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You can roast zucchini and squash in the air fryer quickly and easily, and the result is tender inside with beautifully caramelized edges.
If you’ve been wondering how to roast zucchini and squash in the air fryer without turning them into a soggy mess, you’re in the right place.
The air fryer circulates hot air around the veggies, which gives you that roasted texture in a fraction of the time a regular oven takes.
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how to roast zucchini and squash in the air fryer, including prep, seasoning, timing, and the mistakes to avoid.
Let’s get right into it.
How to Roast Zucchini and Squash in the Air Fryer
Roasting zucchini and squash in the air fryer comes down to a few simple steps, and once you nail them, you’ll be making this side dish on repeat.
1. Prep the Zucchini and Squash Properly
Start by washing your zucchini and squash, then pat them completely dry with a paper towel.
Moisture is the enemy here because wet veggies steam instead of roast, and that’s how you end up with mush.
Trim off the ends, then slice them into half-moon coins or cubes about half an inch thick.
Keep the pieces uniform so they roast zucchini and squash evenly in the air fryer.
If you’re using yellow squash alongside zucchini, treat them the same way since they cook at nearly identical rates.
2. Toss With Oil and Seasonings
Add your sliced zucchini and squash to a bowl and drizzle with about one to two tablespoons of olive oil.
You want every piece lightly coated, but not swimming in oil.
Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and a pinch of Italian herbs or smoked paprika if you like a little warmth.
Toss everything gently with your hands or a spoon so the seasoning sticks to every surface.
This is the step that gives roasted zucchini and squash their irresistible flavor.
3. Arrange in a Single Layer
Place the seasoned zucchini and squash in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
Overcrowding is the number one reason people fail when they roast zucchini and squash in the air fryer.
If your basket is small, cook them in two batches instead of piling them up.
When air can’t circulate freely, the veggies steam and turn soft instead of getting those golden edges.
4. Set the Right Temperature and Time
Set your air fryer to 400°F and roast zucchini and squash for about 10 to 14 minutes.
Shake the basket halfway through so all sides get that hot air exposure.
Thinner slices will be done closer to 10 minutes, while thicker cubes may need the full 14.
You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are browned and the centers are fork-tender.
Every air fryer runs a little differently, so check early the first time you roast zucchini and squash in yours.
Tips for Perfectly Roasted Zucchini and Squash Every Time
A few small tweaks make a big difference when you roast zucchini and squash in the air fryer.
1. Salt Them Before Cooking
Zucchini and squash hold a lot of water, so sprinkling salt on the slices and letting them sit for 10 minutes pulls out excess moisture.
Pat them dry afterward, and you’ll get crispier results when you roast zucchini and squash.
2. Add a Light Coating for Extra Crisp
For crunchier edges, toss your zucchini and squash with a tablespoon of grated parmesan or a light dusting of cornstarch before air frying.
Both help the surface brown beautifully without deep frying.
3. Don’t Skip the Shake
Shaking the basket halfway is what ensures every piece of zucchini and squash roasts evenly.
Skip it, and the bottom layer will steam while the top gets crispy.
4. Serve Immediately
Roasted zucchini and squash are best enjoyed straight out of the air fryer while the edges are still crisp.
If you need to hold them, keep them warm in a low oven rather than covering them, which traps steam.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When You Roast Zucchini and Squash
Even simple recipes can go wrong, so here’s what to watch out for.
1. Cutting Them Too Thin
Paper-thin slices burn before the inside cooks, so stick to half-inch pieces when you roast zucchini and squash.
2. Using Too Much Oil
Excess oil makes the veggies greasy and prevents that roasted texture from developing.
A light coat is all you need to roast zucchini and squash successfully.
3. Skipping the Preheat
Preheating your air fryer for a few minutes gives the zucchini and squash a head start on browning.
It’s a small step, but it makes a noticeable difference.
So, How Do You Roast Zucchini and Squash in the Air Fryer?
You roast zucchini and squash in the air fryer by slicing them evenly, coating them lightly in oil and seasonings, arranging them in a single layer, and cooking at 400°F for 10 to 14 minutes with a shake halfway through.
It really is that simple, and the payoff is a tender, flavorful side dish that beats soggy oven trays any day.
Whether you serve them alongside chicken, toss them into pasta, or eat them straight from the basket, knowing how to roast zucchini and squash in the air fryer gives you a fast, healthy option for busy weeknights.
Give this method a try tonight, and you might never go back to the oven again.