Air-Fried Zucchini: A Quick, Healthy Treat

Air fryer zucchini is a versatile dish that can be served as a side or a snack. It is a simple recipe that requires only a few ingredients and can be made in less than 20 minutes. The zucchini is sliced, seasoned, and then air-fried to achieve a crispy texture. This cooking method is a healthier alternative to deep-frying or roasting, and it simplifies meal preparation. The zucchini can be seasoned in various ways, such as with Italian, Greek, or spicy Italian blends, to enhance its flavour.

Choosing and preparing the zucchini

Choosing the right zucchini is essential for achieving the perfect air-fried zucchini. When selecting zucchini at the grocery store, opt for small to medium-sized ones that are crisp, firm, shiny, and free of any bruising or blemishes. Larger zucchini tend to be less sweet, more fibrous, and may have a higher water content, making them unsuitable for air frying as they can turn out soggy.

Preparing the zucchini for air frying is simple and only requires a few steps. First, wash and dry the zucchini thoroughly. Then, cut off the ends and slice the zucchini into your desired shape—either fries, chips, or rounds. For fries and chips, cut the zucchini in half lengthwise, and then cut each half into quarters to create a french fry shape. For zucchini rounds, slice the zucchini into uniform pieces, ideally no more than ¼ inch thick. Uniform sizes will ensure even cooking.

Once your zucchini is cut, it's time to season! In a medium-sized bowl, toss the zucchini with olive oil and your choice of seasonings. You can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or get creative with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Make sure to coat the zucchini evenly so that every bite is packed with flavor.

Air fryer temperature and timing

The temperature and timing for air-frying zucchini can vary slightly depending on the model of your air fryer, the thickness of your zucchini slices, and your desired level of crispness. However, here is a general guide:

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. This step is important as it helps to prevent the zucchini from sticking to the basket and ensures even cooking. Depending on your air fryer model, preheating can take around 2-5 minutes.

Once preheated, you can add the zucchini slices to the air fryer basket. Make sure they are in a single layer and not overlapping, as this will ensure even cooking on both sides. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the zucchini in batches.

Air fry the zucchini at 400°F for 7-10 minutes. Shake or toss the zucchini halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning. For thicker slices, you may need to add an additional 2-3 minutes to the cooking time. The zucchini is done when it reaches your desired level of crispness or tenderness.

If you are cooking in batches, keep the first batch warm in an oven preheated to 200°F while the second batch cooks.

It is best to serve zucchini fresh out of the air fryer, as it can become less crispy if it sits for too long. However, if you have leftovers, you can reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes.

Seasoning and coating

A simple seasoning blend of salt, onion powder, and black pepper can be used, but there are many other options to try. For example, you could use garlic powder, taco seasoning, Italian seasoning, or even sprinkle on some Parmesan cheese or everything bagel seasoning.

If you want to make breaded zucchini, you can coat the slices in a mixture of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese before air frying. This will give the zucchini a delicious, crispy exterior. You could also try using panko breadcrumbs for an extra-crispy texture.

• Greek seasoning: dried oregano, dried thyme, and garlic powder. Toss the zucchini with red wine vinegar before serving, and optionally sprinkle with crumbled feta.
• Herbes de Provence: Use a Herbes de Provence seasoning blend. Drizzle the zucchini with white wine vinegar before serving.
• Spicy Italian seasoning: Italian seasoning blend, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. Toss the zucchini with balsamic vinegar and optionally sprinkle with Parmesan.
• Italian seasoning: bottled Italian seasoning blend. Toss the zucchini with balsamic vinegar and optionally sprinkle with Parmesan.

You can also experiment with different combinations of seasonings and herbs until you find your favorite!

Avoiding sogginess

To avoid soggy zucchini in an air fryer, it is important to follow the cooking times and oil amount listed in the recipe. Overcooking zucchini or using too much oil will result in sogginess.

• Cut the zucchini into uniform sizes: Aim for slices or fries that are no more than ¼ to ¾ of an inch in thickness. This ensures even cooking and prevents overcooking.
• Preheat the air fryer: Preheating the air fryer to the desired temperature, usually around 400°F, helps to prevent food from sticking and promotes even cooking.
• Use a single layer: Arrange the zucchini in a single layer in the air fryer basket, working in batches if needed. This allows adequate airflow around the zucchini, resulting in crispy, not steamed, zucchini.
• Avoid overcrowding: Give the zucchini enough space in the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation. This is crucial for achieving the desired crispiness.
• Flip or shake the zucchini during cooking: Use long-handled kitchen tongs to individually flip or shake the zucchini pieces halfway through the cooking process. This ensures even cooking and prevents sticking.
• Check for doneness: Keep a close eye on the zucchini as it cooks, as it can be easily overcooked. Remove the zucchini from the air fryer when it is tender but still has a slight bite to it.
• Avoid freezing: Freezing zucchini is not recommended as it tends to become soggy once thawed. If you must freeze it, let it cool to room temperature, then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to an airtight container.
• Blot the zucchini dry before cooking: Use a clean kitchen towel or paper towel to absorb any excess moisture on the zucchini before placing it in the air fryer.
• Use the right amount of oil: Follow the recipe's recommended oil amount to ensure the zucchini crisps up without becoming soggy.
• Season properly: Seasoning is key to enhancing the flavor of zucchini. Experiment with different combinations of spices, herbs, and cheeses to find your favorite.

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 almost any meal. It goes especially well with meat, fish, pasta, or a sandwich.
• As a snack on its own or with a dipping sauce such as marinara, ranch dressing, or romesco.
• Tossed with a sauce, such as marinara or alfredo, and served as a main course.
• As a side dish with specific meals, such as air fryer country-style ribs, air fryer frozen pork chops, air fryer turkey legs, or air fryer chicken thighs.
• As a side with a burger or brat, pasta bolognese, or garlic bread.
• As a side dish with grilled chicken thighs, flat iron steak, or southwest chicken with black bean sauce.
• Alongside a pasta dish such as Italian sausage and peppers pasta or baked Italian sausage pasta.
• As a side with fish dishes such as bourbon glazed salmon, salmon bites, or sweet and sour shrimp.
• As a side with BBQ chicken burgers.

Frequently asked questions