Air Fryer Zucchini: Quick, Crispy, And Healthy!

Air fryers are a great way to cook vegetables with a maximal crunch in a healthy way. Zucchini is a versatile vegetable that can be grilled, baked in a casserole, or even used in cake. Air-fried zucchini is a tasty, low-carb, keto-friendly snack that can be made in minutes.

To make zucchini in an air fryer, start by slicing the zucchini into sticks or fries. Then, coat the zucchini with a simple batter made of eggs and panko breadcrumbs. You can also add Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt to taste. Next, preheat your air fryer to 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit and spray the basket with olive oil. Place the zucchini in the basket in a single layer and air fry for 7-12 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Serve warm with your favourite dipping sauce, such as marinara or ranch.

How to cut zucchini for frying

Cutting Zucchini into Rounds

Use one hand to hold the zucchini in place and keep it from rolling, then use a knife to slice a round from each end. Continue to hold the zucchini in place and slice it crosswise into rounds.

Cutting Zucchini on the Bias

This is similar to cutting zucchini into rounds. However, when slicing, slightly tilt your knife so that your slices are diagonally shaped rather than straight-edged.

Cutting Zucchini into Half-Moons

Trim away the stem and root end of the zucchini. Use one hand to hold it in place and to keep it from rolling, then use a knife to slice a round from each end. Halve the zucchini lengthwise, then lay one half, cut-side down on the cutting board and slice crosswise into half-moons. Repeat with the other half.

Cutting Zucchini into Spears

This is similar to cutting zucchini into half-moons. After trimming the ends, halve the zucchini lengthwise, then lay one half, cut-side down, on the cutting board and slice it lengthwise into spears. If the zucchini is extra large, each half can be halved lengthwise before cutting into spears. Repeat with the other half.

Cutting Zucchini into Ribbons

Use a Y-shaped peeler to slice the zucchini lengthwise into thin strips.

How to prepare the dredging station

Preparing the dredging station is a crucial step in making fried zucchini in an air fryer. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to set up your dredging station:

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Start by washing the zucchini thoroughly to remove any dirt or residue. Cut off both ends of the zucchini and slice them into long, uniform sticks that resemble fries. Aim for slices no thicker than 1/2 inches to ensure even cooking. Use a clean kitchen towel or paper towel to dry the zucchini slices and remove any excess moisture.

Step 2: Set Up the Dredging Station

You will need three separate containers for the dredging process. In the first container, add aquafaba (the liquid from canned or cooked chickpeas) or an egg replacer. If using aquafaba, you can also add a little nutritional yeast and spices to this mixture for extra flavor. The second container will hold the dry ingredients: combine breadcrumbs, any additional spices or seasonings, and (optionally) vegan parmesan or regular parmesan cheese. For the breadcrumbs, you can use Panko, traditional, or gluten-free breadcrumbs depending on your preference. The third container should simply be a plate or shallow bowl to place the coated zucchini sticks on before arranging them in the air fryer.

Step 3: Prepare and Preheat the Air Fryer

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil, avocado oil, or any other cooking spray to prevent sticking. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.

Step 4: Dredge the Zucchini Sticks

Now, you are ready to start dredging! Dip the zucchini sticks into the wet mixture (aquafaba or egg replacer), making sure they are well coated. Then, dip them into the dry mixture (breadcrumbs and spices), ensuring they are thoroughly coated. Place the coated zucchini sticks on a plate or shallow bowl, and repeat this process until all your zucchini sticks are ready for frying.

Step 5: Air Fry the Zucchini

Arrange the coated zucchini sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overlapping. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches to ensure proper air circulation and even cooking. Cook at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. For best results, cook until the zucchini is golden brown and crispy.

Your fried zucchini is now ready to be served! Enjoy it as a delicious, crispy, and healthy snack or side dish.

How to cook the zucchini in the air fryer

Ingredients

• Zucchini
• Olive oil or olive oil spray
• Parmesan cheese
• Panko breadcrumbs
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Flour (optional)
• Eggs (optional)
• Water (optional)

Method

• Wash the zucchini and dry it with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel.
• Cut the zucchini into fries or sticks, or alternatively, into round coin shapes.
• If using flour, add it to a bag with the zucchini and shake to coat.
• In a bowl, combine the panko, parmesan, garlic powder, and salt. You can also add Italian seasoning, onion powder, black pepper, or cayenne for extra flavour.
• If using eggs, whisk them with a small amount of water in a separate bowl.
• Dip the zucchini into the egg mixture, then into the panko mixture.
• Place the zucchini in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each piece.
• Spray or drizzle the zucchini with olive oil.
• Air fry at between 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit for 7-12 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
• Serve immediately with a dipping sauce such as marinara or ranch.

How to store leftover zucchini

To store leftover zucchini, place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.

If you want to store it for longer, you can freeze zucchini. To do this, wash and pat the zucchini dry, then cut it into cubes or slices. Blanch the zucchini in boiling water for about 2 minutes, then place the blanched pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for about an hour until solid. Finally, transfer the frozen zucchini to freezer-safe bags or containers and store them in the freezer for up to 12 months.

When you're ready to use the frozen zucchini, simply let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight or dunk the bag in a bowl of warm water to speed up the process. You can also defrost it in the microwave, but be sure to do it at half power so that the zucchini doesn't cook.

It's important to note that zucchini can get soggy when frozen, so it's best to use it fresh if possible. Additionally, zucchini noodles (zoodles) should not be frozen as they will become soggy when thawed.

How to reheat leftover zucchini

There are several ways to reheat leftover zucchini to ensure it retains its crispiness and flavour. The best method depends on the equipment you have available and the time you have. Here are some of the most effective approaches:

Air Fryer

If you have an air fryer, you can use it to reheat your leftover zucchini and achieve a crispy texture similar to the original cooking method. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover zucchini in the basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overlapping. Heat for 3-4 minutes until they are hot and crispy. This method circulates hot air around the zucchini, drying out the exterior for a crisp finish.

Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover zucchini on a non-stick baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Heat for about 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even crispiness. This method evenly heats the zucchini, reducing the risk of them becoming soggy.

Stovetop Skillet

For this method, heat a skillet over medium heat with a thin layer of vegetable oil. Once the skillet is hot, add the leftover zucchini and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they reach a golden-brown colour and regain their crispy exterior. A non-stick skillet can prevent sticking and help achieve an even cook.

Microwave

Using a microwave is the quickest way to reheat leftover zucchini, but it may not yield the crispiest results. Place the zucchini on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 30 seconds to a minute. While the microwave reheats quickly, it can make the zucchini moist and soggy, compromising their texture.

Tips for Successful Reheating

Preparation

Before reheating, let the zucchini come to room temperature for a few minutes to ensure even heating. This also reduces the chances of the zucchini becoming tough.

Paper Towels

Patting the zucchini dry with paper towels before reheating can help remove any moisture that has accumulated during storage.

Storage

To keep leftover zucchini fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For optimal results, place a layer of paper towels at the bottom of the container to absorb any excess liquid and prevent sogginess.

Frequently asked questions