Air-Fryer Zucchini: A Healthy, Quick-Cooking Method

Air fryers are a great way to cook zucchini. The intense heat of an air fryer can mimic the deep-fried food experience in a healthier way. Zucchini cooked in an air fryer will emerge nicely browned without being too mushy in the middle. It is also a quick process, taking between 7 to 15 minutes depending on the recipe.

How to prepare zucchini for air frying

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to prepare zucchini in an air fryer:

• Zucchini (2-3 medium-sized)
• Olive oil or cooking spray
• Salt
• Pepper
• Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Garlic powder (optional)
• Breadcrumbs (optional)

Method

• Wash the zucchini and dry it thoroughly with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel to absorb excess moisture.
• Cut off the ends of the zucchini.
• Cut the zucchini in half lengthwise, then cut each half into quarters. You can also cut it into 3/4-inch slices or 1/2-inch chunks, depending on your preferred shape (fries, chips, or slices).
• Place the zucchini in a mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil or cooking spray and toss to coat evenly.
• Add your desired seasonings to the bowl and toss again to coat the zucchini. You can use salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese. If you want to add breadcrumbs, place the coated zucchini on a plate and dip it into a mixture of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
• Preheat your air fryer to 390-400°F.
• Place the zucchini in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded. If needed, cook in batches.
• Air fry the zucchini for 7-15 minutes, tossing or shaking the basket occasionally to ensure even cooking. The zucchini is ready when it is tender and golden brown.
• Serve and enjoy!

Tips

• Zucchini has a high water content, so it's important to dry it thoroughly before cooking to prevent it from becoming mushy.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• You can experiment with different seasonings and spices to suit your taste preferences.
• For a vegan option, omit the Parmesan cheese or replace it with nutritional yeast.

How long to cook zucchini in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook zucchini in an air fryer. Here's how:

Preparation:

First, trim the ends off your zucchini. You can either cut the zucchini into spears, slices, or fries. If you're making spears, cut the zucchini in half crosswise, creating two shorter cylinders, then cut each half into four quarters lengthwise. This will give you eight spears per zucchini. If you're making slices, cut the zucchini in half lengthwise, end to end, and then slice into 3/4-inch pieces. For fries, cut the zucchini in half lengthwise, and then cut each half into quarters. Cut the squash down the center so you have a long french fry shape.

Place the zucchini in a large mixing bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Toss to coat. You can also add other seasonings at this point, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, or cayenne pepper.

Cooking:

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place the zucchini in the air fryer basket in a single layer. If you're cooking a large batch, you may need to cook the zucchini in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Cook the zucchini at 400°F for 7-9 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally, until the zucchini is tender but not mushy. The zucchini should be golden brown and easily pierced with a fork when it's done.

Serving:

Air fryer zucchini makes a great side dish and can be served with grilled chicken, air fryer salmon, steak, or your favorite dip. It also goes well with pasta dishes like Instant Pot Spaghetti or Shrimp Ravioli.

Storage and Reheating:

Air fryer zucchini is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place the zucchini in a preheated air fryer at 350°F for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat in the oven or microwave, but the zucchini may become softer.

How to store leftover air fryer zucchini

Air fryer zucchini is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

While it is possible to freeze zucchini, it tends to become soggy once thawed. If you wish to freeze your leftover air fryer zucchini, place it in an airtight container or freezer bag and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Allow it to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

To reheat your leftover zucchini, you can use the air fryer, oven, toaster oven, or microwave. Reheating in the microwave will make the zucchini softer, so if you want to retain its crispiness, it's best to use the air fryer or oven and cook at 350-375°F for 1-2 minutes.

How to prevent zucchini from sticking to the air fryer

Yes, you can cook zucchini in an air fryer! Here are some tips on how to prevent zucchini from sticking to your air fryer:

Use Oil

A little oil goes a long way! Toss your zucchini slices in a bit of olive oil before air frying. This will help to ensure that nothing sticks, and you’ll get beautiful crispy edges.

Clean Your Air Fryer Basket

Make sure your air fryer basket is clean. This will also help to prevent sticking.

Don't Overlap the Zucchini

Don't crowd the air fryer basket! Cook the zucchini in batches if needed to avoid mushy zucchini. Each piece needs enough room to get that golden-brown, crispy finish.

Toss Midway

Don't forget to give the zucchini a good shake or toss midway through cooking. This helps them brown evenly and ensures every bite is deliciously crisp!

How to cut zucchini for air frying

Firstly, wash your zucchini and dry it with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel to absorb excess moisture.

Next, cut off the ends of the zucchini. Then, cut the zucchini in half lengthwise, and then cut each half into quarters. Cut the squash down the centre so that you have a long french fry shape. Alternatively, you can cut the zucchini into 3/4-inch slices. You can also cut the zucchini into thin circles to make zucchini chips, or cut it into longer pieces to make zucchini fries.

Once you have cut your zucchini to your desired shape, place the pieces into a bowl and toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, or paprika.

Finally, place the zucchini in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure that the pieces are not overcrowded. If your air fryer is not big enough, you may need to cook the zucchini in batches.

Frequently asked questions