Air Fryer Zucchini: The Perfect Timing

Air fryer zucchini is a quick, healthy, and low-carb snack or side dish. To make zucchini in an air fryer without breading, you'll need to cut the zucchini into bite-sized chunks, season it, and cook it at a high temperature for a short amount of time. The exact cooking time will depend on your desired texture and the power level of your air fryer, but most recipes recommend cooking zucchini in an air fryer for around 7-10 minutes at 400°F.

How to cut zucchini for the air fryer

To cut zucchini for the air fryer, start by rinsing and drying the zucchini. Then, cut off both ends and cut the zucchini into equal bite-sized pieces. You can use a roll-cut method, which will give the zucchini a more crispy texture than slices or rounds. Cut the zucchini into 3/4" chunks. Sprinkle with salt and let it sit for a few minutes. The zucchini will release some water, so tap it dry with a paper towel.

Add seasoning and oil to the zucchini. Mix well. You can use any cooking oil, but extra virgin olive oil is recommended. You can also use cooking spray or oil mist to further cut down on calories. If you are looking for low-oil cooking, you can skip the oil and just sprinkle a few drops of water on the zucchini to allow the spices to adhere to it.

Place the zucchini in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Set the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 7-10 minutes, or until the zucchini reaches your desired texture. If you prefer a softer texture, you can leave it in for a few minutes longer. Keep in mind that the cook time may vary depending on the power level of your air fryer.

Open the air fryer halfway through, shake the basket, and continue cooking. Serve warm on a plate, with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese if desired.

How long to cook zucchini in the air fryer

Cooking zucchini in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a healthy, low-carb side dish or snack. Here's how to do it:

First, cut the zucchini into 3/4" chunks. You don't need to peel them, but you should cut off both ends. Then, sprinkle some salt over the zucchini and let it sit for a few minutes. The salt will draw out some water, so tap the zucchini dry with a paper towel. Next, add your chosen seasoning and oil, and mix well. You can use any cooking oil, but extra virgin olive oil is a good option. If you want to cut down on calories, you can use a cooking spray or oil mist instead. For a WFPB-friendly option, simply skip the oil and sprinkle a few drops of water on the zucchini to help the spices adhere.

Once your zucchini is prepared, place it into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Preheat your air fryer to 390-400 degrees Fahrenheit. The exact temperature and cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer and your preferred texture. For a semi-crunchy texture, cook the zucchini for about 10 minutes. If you prefer a softer texture, you may need to cook it for a few minutes longer. Check on the zucchini halfway through cooking and shake the basket to ensure even cooking. Your zucchini is ready when it reaches your desired texture.

How to season zucchini for the air fryer

To season zucchini for the air fryer, you can use a simple blend of salt, onion powder, and black pepper. You can also add garlic powder, Italian blend seasoning, and olive oil.

First, cut the zucchini into bite-size chunks of about 3/4 inches. You can also cut off both ends and roll cut into equal bite-sized pieces. Place the zucchini in a mixing bowl and sprinkle with salt. Let it sit for a few minutes, then tap it dry with a paper towel. Add your chosen seasonings and oil, and mix well.

Place the zucchini in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for a couple of minutes, then cook for 7-12 minutes, or until the zucchini reaches your desired texture. Shake the basket halfway through cooking.

How to get crispy zucchini in the air fryer

To get crispy zucchini in the air fryer, start by rinsing and drying the zucchini. Cut off both ends and cut the zucchini into equal bite-sized pieces. You can use the roll-cut method to ensure even cooking and a crispy texture. Sprinkle some salt over the zucchini and let it sit for a few minutes. This will help to draw out some of the moisture, which you can then tap dry with a paper towel. Add your choice of seasoning and oil, and mix well.

Preheat your air fryer to around 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Place the zucchini in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 7-10 minutes, depending on your desired texture. If you prefer your zucchini softer, you may need to cook it for a few minutes longer. Remember to open the air fryer halfway through cooking, shake the basket, and then continue cooking.

For a low-oil option, you can skip the oil and instead sprinkle a few drops of water on the zucchini. This will help the spices adhere to the zucchini. Air fry at 390 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-6 minutes, or until the zucchini is nicely roasted and cooked to your liking.

How to make zucchini in the air fryer without oil

Firstly, cut the zucchini into bite-sized chunks of around 3/4 inches. Sprinkle some salt over the zucchini and leave it to sit for a few minutes. It will release some water, so tap it dry with a paper towel. Next, add your chosen seasoning and, if you want, a few drops of water to help the spices stick. Mix well.

Place the zucchini into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Preheat the air fryer to 390F or 200C for 5 minutes, or 400F if you are not preheating. Cook the zucchini for 7-10 minutes, or until it reaches your desired texture. Open the air fryer halfway through, shake the basket, and continue cooking.

If you want to add cheese, sprinkle some parmesan over the zucchini once it is cooked.

Frequently asked questions