Roasting Zucchini In An Air Fryer: A Healthy Treat

Air fryers are a fun and easy way to cook delicious dishes. One vegetable that can be cooked in an air fryer is zucchini, which is healthy, inexpensive, and a perfect side dish to any meal.

There are several ways to cook zucchini in an air fryer. One way is to slice the zucchini into spears, season them, and cook them in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes. Another way is to cut the zucchini into rounds, quarters, or chunks, add olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, and cook them in the air fryer for 7 to 12 minutes.

Zucchini cooked in an air fryer will be nicely browned and slightly softened, without being too mushy in the middle. It is a quick and easy way to prepare zucchini, especially during the hot summer months when you don't want to heat up the house with the oven.

How to prepare the zucchini

Preparing zucchini in an air fryer is a quick and easy process. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Wash and Cut the Zucchini

First, wash the zucchini under running water to remove any dirt or residue. Cut off both ends of the zucchini, and then slice it in half lengthwise. You can then cut each half into long spears or smaller chunks, depending on your preferred size. Some recipes suggest cutting the zucchini into one-inch pieces or 3/4-inch slices.

Step 2: Season the Zucchini

Place the cut zucchini into a large bowl. Drizzle olive oil over the zucchini, or use any type of vegetable oil. Toss the zucchini to ensure the oil coats all the pieces.

Next, it's time to add your chosen seasonings. You can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or get creative with a variety of seasonings. Some popular options include garlic powder, Italian blend seasoning, red pepper flakes, paprika, cumin, and parsley. You can also experiment with different combinations of herbs and spices to find your favorite flavor.

Step 3: Cook in the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place the seasoned zucchini into the air fryer basket or tray, ensuring they are in a single layer to avoid overcrowding. Cooking time will vary depending on your air fryer model, but generally, it should take around 10-15 minutes for the zucchini to cook through.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Once the zucchini is tender, browned, and slightly charred in places, remove it from the air fryer and serve immediately. You can enjoy it as a side dish or appetizer, and it pairs well with a variety of main courses.

Storage and Reheating

If you have any leftover zucchini, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. To reheat, simply place the zucchini back into the air fryer at 350°F-375°F for a few minutes until warmed through.

Seasoning options

You can also add garlic powder, which pairs well with zucchini. For a more complex flavor, add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick, or Italian blend seasoning. For a Latin twist, cumin and oregano are a perfect combination. To make it herby, add thyme, oregano, and parsley.

If you want to add a cheese topping, parmesan, feta, or goat's cheese are all good options.

How long to cook for

The cooking time for roasted zucchini in an air fryer varies depending on the size and model of the air fryer, the size of the zucchini pieces, and the desired level of doneness. However, on average, it takes around 10 to 15 minutes to cook zucchini in an air fryer.

For example, one recipe suggests preheating the air fryer to 400°F and cooking the zucchini spears for 10-12 minutes without the need to turn or flip them. Similarly, another recipe recommends cooking zucchini slices in the air fryer for 10 minutes without tossing or flipping, followed by an additional 2-3 minutes if needed.

On the other hand, a few recipes suggest a cooking time of 15 minutes at 400°F for zucchini slices or chunks. It is important to note that halfway through the cooking process, the zucchini should be shaken or tossed to ensure even cooking.

To achieve the desired level of doneness, it is recommended to keep an eye on the zucchini during cooking and adjust the timing accordingly. Overcooking zucchini can result in sogginess, so it is crucial to check for the preferred texture halfway through.

What to serve it with

Zucchini cooked in an air fryer is a versatile side dish that can be served with a variety of main courses. Here are some ideas for what to serve with air fryer zucchini:

Meat

Air fryer zucchini can be a delicious accompaniment to a variety of meat dishes. Consider serving it with baked pork tenderloin, braised short ribs, or chicken piccata. For a heartier meal, pair the zucchini with grilled chicken, slow cooker pulled pork, or a juicy burger.

Fish

If you're a fan of seafood, air fryer zucchini can complement your fish dish beautifully. Try serving it with broiled salmon, garlic butter shrimp, or grilled cod for a light and tasty meal.

Pasta

For a comforting and satisfying meal, combine air fryer zucchini with pasta dishes such as instant pot spaghetti, pasta primavera, or shrimp ravioli. The zucchini will add a fresh and healthy twist to your pasta night.

Casserole

Think about serving air fryer zucchini as a side dish with casseroles like chicken and rice casserole, chicken bacon ranch casserole, or spinach artichoke mac and cheese. The crispness of the zucchini will provide a nice contrast to the creamy, cheesy casseroles.

Sandwiches

Air fryer zucchini can also be a tasty addition to sandwiches. Try pairing it with a grilled chicken sandwich, slow cooker pulled pork sandwich, or a blue cheese burger for a satisfying lunch or dinner.

Stir Fry

For a quick and easy weeknight meal, add air fryer zucchini to your favourite stir-fry dishes. It goes well with cauliflower fried rice, General Tso chicken, or beef lo mein. The possibilities are endless!

How to store leftovers

Roasted zucchini is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored for later. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store leftovers:

Storing in the Fridge

Leftover roasted zucchini should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Reheating

To reheat the zucchini, you can use an air fryer or a microwave. For the air fryer, preheat it to 350°F and heat the zucchini for 2-5 minutes until warmed through. For the microwave, place the zucchini on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 1-minute intervals until heated through, which usually takes around 1-2 minutes.

Freezing

While it is not recommended, cooked zucchini can be frozen. However, it may not retain its texture and is best used in soups and sauces. To freeze, place the zucchini in a container or bag and store it in the freezer. When ready to use, defrost it in the refrigerator or a bowl of cold water, then drain off any excess water.

Storing Cut Zucchini

If you have fresh-cut zucchini that you haven't cooked yet, it can be stored in an airtight container or zip-top bag in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator for 4-5 days. It's best to use it up quickly, as it will start to lose freshness.

Frequently asked questions