Crispy Golden Air Fryer Zucchini Recipe Everyone Will Love

Crispy, golden zucchini straight from the air fryer promises a delightful culinary adventure.

Slicing through fresh garden vegetables becomes an exciting kitchen experiment.

Summers bring abundant green squash, perfect for creating light and crunchy bites.

Nutritious and simple, this recipe turns ordinary ingredients into something spectacular.

Herbs and spices dance across each zucchini slice, creating irresistible flavor profiles.

Minimal effort yields maximum taste with this quick and wholesome dish.

You’ll find yourself reaching for seconds before the first plate is empty.

Dive into this simple yet mouthwatering preparation that celebrates fresh, seasonal produce.

Why Air Fryer Zucchini Is a Guilt-Free Favorite

• Slice, season, and air fry in just a few simple steps, making this recipe perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute side dishes.
• Transform ordinary zucchini into a crispy, flavorful treat that even picky eaters will love, packed with nutrients and minimal oil.
• Air fryer technology creates a golden, crunchy exterior while keeping the inside tender, eliminating the need for deep frying and reducing excess calories.
• Easily personalize the seasonings with your favorite herbs, spices, or cheese to match any meal or culinary preference.

What You’ll Need for Air Fryer Zucchini

• Zucchini: Fresh vegetable perfect for light and crispy air frying.

• Olive Oil, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Oregano, Salt, Pepper: Classic herb and spice blend for enhancing zucchini flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Optional topping for extra savory taste.

• Air Fryer: Appliance for creating crispy vegetables with minimal oil.
• Paper Towel: Used for drying zucchini before seasoning.
• Large Bowl: Needed for tossing and coating zucchini with seasonings.

How to Make Crispy Zucchini in the Air Fryer

Step 1: Prepare Zucchini

Grab fresh zucchini and rinse thoroughly under cool water.

Slice the vegetable into uniform rounds or cubes using a sharp knife.

Gently pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring crispy results.

Step 2: Season Zucchini

• Olive oil
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Dried oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper

Optional: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

Toss ingredients until zucchini is evenly coated.

Step 3: Preheat Air Fryer

Fire up your air fryer and set the temperature to 375°F.

Allow the appliance to warm up for 3-5 minutes, creating the perfect cooking environment.

Step 4: Cook Zucchini

Carefully arrange seasoned zucchini pieces in a single layer inside the air fryer basket.

Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness.

Cook for 12-15 minutes.

Step 5: Midway Shake

Halfway through cooking, pause and gently shake the basket.

This technique helps achieve uniform browning and prevents sticking.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

When zucchini turns golden and crisp, remove from air fryer immediately.

Transfer to a serving plate and enjoy hot as a delightful side dish or snack.

Tips to Keep Air Fryer Zucchini Crisp and Light

• Cut zucchini into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the batch.
• Thoroughly pat zucchini dry before seasoning to prevent soggy results and achieve maximum crispiness in the air fryer.
• Arrange zucchini in a single layer without overlapping to allow hot air circulation and promote perfect golden-brown edges.
• Sprinkle fresh Parmesan cheese during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking for an extra crispy, savory flavor enhancement.
• Experiment with different herb combinations like thyme, basil, or Italian seasoning to customize the zucchini's taste profile.

How to Store and Reheat Air Fryer Zucchini

• Transfer cooled zucchini to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping the crispy texture intact.
• Preheat air fryer to 350°F, place zucchini in a single layer, and warm for 3-4 minutes until heated through and crisp.
• Spread zucchini on a baking sheet, bake at 375°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crunchiness and prevent sogginess.
• Quick heat for 30-45 seconds, but expect softer texture compared to air fryer or oven methods.

Dips and Pairings for Air Fryer Zucchini

• Savor with Herbed Goat Cheese: Spread creamy herbed goat cheese alongside the crispy zucchini for a tangy, luxurious complement that elevates the vegetable's mild flavor.
• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Choose a zesty Sauvignon Blanc or light Pinot Grigio to cut through the zucchini's richness and enhance its herbal seasoning.
• Match with Grilled Protein: Serve alongside lemon-herb grilled chicken or light fish like tilapia to create a balanced, nutritious meal with complementary textures and flavors.
• Dip with Mediterranean Tzatziki: Create a cool, refreshing contrast by offering a Greek-style yogurt tzatziki sauce for dipping the warm, crispy zucchini rounds.

Flavor Options for Air Fryer Zucchini Slices

• Spicy Cajun Zucchini: Add Cajun seasoning instead of regular herbs for a bold, zesty kick.
• Mediterranean Herb Zucchini: Replace oregano with fresh basil, thyme, and add crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Keto Version: Skip the Parmesan and use almond flour or crushed pork rinds for extra crunch while keeping it keto-friendly.
• Vegan Nutritional Boost: Substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast and use avocado oil instead of olive oil for added nutrients.

FAQs

• Why use an air fryer for zucchini?

Air fryers create crispy exterior and tender interior with less oil, making zucchini healthier and more delicious compared to traditional frying methods.

• Can I use frozen zucchini?

Fresh zucchini works best. Frozen zucchini contains more moisture and might become soggy when air fried. If using frozen, thaw and pat completely dry before cooking.

• How do I prevent zucchini from becoming mushy?

Ensure zucchini slices are uniform in size, pat dry thoroughly, and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. This helps achieve crispy, evenly cooked zucchini.

• What are the best seasonings for air fryer zucchini?

Garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper create a classic flavor profile. Parmesan cheese can add extra richness and depth to the dish.

Air Fryer Zucchini Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Crispy air fryer zucchini delights with golden edges and perfectly seasoned crunch, delivering a healthier alternative to traditional fried sides. Garlic, parmesan, and a hint of herbs elevate this simple vegetable into a mouthwatering dish you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into cubes or rounds

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
• 1 teaspoon (5 g) garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon (5 g) onion powder
• 1 teaspoon (5 g) dried oregano
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Optional Topping:

• 2 tablespoons (30 g) Parmesan cheese

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Thoroughly cleanse zucchini and slice into uniform medallions or bite-sized cubes, ensuring pieces are roughly equal in size for consistent cooking.
2. Transfer zucchini pieces into spacious mixing vessel, drizzle with olive oil, and generously sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper. Gently massage seasonings to guarantee even coating.
3. Activate air fryer and calibrate temperature to 375°F, allowing appliance to warm for approximately 3-4 minutes.
4. Carefully arrange seasoned zucchini within air fryer basket, maintaining single layer without overcrowding to facilitate optimal crispiness. Optional: Dust lightly with grated Parmesan cheese for enhanced flavor profile.
5. Initiate cooking process, maintaining 375°F for 12-15 minutes. Midway through cooking duration, pause and vigorously shake basket to ensure uniform browning and prevent sticking.
6. Verify doneness by checking golden-brown exterior and tender interior. Remove zucchini immediately upon achieving desired crispness to prevent potential burning.
7. Transfer hot zucchini directly to serving platter and consume while maintaining peak temperature and crunchiness.

Notes

• Pat the zucchini completely dry to ensure maximum crispiness and prevent soggy results.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, which can lead to uneven cooking and steaming instead of air frying.
• For a low-carb or keto-friendly version, skip any breadcrumbs and stick to the herb seasoning.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 100
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 2mg