Air-Frying Zucchini Noodles: Quick, Easy, And Healthy?

Zucchini noodles, or zoodles, are a popular low-carb and gluten-free alternative to pasta. They can be cooked in an air fryer in just a few minutes, resulting in a tender and slightly crispy texture. This cooking method is especially useful for those who want to avoid soggy zoodles, as the air fryer helps to dry up the excess liquid in the squash. To prepare zoodles for air frying, it is recommended to use a spiralizer, mandoline, or vegetable peeler, and then cook them with seasonings or sauces of your choice.

Spiralizing zucchini

To spiralize zucchini, you can use a spiralizer, mandoline, or even a simple vegetable peeler. If you don't have a spiralizer, you can cut the zucchini into thin strips with a knife, although this can be more time-consuming. Before spiralizing, wash the zucchini and cut off the stem.

Once you have your zucchini noodles, you can cook them in an air fryer for a quick and easy meal. Preheat your air fryer to 390-400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the spiralized zucchini in the air fryer basket, being sure to spray the basket with cooking spray first to prevent sticking. Cook the zucchini noodles for 4-10 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness. For thicker noodles, you may need to increase the cooking time.

If you want to add some flavour to your zoodles, you can toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper before air frying. You can also serve them with your favourite pasta sauce, such as marinara or alfredo, or simply top them with melted butter and grated cheese. For a low-carb option, pair your zoodles with chicken or turkey meatballs and keto spaghetti sauce.

Air fryer temperature and time

The ideal temperature and time for cooking zucchini noodles, or "zoodles", in an air fryer will depend on whether you are cooking them from fresh or frozen.

If you are cooking fresh zoodles, it is recommended to preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. Then, spread the zoodles evenly in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Drizzle a small amount of olive oil or your preferred cooking oil over the zoodles and season with salt and pepper. Cook for approximately 5-7 minutes, tossing halfway through, until they reach your desired level of tenderness and golden brown color.

For frozen zoodles, the process is slightly different. First, spray the air fryer basket with a non-stick cooking spray. Then, add the frozen zoodles to the basket and cook at 400°F for 8 minutes. After this initial cooking period, remove the basket and drain any water that has accumulated in the outer basket. Return the basket to the air fryer and cook the zoodles for an additional 5 minutes.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model and your desired level of doneness. To prevent overcooking, it is recommended to check on the zoodles regularly and adjust the cooking time as needed. Additionally, overcrowding the air fryer basket should be avoided, as it can cause uneven cooking. If necessary, cook the zoodles in batches to ensure even results.

Keto zucchini noodles

Zucchini noodles, or zoodles, are a great keto-friendly, low-carb alternative to pasta. They are also gluten-free and can be cooked in an air fryer to make them tender with crispy edges.

Ingredients:

• Zucchini
• Olive oil, salt, and pepper
• Non-stick cooking spray
• Toppings of your choice (e.g. marinara sauce, meatballs, butter, grated cheese)

Method:

First, use a spiralizer, mandoline, or vegetable peeler to create zucchini noodles. Zucchini has a high water content, so it is recommended to pat the noodles dry with a paper towel. Next, coat the zucchini noodles in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes. Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and place the zucchini noodles inside. Cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. If you prefer your zoodles well done, add a few more minutes.

Tips:

• To prevent sogginess, salt the noodles before cooking and leave them in the air fryer for longer if needed.
• For a simple topping, melt unsalted butter and add a splash of lemon juice or a mixture of cornstarch and water. Toss the zoodles in this brown butter sauce for a nutty flavor.
• For a creamier option, heat butter and heavy cream in a pan. Add salt, pepper, chili flakes, and onion powder. Toss the zoodles in this sauce and sprinkle with salt and cheese.
• For a keto option, mix the zoodles with mayo and parmesan cheese before placing them in the air fryer.
• Frozen zucchini noodles can also be used; simply increase the cooking time by a few minutes.

Enjoy your keto zucchini noodles!

Toppings and sauces

Zucchini noodles, or zoodles, are a great low-carb and gluten-free alternative to pasta. They are mild in flavor and take on the profile of the sauces or spices they are topped with.

Marinara Sauce

Top your zoodles with a hearty marinara sauce for a classic spaghetti-like experience. This combination is perfect for those who want a more familiar and comforting flavor.

Meatballs

Add some protein to your zoodles by topping them with meatballs. Chicken or turkey meatballs are an excellent choice for a low-carb option.

Butter

For a simple yet indulgent touch, add a pat of butter to your zoodles. For an extra layer of flavor, try browning the butter to give it a nutty, caramelized taste. A squeeze of lemon juice or a bit of cornstarch and water can be added to the browned butter to thicken the sauce.

Creamy Sauce

For a rich and indulgent option, toss your zoodles in a creamy sauce. To make this sauce, heat butter in a pan and add heavy cream. Once simmering, add salt, pepper, chili flakes, and onion powder. Toss in your zoodles and let them boil gently in the creamy sauce.

Parmesan Cheese

Sprinkle some parmesan cheese on top of your zoodles for a salty, savory kick. For an extra cheesy experience, mix the zoodles with mayo and parmesan cheese before air-frying.

Shrimp

For seafood lovers, pair your zoodles with shrimp. Try baking the shrimp with garlic and parmesan, and serving them with a creamy alfredo sauce and roasted broccoli.

Salad

Zoodles can also be eaten raw! Toss them with your favorite salad dressing and add in other salad ingredients like cherry tomatoes for a refreshing and healthy option.

With these toppings and sauces, you can transform your zoodles into a delicious and satisfying meal.

Frozen zucchini noodles

To cook frozen zucchini noodles in an air fryer, first, spray the air fryer basket with a non-stick cooking spray. Then, add the frozen zucchini noodles to the basket. Set the temperature to 400°F and cook for 8 minutes. After 8 minutes, remove the basket and drain the water from the outer basket. Stir the zucchini noodles to spread them out into a single layer. Finally, place the basket back into the air fryer and cook at 400°F for an additional 5 minutes.

If you are looking for a more cheesy version of zucchini noodles, there is a recipe that only requires three ingredients and takes 15 minutes to cook. To make this version, first, mix the zucchini noodles, mayonnaise, and parmesan cheese in a large bowl. Make sure to coat the noodles well with the mayonnaise before adding the parmesan cheese. Then, preheat your air fryer to 400°F and spray the basket with cooking spray. Place the noodles in the basket and cook for 8-10 minutes. Check after 5 minutes to make sure they don't get too brown.

Zoodles are a great, healthy alternative to traditional pasta and can be used in all kinds of dishes. They are made by spiralizing zucchini into thin noodles, and they can be used in place of traditional spaghetti or fettuccine. Zoodles are also low in calories and carbs, making them a perfect option for those looking for a low-carb diet.

Frequently asked questions