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You can cook squash and zucchini in the air fryer by slicing them into even pieces, tossing them with a little oil and seasoning, and air frying at 375°F for about 10 to 15 minutes.
This method gives you tender insides with beautifully caramelized edges, and it’s easily one of the fastest ways to get a healthy side dish on the table.
If you’ve been wondering how to cook squash and zucchini in the air fryer without turning them into a mushy mess, you’re in the right place.
The air fryer circulates hot air around the vegetables, which mimics roasting but in a fraction of the time.
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how to cook squash and zucchini in the air fryer, including prep, seasoning, timing, and the little tricks that make a big difference.
How to Cook Squash and Zucchini in the Air Fryer Perfectly
Learning how to cook squash and zucchini in the air fryer is mostly about a few simple principles.
Get these right, and you’ll nail it every single time.
Here’s what actually matters:
1. Cut Them Into Even Pieces
The first rule of how to cook squash and zucchini in the air fryer is consistency.
Cut both vegetables into rounds, half-moons, or quarter-inch slices that are roughly the same size.
If your pieces are uneven, the smaller ones will burn while the thicker ones stay raw in the middle.
Zucchini and yellow squash both have high water content, so uniform slices help them cook at the same rate.
Aim for about a quarter-inch thickness for the best texture.
2. Pat Them Dry Before Cooking
This step is the secret that separates crispy air fryer squash and zucchini from soggy ones.
Squash and zucchini are mostly water, and that moisture steams the vegetables instead of roasting them.
After slicing, lay the pieces on a paper towel and pat the surface dry.
You don’t need to press hard, just remove the surface moisture.
When you know how to cook squash and zucchini in the air fryer with this one extra step, the results are noticeably better.
3. Toss With Oil and Seasonings
A light coating of oil helps the seasonings stick and encourages browning.
Use about one tablespoon of olive oil or avocado oil for every two cups of sliced vegetables.
Too much oil will make them greasy, and too little means they’ll dry out.
For seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika work beautifully.
You can also add grated Parmesan, Italian herbs, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Toss everything in a bowl until each piece is evenly coated.
4. Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer Basket
This is where a lot of people go wrong when they cook squash and zucchini in the air fryer.
If you pile the slices on top of each other, they’ll steam rather than crisp.
Arrange them in a single layer with a little breathing room between pieces.
Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in two batches.
It’s worth the extra few minutes because the texture is completely different.
Air Fryer Squash and Zucchini Cooking Times and Temperatures
Getting the timing right is the heart of how to cook squash and zucchini in the air fryer.
Here’s the simple breakdown:
1. Set the Temperature to 375°F
Preheat your air fryer for about three minutes at 375°F.
This temperature is the sweet spot for air fryer squash and zucchini.
It’s hot enough to brown the edges but gentle enough to cook the inside through.
2. Cook for 10 to 15 Minutes
Place the seasoned slices in the basket and cook for 10 to 15 minutes.
Shake the basket halfway through so everything browns evenly.
Thinner slices will be done closer to 10 minutes, while thicker rounds may need the full 15.
3. Look for Golden Edges
You’ll know your squash and zucchini in the air fryer are ready when the edges turn golden brown and the centers are fork-tender.
They should still hold their shape, not collapse into a soft pile.
If you want them crispier, add two extra minutes, but keep an eye on them.
4. Serve Immediately
Air fryer squash and zucchini are best enjoyed right away.
They lose their crispness as they sit, so scoop them onto plates while they’re hot.
A squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of fresh herbs at the end brightens everything up.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Squash and Zucchini
A few small tweaks can take your air fryer squash and zucchini from good to great.
Here are the ones that matter most:
1. Add a Light Coating for Extra Crunch
If you want a crispier finish, dust the slices with a tablespoon of cornstarch or almond flour before air frying.
It absorbs surface moisture and helps the edges crisp up beautifully.
2. Keep the Skin On
No need to peel your zucchini or squash.
The skin holds the slices together and adds color and nutrients.
Just wash them well and trim the ends.
3. Experiment With Flavors
Once you’ve mastered how to cook squash and zucchini in the air fryer, play with flavors.
Try taco seasoning, curry powder, lemon pepper, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze after cooking.
4. Store Leftovers Properly
If you have leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for three to four minutes to bring back some crispness.
So, How to Cook Squash and Zucchini in the Air Fryer?
To cook squash and zucchini in the air fryer, slice them evenly, pat them dry, toss with oil and seasonings, and air fry at 375°F for 10 to 15 minutes.
It’s fast, healthy, and honestly one of the easiest ways to get a delicious vegetable side on the table.
Now that you know how to cook squash and zucchini in the air fryer, you can tweak the seasonings and timing to match whatever you’re serving.
Give it a try tonight and enjoy those golden, tender slices straight from the basket.