Tiffany Haney
Air fryers are a great way to cook courgettes, also known as zucchini. They are a quick, easy, and healthy way to cook the vegetable, with the end result being tender and perfectly cooked. It is also a versatile method, as courgettes cooked in an air fryer can be used in salads, sandwiches, pasta, noodles, burritos, or as a side dish.
There are many different ways to season courgettes before putting them in the air fryer, such as olive oil, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and parmesan cheese.
Air Fryer Courgette/Zucchini
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Courgette/Zucchini, Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Nutritional Yeast, Parmesan Cheese |
| Preparation | Wash and dry courgettes, trim ends, slice into desired shape, coat with oil and seasoning |
| Air Fryer Settings | Preheat to 400°F (200°C), cook for 5-10 minutes, shaking/flipping halfway through |
| Serving Suggestions | Squeeze of lemon juice, whipped feta, fresh herbs, chilli, grilled meat, halloumi |
| Storage | Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days, reheat in air fryer or microwave |
| Benefits | Quick, tasty, healthy, simple, minimal effort, less oil required than frying |
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What You'll Learn
How to cut courgettes for the air fryer
There are a few different ways to cut courgettes for the air fryer, depending on the desired outcome.
For courgette fries, cut the ends off the courgette and slice it in half lengthwise, then slice each half into quarters lengthwise. Cut each quarter into 1/2-inch slices for the best results.
For courgette chips, slice the courgettes into thin, round slices. This will allow them to cook evenly and quickly in the air fryer.
For a more decorative presentation, slice the courgette in half lengthwise, then score the flesh with a knife in a diamond pattern. This will also help the courgette cook more quickly.
For a simple, chunkier cut, slice the courgette into halves or half-moons.
Once you've cut your courgettes, you can season and cook them in the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the courgettes in a bowl and toss them with olive oil, rapeseed oil, or another light cooking oil. Add your desired seasonings; popular options include salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and nutritional yeast. Toss the courgettes until they are evenly coated, then transfer them to the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 5-10 minutes, shaking or flipping the basket halfway through.
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The best oil for frying courgettes
When frying courgettes, it is best to use a light oil such as mild olive oil, rapeseed oil, or vegetable oil. These oils help to coat the courgettes evenly and enhance their flavour. If you want to reduce the calorie content, you can use a light cooking spray instead of oil.
Olive oil
Olive oil is a popular choice for frying courgettes, as it has a mild flavour that enhances the taste of the courgettes. It is also a good source of healthy monounsaturated fats. However, olive oil has a relatively low smoke point, so it may not be suitable for deep-frying, which requires very high temperatures.
Vegetable oil
Vegetable oil is a blend of different plant-derived oils, such as corn oil, soybean oil, and sunflower oil. It is designed to have a high smoke point, making it ideal for deep-frying. Vegetable oil is also very affordable, so it is a good choice if you need to use a large volume of oil.
Other oils
There are several other types of oil that can be used for frying courgettes, including sunflower oil, safflower oil, canola oil, peanut oil, avocado oil, and rice bran oil. These oils tend to be more expensive than olive oil or vegetable oil, but they have high smoke points and neutral flavours that won't interfere with the taste of the courgettes.
Seasoning
In addition to oil, you can also season your courgettes with salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and nutritional yeast. These seasonings add depth and enhance the natural taste of the courgettes. You can also add Parmesan cheese for an extra burst of flavour.
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How long to cook courgettes in an air fryer
To cook courgettes in an air fryer, you should first wash and dry them. Then, trim the ends off the courgettes and slice them into your desired shape. You can slice them into halves or half-moons, or slice them lengthwise into quarters and then into 0.5-inch pieces.
Next, place the courgette slices into a bowl and toss them with 2 teaspoons of cooking oil, a quarter teaspoon of salt, and an eighth of a teaspoon of pepper. You can also add other seasonings like onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, or red pepper flakes. Alternatively, you can add a light coating of olive oil and sprinkle with nutritional yeast, Parmesan cheese, or a simple garlic butter.
After seasoning the courgettes, transfer them to the air fryer basket in a single layer. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook for 5-10 minutes, shaking or flipping the basket halfway through. The courgettes are done when they are golden brown and fork-tender.
Cooking times may vary depending on the size of your air fryer and the size of the courgette pieces, so be sure to keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
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Seasoning and spices for courgettes
Seasoning and spices are essential to enhancing the flavour of courgettes cooked in an air fryer. The type of seasoning and spices used can vary depending on personal preference and the desired level of flavour complexity. Here are some ideas and instructions for seasoning and spices specifically for courgettes cooked in an air fryer:
Basic Seasoning:
For a simple and classic approach, you can season your courgettes with just salt and pepper. This combination adds a savoury and slightly spicy note to the courgettes without overwhelming their natural flavour. If you want to keep it very basic, a little cracked black pepper and salt are all you need.
Olive Oil:
Coating the courgette slices with olive oil before air frying helps to enhance their flavour and promote even browning. Olive oil has a mild flavour that complements the courgette without overpowering it. Alternatively, you can use a light cooking spray to reduce the overall calorie content of the dish.
Onion and Garlic:
For added depth of flavour, consider incorporating onion and garlic into your seasoning blend. You can use fresh, minced garlic and onion, or opt for the convenience of onion powder and garlic powder. These ingredients pair well with the natural flavour of courgettes and add a savoury kick to the dish.
Nutritional Yeast:
If you're looking for a savoury, umami boost, nutritional yeast is a fantastic option. Sprinkle it over your courgettes before air frying, or add it as a finishing touch after cooking for an extra burst of flavour. Nutritional yeast has a cheesy, nutty flavour that enhances the overall taste experience.
Parmesan Cheese:
For an indulgent touch, incorporate grated Parmesan cheese into your seasoning blend or sprinkle it over the courgettes after cooking. Parmesan adds a salty, sharp flavour that pairs beautifully with the other seasonings and the natural sweetness of the courgettes.
Spicy Options:
If you enjoy a bit of spice, consider using a pre-made spicy seasoning blend such as cajun seasoning, peri peri seasoning, or Mexican seasoning. You can also add red pepper flakes or chilli powder to your seasoning blend for a customised spicy kick.
Creative Combinations:
For a unique twist, experiment with different combinations of herbs and spices. For example, you could make a garlic butter by mixing garlic powder with melted butter, or try sun-dried tomato butter for a burst of umami flavour. Lemon butter can add a bright, citrusy note to your courgettes, while salted butter adds a classic savoury touch.
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How to reheat cooked courgettes
To reheat cooked courgettes in an air fryer, start by preheating your air fryer to 200°C/400°F. Place the courgettes in the air fryer basket and reheat for 4-6 minutes, flipping halfway through, until heated through.
If you are reheating pre-frozen courgettes that have been thawed or previously refrigerated, follow the same instructions.
You can also reheat cooked courgettes in the microwave.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes under 10 minutes to cook courgettes in an air fryer.
You should preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Wash and dry the courgettes. You can then season them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. You can also add spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or red pepper flakes.
The courgettes are done when they are golden brown and fork-tender. You can check this by inserting a fork into the courgette, and if there is little resistance, they are ready to eat.
