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How Do You Make Zucchini in the Air Fryer?
You make zucchini in the air fryer by slicing it, tossing it with oil and seasonings, and cooking it at around 400°F for about 10 to 15 minutes.
It’s one of the easiest ways to get crispy, golden zucchini without dealing with a lot of oil or a hot oven.
If you’ve been wondering how do you make zucchini in the air fryer that actually turns out crisp instead of soggy, you’re in the right place.
The air fryer circulates hot air around the zucchini, which gives you that roasted texture in a fraction of the time.
In this post, we’ll walk through how do you make zucchini in the air fryer step by step, plus a few tips to keep it from getting mushy.
Let’s dive in.
How Do You Make Zucchini in the Air Fryer Step by Step
Learning how do you make zucchini in the air fryer comes down to a simple process that anyone can follow.
Here’s how to make zucchini in the air fryer from start to finish.
1. Wash and Slice the Zucchini
Start by rinsing your zucchini under cool water and patting it dry with a paper towel.
Slice off both ends, then cut the zucchini into rounds, half-moons, or spears depending on what you’re in the mood for.
Aim for pieces that are about ¼ to ½ inch thick so they cook evenly.
If your slices are too thin, they’ll turn to mush, and if they’re too thick, the outside will burn before the inside softens.
2. Toss With Oil and Seasonings
Add your zucchini slices to a bowl and drizzle them with a tablespoon or two of olive oil.
You can also use avocado oil or a light cooking spray if you prefer.
Then season them with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a little paprika for extra flavor.
Toss everything together until every piece is evenly coated.
This step is key when you make zucchini in the air fryer because the oil helps the seasonings stick and gives the edges a nice crisp.
3. Preheat and Arrange in a Single Layer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for about 3 to 5 minutes.
Once it’s hot, place the zucchini in the basket in a single layer.
Don’t overcrowd the basket or the zucchini will steam instead of crisp.
If you have a lot of zucchini, cook it in batches so each piece gets proper airflow.
4. Air Fry for 10 to 15 Minutes
Cook the zucchini at 400°F for 10 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
The exact time depends on how thick your slices are and how crispy you like them.
You’ll know they’re done when the edges are golden brown and the centers are tender.
That’s really all there is to how do you make zucchini in the air fryer.
Tips for Making Zucchini in the Air Fryer Taste Amazing
Once you know how do you make zucchini in the air fryer, a few extra tips can take it from good to great.
1. Salt Zucchini First to Remove Excess Water
Zucchini holds a lot of water, which is why it can turn out soggy.
Sprinkle your sliced zucchini with salt and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes.
Then pat the slices dry with a paper towel before seasoning and cooking.
This step pulls out extra moisture so the zucchini crisps up nicely in the air fryer.
2. Don’t Skip the Oil
A little oil goes a long way when you make zucchini in the air fryer.
Without it, the seasonings won’t stick and the zucchini won’t brown as well.
You don’t need much, just enough to lightly coat each piece.
3. Add a Sprinkle of Parmesan or Breadcrumbs
If you want a little crunch, toss your zucchini with a tablespoon of grated parmesan or panko breadcrumbs before air frying.
It gives the zucchini a crispy coating that tastes amazing.
Just keep an eye on it so the coating doesn’t burn.
What to Serve With Air Fryer Zucchini
Now that you know how do you make zucchini in the air fryer, you might be wondering what to pair it with.
Air fryer zucchini works as a side dish for grilled chicken, steak, or fish.
You can also serve it over pasta, rice, or quinoa for a quick weeknight meal.
And if you’re hosting, set it out as an appetizer with a bowl of marinara or tzatziki for dipping.
It’s versatile enough to fit just about any meal.
So, How Do You Make Zucchini in the Air Fryer?
You make zucchini in the air fryer by slicing it, tossing it with oil and seasonings, and cooking it at 400°F for 10 to 15 minutes.
It’s quick, simple, and gives you a crispy, flavorful side dish with very little effort.
The key is to slice evenly, avoid overcrowding the basket, and shake halfway through for the best results.
Now that you know how do you make zucchini in the air fryer, you can whip up a batch any night of the week.