Air-Fryer Zucchini Noodles: Quick, Easy, And Healthy!

Zucchini noodles, or zoodles, are a popular low-carb alternative to pasta. They are also a versatile ingredient that can be used in salads, stir-fries, and traditional spaghetti dishes. Making zoodles in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy this healthy and nutritious food. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to make zucchini noodles using an air fryer, as well as some tips and tricks to ensure they turn out perfectly.

Choosing the right zucchini

• Look for straight and firm zucchini: When making zucchini noodles, choose zucchini that are straight and firm with smooth skin. Avoid zucchini that are wrinkled or soft, as they won't spiralize well and won't hold their shape in the air fryer.
• Size and colour: Opt for medium to large zucchini, as they are easier to spiralize and will give you more noodles per vegetable. Look for zucchini that have a vibrant, deep green colour, which indicates freshness and a higher nutrient content.
• Feel the zucchini: A good zucchini should feel heavy for its size, which means it is likely to be moist and flavourful. Gently press the zucchini with your thumb; if it leaves an indentation, it may be past its prime.
• Check the stem: The stem of a zucchini can give you clues about its freshness. Look for zucchini with stems that are firm, green, and not too dry. Avoid zucchini with wilted or missing stems, as this may indicate that the vegetable is not fresh.
• Avoid blemishes: While small surface scratches are normal, avoid zucchini with large cuts or bruises, as they may affect the quality of your noodles.
• Organic vs. conventional: If possible, choose organic zucchini, as they are less likely to have been treated with pesticides. However, if organic is not available, conventional zucchini are still a good option. Just be sure to wash them thoroughly before spiralizing.

By following these guidelines, you'll be able to select the best zucchini for making delicious and healthy zucchini noodles in your air fryer.

Drying the zoodles

Paper Towels

After spiralizing your zucchini, lay the zoodles on paper towels and gently press down to absorb the moisture. You can also pat the zoodles dry with a paper towel. This will help to remove any excess moisture from the surface of the zoodles.

Microwave

Place the zoodles in a bowl and microwave for about 2 minutes to help soften the vegetables slightly and release some of the moisture. Then, use paper towels to absorb the excess moisture.

Salting

Salt the zoodles before cooking and let them sit for around 15 minutes. The salt will draw out the water from the zucchini, helping to dry them out.

Air Frying

The air fryer itself is also an effective tool for drying zoodles. The high temperature of the air fryer will help to evaporate any remaining moisture, so don't worry if your zoodles are still a little wet before placing them in the air fryer. Just be sure to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding the basket, which can prevent them from cooking properly and drying out.

Seasoning

Pat the zoodles dry: Before seasoning, it is recommended to pat the zoodles dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Zucchini has a high water content, and removing this moisture will help prevent sogginess and ensure crispier zoodles.

Basic seasoning: A simple and classic way to season zoodles is with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Drizzle or toss the zoodles with olive oil, and then sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. This combination provides a base flavour that can be built upon with additional seasonings.

Garlic: Fresh minced garlic or garlic powder can add a savoury kick to your zoodles. If using fresh garlic, you can adjust the amount to your taste preference. Garlic powder will provide a more subtle garlic flavour.

Italian seasoning: Italian seasoning is a blend of herbs commonly used in Italian cuisine, such as basil, oregano, and thyme. It pairs well with zucchini noodles and can be added to taste. It is also excellent when combined with Parmesan cheese.

Red pepper flakes: For a spicier dish, red pepper flakes can be added to your zoodles. These will provide a nice contrast to the mild zucchini flavour and can be adjusted to your preferred spice level.

Other seasonings: You can also experiment with other spices and herbs, such as hot pepper flakes, fresh herbs, or garlic powder. Feel free to mix and match to find your favourite combinations.

Salt: Salt is a crucial seasoning, as it not only adds flavour but also helps draw out moisture from the zoodles. Salting the zoodles before cooking can help prevent sogginess.

Air fryer temperature and timing

The optimal temperature for cooking zucchini noodles in an air fryer is 400°F. This high temperature helps to achieve the desired al dente texture. Preheat your air fryer to this temperature for about 5 minutes before adding the zucchini noodles.

The cooking time for zucchini noodles in the air fryer can vary depending on the desired level of doneness and crispness. The recommended cooking time ranges from 4 to 10 minutes. For tender noodles with crispy edges, cook for 4 to 5 minutes. Check on the noodles halfway through the cooking process and shake the basket to ensure even cooking. If you prefer your noodles with a higher degree of crispness, extend the cooking time to 8 to 10 minutes. It is important to keep an eye on the noodles during cooking to prevent over-browning.

When cooking zucchini noodles in an air fryer, it is crucial to not overcrowd the basket. Cook the noodles in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking. Additionally, the moisture content of zucchini can lead to sogginess, so it is recommended to pat the noodles dry with paper towels before placing them in the air fryer.

Avoiding overcrowding in the air fryer basket

When making zucchini noodles in an air fryer, it's important to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure your zoodles cook evenly and properly. Here are some tips to avoid overcrowding:

• Cook your zoodles in batches if necessary. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may not be able to fit all your zoodles in a single layer, so cook them in smaller batches to ensure even cooking.
• Spread out your zoodles in the air fryer basket. This will help them cook evenly and prevent them from sticking together.
• Shake the basket occasionally during cooking to prevent the zoodles from clumping together and to ensure they cook evenly.
• Use a spiralizer or julienne peeler to create uniform zoodles. This will help ensure that your zoodles cook at the same rate and prevent overcrowding.
• If you're cooking frozen zucchini noodles, be sure to drain any excess water from the outer basket after the initial cooking time. This will help prevent sogginess and ensure your zoodles cook properly.
• If you're cooking a large batch of zoodles, consider using an air fryer with a big basket. This will give you more space to spread out your zoodles and prevent overcrowding.

Frequently asked questions