Air-Fryer Zucchini: The Perfect Timing For Crispiness

Air fryer zucchini is a quick, easy, and healthy dish that can be made in under 20 minutes. It's a perfect side to almost every meal and can be paired with a variety of dips and sauces. The zucchini is sliced, tossed in olive oil, and seasoned with salt, pepper, and herbs or spices of your choice. The air fryer ensures the zucchini is cooked to a perfect crisp on the outside and tender on the inside, without the need for deep frying.

How to get zucchini crispy in an air fryer

Ingredients

Zucchini is a versatile vegetable that can be cooked in many ways. To get crispy zucchini in an air fryer, you will need:

• Medium-sized zucchini (2-4, depending on how much you want to make)
• Olive oil or avocado oil (around 1-2 tablespoons)
• Salt
• Garlic powder
• Black pepper
• Parmesan cheese (optional)

Method

• Wash and dry the zucchini.
• Cut off the ends of the zucchini and slice them into your desired shape. You can cut them into fries, chips, or rounds about 1/4- to 3/4-inch thick. Thicker slices may need a slightly longer cooking time.
• Place the zucchini slices in a bowl and toss them with olive oil, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper until they are evenly coated. You can also add other seasonings like onion powder, paprika, or Italian seasoning.
• If using Parmesan cheese, add it to the bowl and toss again to coat the zucchini.
• 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 overlapping. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
• Air fry the zucchini for 7-10 minutes at 390-400°F, shaking the basket occasionally.
• Check the zucchini and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes if needed. You are looking for the zucchini to be tender with a few golden brown spots.
• Remove the zucchini from the air fryer and serve immediately.

Tips

• Zucchini has a high water content, so be careful not to overcook it, as it can become mushy.
• Don't crowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if needed to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• Toss or shake the zucchini halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
• Zucchini is best served fresh from the air fryer, but any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Enjoy your crispy air fryer zucchini!

How to prevent zucchini from getting soggy in an air fryer

Air-fried zucchini is a tasty, healthy treat, but it can sometimes come out soggy. Here are some tips to help prevent that from happening.

Choose the Right Zucchini

Look for zucchini that is firm with no bruising or soft spots. Smaller to medium-sized zucchini tends to work better than larger ones.

Cut the Zucchini Properly

Cutting the zucchini into the right shape is important. For zucchini fries, cut the zucchini in half lengthwise, then cut each half into quarters. Then, cut the squash down the center so you have a french fry shape. For zucchini chips, cut the zucchini into 3/4-inch slices.

Dry the Zucchini

Before cooking, be sure to dry the zucchini well with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel to absorb excess moisture. You can also pat the zucchini dry with a paper towel after slicing to remove any excess moisture.

Use the Right Amount of Oil

Too much oil can make zucchini soggy. Only use enough oil to lightly coat the zucchini pieces.

Don't Overcook

Zucchini can become soggy if it's overcooked. Depending on the size and model of your air fryer, the cooking time may vary, but generally, zucchini should be cooked for around 7-10 minutes at 400°F. Check the zucchini frequently to ensure it doesn't get overcooked. You want it to be tender but still slightly firm.

Use a Single Layer

When placing the zucchini in the air fryer basket, arrange it in a single layer to ensure even cooking and crispiness. If your air fryer is small, you may need to cook the zucchini in batches.

Add Cheese

Sprinkling grated Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast over the zucchini before air frying can help add crispiness and prevent sogginess.

How to store and reheat air-fried zucchini

Air-fried zucchini is best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for up to 4 days, but it may become slightly soggy after 2-3 days.

To reheat, preheat your air fryer to 350-400°F and cook until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat the zucchini in the oven at 350°F.

While you can freeze zucchini, it is not recommended as it tends to become soggy when thawed. If you do choose to freeze it, let the zucchini cool to room temperature, then place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for about 2 hours. Transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to choose the best zucchini at the store

Zucchini is a versatile summer vegetable that can be cooked in a variety of ways. Here are some tips on how to choose the best zucchini at the store:

Size

Look for smaller zucchini, as larger ones tend to be watery and flavourless, with pulpy insides and large seeds. The ideal size for standard green zucchini is no larger than a regular-sized flashlight, or about 12-15 cm in length.

Colour

Zucchini can be green, yellow, or white. Look for a vibrant, rich colour. Avoid zucchini with discolouration or bruises.

Skin

Choose zucchini with shiny, slightly prickly skin. The skin should be firm and free of bumps and blemishes.

Stem

Look for zucchini with a moist stem end and at least one inch of stem still attached. This indicates freshness and will also help the zucchini last longer.

Weight

A good zucchini should feel heavy for its size. This indicates that it is moist and fresh.

Texture

When sliced open, a good zucchini will have a tender but not mushy texture. The colour should be creamy green, yellow, or white.

Seasonality

While zucchini is available year-round, the prime season is from May to August. Zucchini is more abundant and flavourful during this time.

Now that you know how to choose the best zucchini, you can try cooking it in your air fryer! Air-fried zucchini is a healthy and delicious option that can be prepared in just a few minutes. Enjoy experimenting with different recipes and seasonings to find your favourite way to enjoy this versatile vegetable.

How to prevent zucchini from sticking to the air fryer

To prevent zucchini from sticking to the air fryer, toss the slices in a bit of olive oil before air frying. Make sure your air fryer basket is clean. This will ensure that nothing sticks and that you get crispy edges.

• Cut the zucchini into evenly sized pieces so they cook at the same rate.
• Don't crowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
• Toss the zucchini halfway through cooking to ensure they brown evenly.

Frequently asked questions