Air-Fried Zucchini: A Healthy, Crispy Treat?

Air fryers are a fun and easy way to cook delicious dishes. One vegetable that works surprisingly well in an air fryer is zucchini. It's a healthy, delicious, and inexpensive food that can be used in many different ways.

You can make zucchini fries, chips, or just roast them in an air fryer. The best part is that it's a simple process that doesn't require any special equipment. All you need is a good sharp knife, a cutting board, and a few simple ingredients.

So, if you're looking for a new way to cook zucchini, give your air fryer a try! It's a quick and easy way to make a tasty and healthy side dish or snack.

How to make zucchini in an air fryer

Ingredients

You will need:

• 2-3 medium-sized zucchini
• Olive oil or olive oil cooking spray
• 1/4-1/3 cup of grated parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup of panko bread crumbs (optional)
• 1 egg (optional)
• 1/4 cup of almond flour (optional)

Method

First, wash your zucchini and dry it well with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel.

Next, cut the zucchini into your desired shape. You can cut it into fries by cutting it in half lengthwise, and then cutting each half into quarters. Alternatively, you can cut the zucchini into 1/4-inch rounds or 3/4-inch thick half-moons.

If you are using panko bread crumbs, place them in a separate bowl and mix with the parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings. Dip the zucchini pieces into a beaten egg, and then into the panko mixture. Place on a plate and drizzle with olive oil.

Preheat your air fryer to between 350-400°F. Place the zucchini in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space around each piece to ensure even cooking.

Cook the zucchini for 7-12 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally, until tender and golden brown.

Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara, ranch, or garlic aioli.

Tips

• Zucchini has a high water content, so be sure to pat the pieces dry before cooking to avoid soggy fries.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure the zucchini cooks through properly.
• Zucchini is bland on its own, so be generous with your seasonings!
• For a vegan option, replace the parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast.
• For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour and gluten-free panko bread crumbs.

What to serve with air-fried zucchini

Air-fried zucchini is a tasty, healthy, and quick dish to make. It goes well with a variety of foods, including meat, fish, pasta, and sandwiches. Here are some ideas for what to serve with air-fried zucchini:

Meat

Serve air-fried zucchini as a side dish with meat such as Baked Pork Tenderloin, Braised Short Ribs, or Chicken Piccata.

Fish

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

Pasta

You can also enjoy air-fried 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 air-fried zucchini with sandwiches such as 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.

Dips and Sauces

You can also serve air-fried zucchini with various dips and sauces. For example, marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or a spicy sauce like yum yum sauce.

How to store leftover zucchini

Storing leftover zucchini is simple and can be done in a few different ways. Here are some detailed, direct, and instructive steps to help you store leftover zucchini:

Storing in the Refrigerator:

• Keep the zucchini whole until you're ready to use it.
• Don't wash the zucchini before storing it.
• Place the whole zucchini in a paper bag to allow air circulation.
• Put the paper bag in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator.
• Use the zucchini within 3-4 days for the best quality and texture.
• If the zucchini's skin becomes wrinkled, it's a sign that you should cook and consume it soon or freeze it for later use.

Storing in an Airtight Container:

• Cut the zucchini into slices or cubes if you have leftover cooked zucchini.
• Place the zucchini slices or cubes in an airtight container.
• Store the container in the refrigerator.
• Consume the zucchini within 3-4 days.
• To reheat, you can use an air fryer or an oven. Preheat the air fryer or oven to 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit and heat the zucchini until warmed through.

Freezing Zucchini:

• If you have an abundance of zucchini and won't be using it soon, freezing is a great option.
• Wash the zucchini and pat it dry.
• Cut the zucchini into slices, cubes, or grate it.
• Blanch the zucchini in boiling water for about 2 minutes or 3 minutes, depending on the size.
• Plunge the blanched zucchini into ice water to stop the cooking process.
• Drain the zucchini and pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
• Place the zucchini on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for about an hour until solid.
• Transfer the frozen zucchini to freezer bags or airtight containers.
• Squeeze out as much air as possible and label with the date.
• Frozen zucchini can be stored for up to 12 months.
• To thaw, transfer the frozen zucchini to the refrigerator overnight or place it in a bowl of cold water for quicker thawing.

Remember, storing zucchini properly will help maintain its texture, flavor, and nutritional value. Choose the storage method that best suits your needs and enjoy your leftover zucchini!

How to make zucchini chips in an air fryer

Ingredients

• 2 medium zucchini
• 1-2 eggs
• 1/2-1 cup panko bread crumbs
• 1/4-1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup almond flour (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
• Marinara, for serving (optional)

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 350-400°F.
• Cut the zucchini into 1/4-inch thick slices or sticks.
• Pat the zucchini dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel.
• In a separate bowl, combine the panko, Parmesan, flour (if using), salt, onion powder, and pepper.
• Dip the zucchini slices into a beaten egg, then into the panko mixture.
• Place the breaded zucchini slices on a plate, then drizzle with olive oil.
• Place the zucchini in the air fryer basket in a single layer, working in batches if necessary.
• Air fry for 7-12 minutes at 350-400°F, shaking the basket occasionally, until the zucchini is tender and the breadcrumbs are golden.
• Serve immediately with marinara sauce for dipping, if desired.

Tips

• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Place the zucchini in a single layer with a little space around each slice to ensure they get crispy.
• Eat the zucchini chips straight away. They will start to soften if left to sit for too long.

How to avoid soggy zucchini fries

Air fryer zucchini fries are a delicious, healthy alternative to French fries. However, zucchini has a high water content, so it's important to take certain steps to ensure your fries turn out crispy and not soggy. Here are some tips to help you avoid soggy zucchini fries:

Dry the Zucchini:

Before coating the zucchini with any batter or breading, make sure to pat it dry with a paper towel or clean kitchen towel. This will help remove excess moisture and ensure a crunchy texture.

Cut Zucchini into Equal Sizes:

Cutting the zucchini into evenly sized pieces is crucial for two reasons. Firstly, it promotes even cooking in the air fryer. Secondly, it ensures that the zucchini fries cook through at the same rate, preventing some pieces from being crispy while others remain undercooked.

Avoid Overcrowding the Air Fryer Basket:

This is a crucial tip for achieving crispy zucchini fries. Zucchini fries need plenty of airflow to cook properly. Make sure there's space between each fry, with no overlap. Cook the zucchini in batches if necessary.

Don't Overcook:

Keep a close eye on the cooking time. Overcooking can lead to soggy zucchini, while undercooking won't give you the desired crispiness. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your fries and the model of your air fryer. For thinner fries, 9-12 minutes at 400°F should be sufficient. For thicker fries, you may need up to 18 minutes.

Use Oil:

A light coating of oil helps the zucchini achieve a golden brown crust and enhances crispiness. You can use avocado oil, olive oil, or cooking spray.

Serve Immediately:

Zucchini fries are best served straight out of the air fryer. If left to sit too long, they may lose their crispiness and turn rubbery.

By following these tips, you can enjoy perfectly crispy zucchini fries from your air fryer every time!

Frequently asked questions