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