Can You Cook Zucchini And Squash In The Air Fryer

Yes, you can cook zucchini and squash in the air fryer, and it’s one of the easiest ways to get perfectly tender, slightly caramelized veggies in under 20 minutes.
 
Both zucchini and squash hold up beautifully in the air fryer because they release some moisture while staying firm enough to keep their shape.
 
If you’ve been wondering whether you can cook zucchini and squash in the air fryer together, the answer is absolutely yes.
 
You can cook zucchini and squash in the air fryer with just a little oil, salt, and pepper, and they come out tasting like they were roasted in the oven.
 
In this post, we’ll go over why you can cook zucchini and squash in the air fryer, how to do it step by step, and the best tips to keep them from turning soggy.
 
Let’s get right into it.
 

Why You Can Cook Zucchini and Squash in the Air Fryer

You can cook zucchini and squash in the air fryer because the circulating hot air does the same job as a hot oven, just faster.
 
Here’s why these two veggies work so well in the basket:
 

1. They Have a High Water Content That Works in Your Favor

Zucchini and squash are mostly water, which means they steam slightly as they cook.
 
That steam softens the inside while the hot air crisps the outside.
 
So when you cook zucchini and squash in the air fryer, you get tender centers with lightly browned edges.
 

2. They Cook Fast and Evenly

Air fryers circulate heat from all directions, so zucchini and squash cook evenly without you having to flip them constantly.
 
Most batches of zucchini and squash in the air fryer are done in 10 to 15 minutes.
 
That’s way faster than roasting them in a traditional oven.
 

3. They Absorb Seasonings and Oil Beautifully

Because zucchini and squash have a mild flavor and a porous surface, they soak up olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, and herbs really well.
 
So when you cook zucchini and squash in the air fryer, every slice comes out flavorful instead of bland.
 

4. You Can Cook Them Together

Yes, you can cook zucchini and squash in the air fryer at the same time.
 
They have similar cook times and textures, so they finish together without one turning to mush.
 
Just cut them into even pieces so they cook at the same rate.
 

How to Cook Zucchini and Squash in the Air Fryer

Here’s the simple method I use every time I cook zucchini and squash in the air fryer.
 

1. Wash and Cut Them Evenly

Start by washing your zucchini and squash, then pat them dry.
 
Cut them into half-moon slices, rounds, or spears, about half an inch thick.
 
Even pieces are key when you cook zucchini and squash in the air fryer because uneven cuts lead to uneven cooking.
 

2. Toss With Oil and Seasonings

In a bowl, toss your zucchini and squash with a tablespoon of olive oil.
 
Add salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and a pinch of smoked paprika.
 
You can also add parmesan, Italian herbs, or red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
 
Just make sure every piece gets a light coating before you cook zucchini and squash in the air fryer.
 

3. Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheating at 375°F for about 3 minutes helps the zucchini and squash start crisping right away.
 
It’s a small step that makes a big difference when you cook zucchini and squash in the air fryer.
 

4. Arrange in a Single Layer

Place the zucchini and squash in a single layer in the basket.
 
Don’t overcrowd them or they’ll steam instead of roast.
 
If you have a lot to cook, work in batches so every piece of zucchini and squash in the air fryer gets proper airflow.
 

5. Cook at 375°F for 10 to 15 Minutes

Cook zucchini and squash in the air fryer at 375°F, shaking the basket halfway through.
 
They’re done when the edges are golden and the centers are fork-tender.
 
If you want them crispier, add 2 to 3 more minutes.
 

Tips to Keep Zucchini and Squash From Getting Soggy

The biggest complaint about cooking zucchini and squash in the air fryer is sogginess.
 
Here’s how to avoid it:
 

1. Salt Them First

Sprinkle salt on your sliced zucchini and squash and let them sit for 10 minutes.
 
Then pat them dry with a paper towel.
 
This pulls out excess moisture so they crisp up nicely when you cook zucchini and squash in the air fryer.
 

2. Don’t Skip the Oil

A light coat of oil helps them brown instead of steam.
 
Without oil, zucchini and squash in the air fryer tend to come out pale and soft.
 

3. Avoid Overcrowding the Basket

Air needs to move around every piece when you cook zucchini and squash in the air fryer.
 
If they’re piled up, they’ll release moisture and basically steam themselves.
 

4. Cut Them Thick Enough

Very thin slices turn to mush fast.
 
Aim for half-inch rounds or spears so your zucchini and squash in the air fryer keep some bite.
 

5. Serve Immediately

Zucchini and squash are best eaten right after you cook them in the air fryer.
 
If they sit, they release moisture and lose that nice crisp edge.
 

So, Can You Cook Zucchini and Squash in the Air Fryer?

Yes, you can cook zucchini and squash in the air fryer, and it’s honestly one of the best ways to prepare them.
 
You can cook zucchini and squash in the air fryer together at 375°F for 10 to 15 minutes with just oil, salt, and your favorite seasonings.
 
Just salt them first, keep them in a single layer, and don’t overcrowd the basket.
 
Whether you’re making a quick weeknight side or a healthy snack, cooking zucchini and squash in the air fryer gets you crispy, flavorful results every single time.
 
Give it a try tonight and you’ll see exactly why this method is a keeper.