How To Cook Squash And Zucchini In The Air Fryer

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.
 
It’s one of the easiest ways to get tender, slightly caramelized veggies without heating up your whole kitchen.
 
If you’ve been wondering how to cook squash and zucchini in the air fryer so they come out crisp instead of soggy, you’re in exactly the right place.
 
The air fryer circulates hot air around the slices, which gives you that roasted texture in a fraction of the time.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through the best methods, seasonings, and timing so your air fryer squash and zucchini turn out perfect every single time.
 
Let’s get to it.
 

How to Cook Squash and Zucchini in the Air Fryer

Cooking squash and zucchini in the air fryer is simple once you know the basic steps.
 
Here’s how to get it right.
 

1. Slice Them Evenly

Start by washing your squash and zucchini and trimming off the ends.
 
Cut them into half-moon slices, rounds, or sticks that are about a quarter-inch thick.
 
The key is to keep every piece roughly the same size so they cook at the same rate.
 
If some pieces are thick and others are thin, you’ll end up with a mix of mushy and undercooked bites.
 
For a faster cook, you can also cut them into spears or cubes, but slices tend to work best in most air fryer baskets.
 

2. Toss With Oil and Seasoning

Add your squash and zucchini to a bowl and drizzle with a tablespoon or two of olive oil or avocado oil.
 
You don’t need much because the air fryer does most of the work.
 
Toss them until every piece is lightly coated.
 
Then season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika for a savory base.
 
You can also add Italian seasoning, onion powder, or a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
 
A squeeze of lemon juice after cooking brightens everything up.
 

3. Preheat and Arrange in a Single Layer

Preheat your air fryer at 375°F for about three minutes.
 
Once it’s hot, place the squash and zucchini in the basket in a single layer.
 
Don’t overcrowd them, because air needs to move around each piece to get that nice browned edge.
 
If you have a lot of veggies, cook them in batches instead of piling them up.
 

4. Air Fry for 10 to 15 Minutes

Cook at 375°F for 10 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
 
The exact time depends on how thick you sliced them and how crispy you want them.
 
Thinner slices might be done in 8 to 10 minutes, while thicker rounds could take closer to 15.
 
You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are golden and the centers are tender.
 

Tips for Crispy Air Fryer Squash and Zucchini

If you want your squash and zucchini in the air fryer to come out crispy rather than soft, these tips will help.
 

1. Pat Them Dry First

Squash and zucchini hold a lot of water, and excess moisture is the enemy of crispiness.
 
After washing and slicing, lay the pieces on a clean kitchen towel or paper towel and pat them dry.
 
The drier they are before they hit the air fryer, the better they’ll brown.
 

2. Don’t Skip the Oil

A light coating of oil helps the seasoning stick and encourages browning.
 
Without oil, the veggies can turn out dry and bland.
 
Just don’t overdo it, because too much oil makes them greasy and soggy.
 

3. Shake the Basket Halfway

Shaking the basket halfway through cooking moves the pieces around so they brown evenly.
 
It also prevents them from sticking to the basket or steaming in their own moisture.
 
This one small step makes a big difference in texture.
 

4. Add a Light Coating for Extra Crunch

If you really want a crispy finish, toss the slices in a tablespoon of cornstarch or almond flour before air frying.
 
This creates a thin crust that crisps up beautifully in the hot air.
 
It’s a trick many people use when they want their air fryer squash and zucchini to taste more like fries.
 

Best Seasonings and Serving Ideas

The beauty of cooking squash and zucchini in the air fryer is that you can season them in so many ways.
 
Here are some ideas to keep things interesting.
 

1. Classic Garlic and Herb

Garlic powder, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper give you a simple Mediterranean flavor.
 
Finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese right after cooking.
 

2. Smoky and Spicy

Smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, and a pinch of cayenne create a bold, smoky kick.
 
Serve with a dollop of yogurt or sour cream to cool things down.
 

3. Lemon and Feta

After air frying, toss the warm squash and zucchini with lemon zest, lemon juice, and crumbled feta.
 
The salty feta and bright lemon pair perfectly with the tender veggies.
 

4. Serve Them As a Side or Main

These air fryer veggies work as a side dish with grilled chicken, fish, or pasta.
 
You can also pile them onto toast, mix them into a grain bowl, or fold them into an omelet.
 
They’re versatile enough to fit almost any meal.
 

So, How to Cook Squash and Zucchini in the Air Fryer?

You can cook squash and zucchini in the air fryer by slicing them evenly, tossing with oil and seasoning, and air frying at 375°F for 10 to 15 minutes.
 
It’s a fast, fuss-free way to get tender, flavorful veggies with golden edges.
 
Just remember to dry them well, avoid overcrowding the basket, and shake halfway through for the best results.
 
Once you try squash and zucchini in the air fryer, you’ll wonder why you ever cooked them any other way.