The Best 10-Minute Air Fryer Zucchini
Recipe Snapshot
PREP + COOK TIME: 15-20 minutes
METHOD: Air fryer
OTHER TOOLS: knife and cutting board
TOTAL INGREDIENTS: 4
For a healthy side dish that’s ready fast, try The Best 10-Minute Air Fryer Zucchini recipe! In this no-breading version, you’ll only need a simple seasoning blend, oil, and Parmesan to get savory zucchini spears crispy and ready to eat in under 20 minutes.
What’s To Love About This Recipe
- Try this quick and easy veggie side that’s simple to make and cooks easily in the air fryer!
- This recipe is a great way to add a veggie that your family will actually want to eat. Plus, it’s full of nutritional benefits – high in potassium, and a great source of fiber.
- Air frying requires minimal fat and grease, yet this no-breading version still gets a nice crisp exterior.
- With a handful of ingredients and just minutes of prep time, you can spend your energy on grilling or cooking up your main dishes. Lightly seasoned zucchini pairs well with chicken, fish, burgers, or pasta meals!
- This method is a great way to use up extra zucchini from your own garden harvest or anytime it’s on sale at the grocery store. It’s considered a summer squash, but easy enough to find in stock year-round.
Ingredients Needed
- Zucchini – Use 2 medium-sized zucchini, not overly large, to avoid too many seeds that can alter the flavor and texture. Choose zucchini that is firm to the touch without blemishes or discoloration.
- Herb and garlic seasoning – A simple herb and garlic seasoning adds flavor without overpowering. I like this well-rounded mix, but you can also stir up your own blend at home! Depending on the contents of the seasoning, you may wish to add more salt to taste.
- Parmesan – Use 2 tablespoons of finely shredded Parmesan as a tasty addition at the end. Freshly shredded Parmesan melts even better and tastes fresher.
- Avocado oil spray – Avocado oil spray helps crisp up the exterior of the zucchini without heavy oil.
How To Make Air Fryer Zucchini
- Remove the ends from the zucchini and slice it in half lengthwise and then in half again lengthwise (quartered).
- Spray each slice with avocado oil spray and sprinkle with seasoning.
- Place slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook at 380 ℉ for 8-10 minutes.
- Sprinkle zucchini with Parmesan cheese before serving.
Pro Tips
- Cut zucchini into uniform spears for even cooking.
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to prevent sogginess, and cook in batches if needed to keep the zucchini in a single layer.
- If the zucchini is very moist, pat it dry before seasoning so that it sticks better.
- Add Parmesan after cooking to avoid burning it. Let it sit for just a few minutes to lightly melt before serving.
Recipe Substitutions and Variations
- For variation, try zucchini coins or cubes instead of spears. (Keep in mind that thinner, smaller pieces will likely cook faster. Stay near the air fryer to shake the basket halfway through.)
- Use other seasonings like Italian, Cajun Seasoning, or lemon pepper, or add a touch of spice with a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
- Swap avocado oil spray for olive oil or coconut oil spray.
- Mix gluten-free breadcrumbs with the seasonings for added crunch.
Oven Roasted Zucchini
- Prepare zucchini with oil spray and seasonings as directed.
- Bake in the oven at 425 ℉ for 15-20 minutes on a wire rack over a cooking sheet.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan, let it melt slightly, then serve!
What To Serve With Air Fryer Zucchini
Simple air fryer zucchini is a light and healthy side dish that pairs well with main proteins or pasta dishes. Whether you’re using the stove, grill, or oven, this is an easy choice with little prep and effort. Serve the zucchini spears alongside grilled chicken, the BEST Ribeye Steak, oven-baked salmon, burgers, or pasta.
Dipping sauces can make any veggie more delicious! For extra flavor, try these sauce options on the side!
- Easy Dairy-Free Ranch
- Garlic aioli
- Marinara
- Tzatziki
- Sriracha Mayo
Storing and Reheating
How To Best Store Leftovers
Fridge
Store leftover zucchini in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezer
I don’t recommend freezing, since the zucchini will get mushy.
How To Best Reheat Leftovers
Reheat zucchini in the air fryer at 350 ℉ for 3-5 minutes to regain crispness.
The Best 10-Minute Air Fryer Zucchini
For a healthy side dish that’s ready fast, try The Best 10-Minute Air Fryer Zucchini recipe! In this no-breading version, you’ll only need a simple seasoning blend, oil, and Parmesan to get savory zucchini spears crispy and ready to eat in under 20 minutes.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchini
- 1 teaspoon herb and garlic seasoning
- 2 tablespoons finely shredded parmesan
- Avocado oil spray
Instructions
- Remove ends from zucchini and slice in half lengthwise and then in half again lengthwise (quartered)
- Spray each slice with avocado oil spray and sprinkle with seasoning
- Place slices in single layer in air fryer basket
- Cook at 380 ℉ for 8-10 minutes
- Sprinkle zucchini with Parmesan cheese before serving
Notes
- Store leftover zucchini in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350 ℉ for 3–5 minutes to regain crispness.
- Cut into uniform spears for even cooking. Avoid overcrowding and cook in batches as needed so the zucchini stays in a single layer.
- Pat the zucchini dry to help the seasoning stick.
- Add Parmesan after cooking to prevent burning in the air fryer.
