Tillie Doyle
Air fryers are a fun and easy way to cook delicious dishes. Zucchini and squash are abundant in the summer months and can be cooked in an air fryer in under 20 minutes. This quick and easy recipe is a perfect side dish for any meal and is a healthy, vegan, gluten-free, and low-carb option. The natural sweetness of the vegetables is enhanced by air frying, creating a tasty, golden-brown dish with a crisp and tender texture.
How to Cook Zucchini & Squash in an Air Fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Zucchini, Squash, Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper, Dried Herbs |
| Preparation | Cut zucchini and squash into slices, rounds, or spears. Pat dry with a paper towel. Season with salt, pepper, and dried herbs. |
| Air Fryer Temperature | 380°F to 450°F |
| Cooking Time | 7 to 15 minutes |
| Serving Suggestions | Parmesan Cheese, Fresh Herbs, Lemon Juice, Marinara Sauce, Garlic Aioli |
| Storage | Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. |
| Reheating | Reheat in the air fryer or oven for a few minutes. |
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What You'll Learn
How to cut zucchini and squash for air frying
To cut zucchini and squash for air frying, start by slicing the ends off the zucchini and squash. Then, cut them in half crosswise, creating two shorter cylinders. Next, take one of the cylinders and slice it lengthwise down the middle, resulting in two long halves. Cut each of those halves in half again lengthwise, which will give you four long spears. Repeat this process with the second cylinder, so you have eight even spears in total.
If you prefer round slices, cut the zucchini and squash into slices, then cut them in half to create half-moon shapes. Alternatively, you can cut the zucchini and squash into thin slices or thick rounds, depending on your preference.
Before air frying, pat the zucchini and squash spears or slices dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This will help them roast evenly and ensure that any oil or seasonings applied adhere more effectively.
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Seasoning and oil options
If you want to get creative, you can use other seasonings such as garlic powder, lemon pepper, or seasoned salt. You can also add toppings like parmesan cheese or a drizzle of sauce such as marinara, flavoured olive oil, or garlic aioli.
When preparing the zucchini and squash, it is important to pat them dry with a paper towel to eliminate excess moisture. This will help the oil and seasonings adhere better and promote even roasting. You can also try coating the vegetables in a bowl with the oil and seasonings before placing them in the air fryer to ensure an even coating.
Additionally, consider the type of oil you use. While olive oil is a popular choice, you can also use vegetable stock, soy sauce, or tamari as an alternative to achieve a golden brown colour without using oil.
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Air fryer temperature and timing
The temperature and timing for cooking zucchini and squash in an air fryer depend on the texture and colour you desire. For a soft texture with minimal browning, cook at 400°F for 15 minutes. For a golden brown colour, cook at 450°F for 8 minutes, then flip the slices and cook for another 6-7 minutes. To achieve a light crisp on the exterior, cook at a higher temperature for a shorter period. For example, cooking at 400°F for 10-15 minutes will give you a golden brown and crispy texture. You can also cook at 380°F for 7-8 minutes for a crisp-tender texture.
It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size and model of your air fryer, so adjust the time and temperature as needed. Additionally, ensure that you cut the zucchini and squash into even slices to ensure they cook at the same rate and prevent overcrowding in the air fryer basket, which can cause the vegetables to become soggy.
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How to store and reheat leftovers
Storing and reheating zucchini and squash leftovers is simple. To store, refrigerate the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 to 5 days.
If you want to freeze the leftovers, place them in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 to 3 months. However, freezing zucchini is not recommended as it tends to become soggy once thawed. If you do choose to freeze, let the leftovers thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
To reheat, you can use an oven or an air fryer. For the oven, preheat it to 350°F and place the leftovers on a baking sheet. Reheat for a couple of minutes until they are warmed through. For the air fryer, preheat it to 200°C/400°F and place the leftovers in the air fryer basket. Reheat for about 3 to 4 minutes, flipping halfway through.
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What types of squash to use
When it comes to choosing the right type of squash to cook in your air fryer, there are several options to consider. Here are some of the most popular varieties:
- Yellow Squash: Yellow squash, also known as yellow crookneck squash, is a common variety that is often used in air frying. It has a mild, slightly sweet flavour and a tender yet crisp texture. Yellow squash is versatile and can be paired with various main dishes.
- Summer Squash: Summer squash, including varieties such as zucchini and yellow squash, are abundant during the summer months and are perfect for air frying. They have a mild, earthy, and subtly sweet flavour, and their texture is crisp yet tender. Summer squash is a great option for a quick and easy side dish.
- Mexican Grey Squash: If you're looking for a substitute, Mexican grey squash can be used in place of summer squash or zucchini. It has a similar cooking time and temperature, making it a convenient alternative.
- Winter Squash: Varieties of winter squash, such as butternut squash or acorn squash, can also be cooked in an air fryer, but they may take longer to cook compared to summer squash. Winter squash typically has a denser and harder texture, requiring a longer cooking time.
When selecting squash for air frying, it is essential to consider the characteristics of the squash and adjust your cooking techniques accordingly. For example, slicing the squash thinly can help it cook more evenly and prevent sogginess. Additionally, the moisture content of the squash can impact the cooking process, so it may be necessary to pat the squash dry with paper towels before cooking.
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Frequently asked questions
Cut the zucchini and squash into even slices or spears, toss with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook at 400-450°F for 7-15 minutes, tossing halfway through.
Most recipes recommend cooking zucchini and squash at 400°F, however, one recipe recommends cooking at 450°F for a shorter time.
Depending on the temperature and desired level of crispness, zucchini and squash will take 7-15 minutes to cook in an air fryer.
Cut the zucchini and squash into even slices or spears to ensure they cook at the same rate. It is also recommended to pat the zucchini dry with a paper towel before cooking to eliminate excess moisture and promote better roasting.
Air fryer zucchini and squash is a versatile side dish that can be served with grilled meats, burgers, or any of your favorite proteins. It can also be added to grain bowls or salads.
