Air-Fryer Zucchini: Quick, Easy, And Healthy

Air fryer zucchini is a versatile dish that can be served as a side or a snack. It is a simple recipe that requires just a few ingredients and can be made in less than 20 minutes. The zucchini is sliced and tossed with olive oil and seasonings, and then air-fried to crispy perfection. The result is a delicious and healthy dish that can be customised with various seasonings and served with dips or sauces.

Choosing and preparing the zucchini

Choosing the right zucchini is essential for achieving the perfect air fryer zucchini. When selecting zucchini at the grocery store, look for ones that are small to medium-sized, firm, shiny, and without any bruising or blemishes. Larger zucchini tend to be less sweet, more fibrous, and seedy, which can affect the texture and taste of your final dish.

Preparing the zucchini is simple but crucial to ensuring even cooking and the desired level of crispness. Start by washing and drying each zucchini thoroughly. Then, cut off the ends and slice the zucchini into your desired shape and thickness. For zucchini chips or fries, cut them into uniform, thick matchsticks or quarters. For zucchini rounds, slice them into 1/4-inch thick rounds. If you prefer thinner, crispier zucchini, you can slice them thinner, but be mindful that they may cook faster.

Once sliced, place the zucchini in a medium-sized bowl and toss them with olive oil (or avocado oil). Ensure they are lightly coated. You can also add other seasonings like salt and pepper or a homemade garlic seasoning mix at this stage, or simply season with salt and pepper afterward.

Now you're ready to air fry your zucchini!

Air fryer temperature and timing

Temperature:

It is recommended to set your air fryer to around 400°F (200°C) when cooking zucchini. This temperature allows the zucchini to cook through evenly and gives it a nice crispy texture. Some recipes suggest a temperature of 370°F (187°C), but the majority recommend 400°F.

Timing:

The cooking time for zucchini in an air fryer can vary depending on the size and model of your air fryer, as well as the thickness of your zucchini slices. On average, zucchini will take between 7 to 12 minutes to cook in an air fryer. It is important to keep an eye on your zucchini while it's cooking, as overcooking can result in mushy zucchini.

Tips for Perfect Timing and Temperature:

• Preheat your air fryer: Preheating your air fryer for about 2-5 minutes before adding the zucchini helps to ensure even cooking and can prevent sticking.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket: Cook the zucchini in batches if needed, leaving enough space for air to circulate. This ensures that the zucchini cooks evenly and doesn't become soggy.
• Shake or toss the zucchini during cooking: This helps to ensure even cooking and browning.
• Adjust timing based on desired doneness: If you like your zucchini on the softer side, cook it for a shorter amount of time. For crispier zucchini, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
• Thickness of zucchini slices: Thinner slices will cook faster and may become crispy. Thicker slices may take longer and have a softer texture. Adjust your cooking time accordingly.
• Type of air fryer: Different air fryers may vary in terms of temperature and cooking time. It's always a good idea to refer to your air fryer's user manual for specific instructions and guidelines.

Seasoning and coating

A simple drizzle of olive oil, a pinch of salt and pepper, and perhaps some herbs or garlic can bring out the best in the zucchini's flavour. You can also add a teaspoon of garlic powder, Italian seasoning, taco seasoning, or even sprinkle with Parmesan cheese or everything but the bagel seasoning.

For a breaded zucchini, you can try a coating of breadcrumbs, perfect for dipping in marinara sauce or ranch dressing.

For a vegan option, swap the Parmesan for nutritional yeast.

If you want to get creative, you can try a Greek seasoning with dried oregano, dried thyme, and garlic powder. Or, for a spicy kick, add some red pepper flakes.

For an Italian twist, try Italian seasoning, and replace the lemon juice with balsamic vinegar.

For a simple, fresh flavour, just add some lemon juice after cooking for some brightness and tang.

Storage and reheating

Air fryer zucchini is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for 2 to 5 days.

When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, you can reheat them in the air fryer at 350-400°F for 2-5 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can use an oven or a microwave to reheat.

Freezing cooked zucchini is not recommended as it tends to become soggy and mushy once thawed. However, if you wish to freeze it, place it in an airtight container for up to 3 months and thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serving suggestions

Air fryer zucchini is a versatile dish that can be served as a side or a snack. Here are some ideas for how to serve it:

• As a side dish with meat, such as grilled chicken thighs, flat iron steak, or southwest chicken with black bean sauce.
• Alongside pasta dishes like Italian sausage and peppers pasta or baked Italian sausage pasta.
• As a side with fish, such as bourbon glazed salmon, salmon bites, or sweet and sour shrimp.
• With a sandwich, such as a grilled chicken sandwich, slow cooker pulled pork sandwich, or blue cheese burger.
• As a side with a stir fry, such as cauliflower fried rice, General Tso chicken, or beef lo mein.
• As a snack with a dipping sauce like marinara, ranch dressing, or yum yum sauce.
• With a larger meal, such as a veggie burger or sandwich.
• With a sauce for dipping, such as marinara, pesto, or romesco.
• With other air-fried vegetables, such as air fryer cauliflower, broccoli, or green beans.
• As a side with air fryer country-style ribs, frozen pork chops, turkey breast, or turkey legs.

Frequently asked questions