Air-Fried Zucchini: A Healthy, Crispy Treat?

Air fryer zucchini is a quick, easy, and healthy way to cook the versatile vegetable. With just a few simple ingredients and seasonings, you can make a delicious side dish or snack in less than 20 minutes. You can cut zucchini into sticks, slices, or chips and season them with olive oil, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese for a crispy and crunchy texture. Air frying at 400°F for 7-10 minutes will give you perfectly cooked zucchini that is browned and slightly softened but not mushy.

How to cut zucchini for an air fryer

• Wash the zucchini thoroughly under running water. Dry it well 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.
• Cut each half into quarters lengthwise. You should now have eight long spears.
• Cut each spear in half lengthwise again to create thinner spears or fries.
• Place the zucchini sticks into a shallow bowl.
• Drizzle or spray the zucchini with olive oil and toss to coat evenly.
• Sprinkle your desired seasonings onto the zucchini. You can use a simple blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning, or get creative with spices like onion powder, cayenne, or nutritional yeast.
• Toss the zucchini to ensure an even coating of oil and seasonings.
• Place the zucchini sticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving some space between them to ensure even cooking.
• If using cheese, sprinkle it directly onto the zucchini sticks.
• Air fry at around 400°F for 7-10 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally, until the zucchini is tender and golden brown.

Enjoy your crispy, healthy, and delicious air-fried zucchini!

How long to cook zucchini in an air fryer

Air fryer zucchini is a quick, easy, and healthy way to cook this versatile vegetable. The air fryer's intense heat mimics the deep-fried veggie experience without the need for oil, making it a lower-maintenance and healthier option.

Preparation

Before air-frying zucchini, it should be washed and dried thoroughly with a clean kitchen or paper towel. This will help to absorb any excess moisture.

Zucchini can be cut into fries, chips, or slices. For fries, cut the zucchini in half lengthwise, then cut each half into quarters. For chips or slices, cut the zucchini into thin, round slices, no more than 1/4 inch thick.

Once cut, place the zucchini in a medium bowl and toss with olive oil, and your choice of seasonings. Seasoning is important as zucchini is bland on its own. Suggested seasonings include salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, Parmesan cheese, or nutritional yeast.

Cooking Time and Temperature

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. The zucchini can be cooked directly after preheating, or even before the air fryer has finished preheating.

Place the zucchini in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving a little space between each piece. Do not stack or overlap the zucchini, and work in batches if necessary.

Air fry at 400°F for 7-10 minutes, shaking or tossing the basket occasionally. The zucchini is ready when it is tender and golden brown.

Tips

• Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the zucchini in batches.
• To prevent the zucchini from getting soggy, avoid overcooking and follow the recommended cook times and oil amounts.
• For extra crispy zucchini, use panko breadcrumbs.
• For a vegan option, swap Parmesan cheese for nutritional yeast.
• For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.
• To store leftovers, keep zucchini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• To reheat, place the zucchini back in the air fryer or on a baking sheet in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes until warmed through.

Serving Suggestions

Air fryer zucchini is a versatile side dish that can be served with various meals. Try it with meat, fish, pasta, casserole, or stir fry. It also pairs well with dipping sauces such as marinara, ranch dressing, or alfredo sauce.

How to reheat zucchini in an air fryer

Yes, you can reheat zucchini in an air fryer. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350-400°F. The ideal temperature may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model, but this range should work well for reheating zucchini.
• Place the leftover zucchini in the air fryer basket. Ensure that the zucchini pieces are in a single layer and not overcrowded. You may need to reheat in batches if you have a lot of leftovers.
• Reheat the zucchini for 2-3 minutes at 350-400°F. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking, as zucchini can get mushy if heated for too long.
• Check the zucchini after the initial reheating time. If it needs more time, continue heating in 30-second intervals until it's warmed to your liking.
• Once the zucchini is heated through, transfer it to a serving plate and enjoy!

Reheating zucchini in an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to enjoy your leftovers. It helps retain the crispiness and flavour of the zucchini, making it a tasty side dish or snack.

How to store zucchini after cooking in an air fryer

Yes, you can fry zucchini in an air fryer! Here's how to store it after cooking:

• Let the zucchini cool down to room temperature.
• Place the zucchini in an airtight container.
• Put the container in the refrigerator.
• Consume within 3-4 days.

How to Reheat

• Preheat your air fryer.
• Place the zucchini in the air fryer for a minute or until heated through.
• Alternatively, you can reheat the zucchini on a baking sheet in the oven at 350°F.

It is not recommended to freeze zucchini as it becomes soggy once thawed. However, if you wish to do so, follow these steps:

• Let the zucchini cool down to room temperature.
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the zucchini on it.
• Put the baking sheet in the freezer for about 2 hours.
• Transfer the frozen zucchini to a freezer-safe airtight container or bag.
• Zucchini can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What to serve with air fryer zucchini

There are many options for what to serve with air fryer zucchini. Here are some ideas:

Meat

Serve air fryer zucchini with meat dishes such as Baked Pork Tenderloin, Braised Short Ribs, or Chicken Piccata.

Fish

This dish would also pair well with fish options like Broiled Salmon, Garlic Butter Shrimp, or Grilled Cod.

Pasta

You can enjoy air fryer zucchini with pasta dishes like Instant Pot Spaghetti, Pasta Primavera, or Shrimp Ravioli.

Casserole

Serve it as a side with casseroles like Chicken and Rice Casserole, Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole, or Spinach Artichoke Mac and Cheese.

Sandwich

Pair it with sandwiches like a Grilled Chicken Sandwich, Slow Cooker Pulled Pork sandwich, or Blue Cheese Burger.

Stir Fry

Add zucchini to stir-fry dishes like Cauliflower Fried Rice, General Tso Chicken, or Beef Lo Mein.

Additionally, air fryer zucchini can be served as a snack or appetizer with various dipping sauces. You can also experiment with different seasonings and spices to add more flavour to the zucchini.

Frequently asked questions