Air-Frying Zoodles: A Healthy, Quick Cooking Option

Zoodles, or zucchini noodles, are a popular low-carb alternative to pasta. They can be cooked in an air fryer in just a few minutes, making them a quick and easy option for a healthy meal. With their mild, slightly sweet taste and versatility, zoodles can be used in a variety of dishes, from spaghetti and meatballs to stir-fries and salads. Cooking zoodles in an air fryer gives them a delicate crispness while retaining their tenderness, but there are a few key steps to ensure they turn out perfectly.

Choosing the right zucchini

When making zoodles, it is important to choose the right zucchini to ensure they cook well in the air fryer and do not become soggy. Here are some tips for selecting the best zucchini:

Firmness and Texture

Choose a zucchini that is straight and firm with smooth skin. Avoid zucchini that are wrinkled or soft, as they will not spiralize well and will not hold their shape during cooking. Firm zucchini will help create zoodles that are al dente, just like regular pasta.

Size

Opt for zucchini with a smaller diameter. Smaller zucchini tend to be more sturdy and release less water during cooking. This helps prevent your zoodles from becoming soggy. Larger zucchini are easier to spiralize and will yield more noodles, but they may not hold up as well in the air fryer.

Freshness

Select zucchini that are fresh and vibrant. The skin should be bright and free of any bruises or blemishes. Fresh zucchini will have a higher water content, which is key to getting tender zoodles. Avoid zucchini that feel lightweight for their size, as this could indicate that they are drying out.

Colour

Look for zucchini with a deep, vibrant green colour. The colour is an indicator of the zucchini's nutritional content. A darker green zucchini will have higher levels of nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium.

Storage

While it is best to use zucchini the same day they are purchased, you can store them in the refrigerator for a day or two before spiralizing. However, the longer they are stored, the more water they will release, which can affect the texture of your zoodles.

Drying the zoodles

Zucchini or courgettes are approximately 94% water, so it is important to dry the zoodles before cooking to avoid sogginess. After spiralizing your zucchini, use a paper towel to pat the zoodles dry and remove any excess moisture. This is an important step to ensure your zoodles don't end up soggy.

You can also leave the skin on the zucchini, but be sure to wash it first. Choose a zucchini that is straight and firm, with smooth skin. Avoid wrinkled or soft zucchini, as they won't hold up well in the air fryer.

Once your zoodles are dry, you can cook them in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes and then cook your zoodles for 5 minutes. Be sure to shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure they cook evenly. If you want crispier zoodles, you can leave them in the air fryer for a few more minutes.

To add some flavour, you can coat the zoodles in olive oil, salt, and pepper before placing them in the air fryer. You can also sprinkle grated cheese on top after cooking. If you want to salvage soggier zoodles, you can soften them in a creamy sauce on the stove. Heat butter and heavy cream in a pan, then add salt, pepper, chilli flakes, and onion powder. Toss the zoodles in this sauce and serve.

Air fryer temperature

Air fryers are a great way to cook zoodles, yielding a crispy and tasty result with minimal oil or fat. Zoodles are a fun, healthy, and versatile alternative to traditional wheat-based pasta. They are perfect for those looking for a gluten-free, low-carb, or keto option.

To cook zoodles in an air fryer, it is recommended to cook them at a high temperature to achieve an al dente texture. Preheat your air fryer to 390°F to 400°F for 5 minutes, and then cook the zoodles for 5 to 10 minutes. Be sure to shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure the zoodles cook evenly. If your zoodles are still soggy, you can leave them in the air fryer for a few more minutes.

It is important to note that overcrowding the air fryer basket can cause the zoodles not to cook properly. Cook the zoodles in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking. Additionally, zoodles can be cooked from frozen, but they may need a longer cooking time of around 10 to 12 minutes.

For an extra flavour boost, you can coat the zoodles in olive oil, salt, and pepper before air frying. You can also sprinkle grated cheese on top after cooking.

Avoiding overcrowding

Air fryer zoodles are a quick, easy, and healthy meal option. However, to ensure they cook evenly and properly, it's important to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Here are some tips to avoid overcrowding when cooking zoodles in an air fryer:

Choose the Right Zucchini: Opt for a zucchini that is straight and firm with smooth skin. Avoid soft or wrinkled zucchini, as they won't spiralize well and won't hold their shape in the air fryer.

Pat the Zoodles Dry: Zucchini has a high water content, which can lead to soggy zoodles. After spiralizing, use a paper towel to pat them dry and remove excess moisture. This helps ensure they cook evenly and don't become waterlogged.

Cook in Batches: If you have a large quantity of zoodles, cook them in smaller batches. By cooking a smaller amount at a time, you can ensure they have enough space in the air fryer basket to cook properly.

Use a Larger Air Fryer: If you frequently cook larger batches of zoodles or other foods, consider investing in an air fryer with a bigger basket. This will give you more space to work with and reduce the need to cook in multiple batches.

Preheat and Shake: Always preheat your air fryer before adding the zoodles. This helps ensure even cooking. Additionally, remember to shake the basket halfway through the cooking process to prevent the zoodles from clumping together and to promote even cooking.

By following these tips, you can avoid overcrowding your air fryer and enjoy perfectly cooked zoodles that are tender and al dente.

Serving suggestions

Zoodles, or zucchini noodles, are a healthy and low-carb alternative to traditional pasta. They can be cooked and prepared in an air fryer in just 5 minutes!

As a pasta alternative

Zoodles can be served as a low-carb alternative to pasta. For a keto option, serve with keto spaghetti sauce and meatballs. For a simple sauce, melt unsalted butter until it takes on a nutty, caramelized flavor and add a splash of lemon juice or a cornstarch and water mixture. Toss the zoodles in the sauce and serve.

As a salad

Raw zoodles can be served as a salad. Simply spiralize the zucchini, toss with your favorite salad dressing, and add any other desired salad ingredients such as cherry tomatoes.

With a dip

Air-fried zoodles can be served with a dip of choice. For example, zoodles cooked in the air fryer to a crisp texture can be served with ranch dressing.

With a protein

Zoodles can be served as a side dish with a protein of choice. For example, they can be served with air-fried meatballs.

Frequently asked questions