Air Fryer Zucchini
Zucchini in the air fryer gives you the perfect texture with less than 8 minutes of cook time. It’s an easy and adaptable veggie side.
These sliced zucchini in the air fryer turn out nice and brown in places, with just the right amount of softness. I really don’t like it when zucchini is so soft that it’s mushy in the middle. I therefore prefer methods of cooking it that use high heat for a short time like when I air fry zucchini. It’s a quick and delicious side dish that you can make variations of with different seasonings!
Scroll down to read more about how it all comes together or click here to jump straight down to the recipe.
Video: Air Frying Veggies
How to Cut Zucchini
I get small-to-medium sized zucchini. Once they’re sliced, I can fit 2 of them in my air fryer. If you’re not going to slice them first, you can fit up to 4 whole zucchini in there. (I keep zucchini whole when I cook zucchini in the oven and slice them after.) But 2-3 will be better because they brown better when they’re less crowded.
To cut the zucchini, cut off the two ends. Then slice it lengthwise, end to end, right down the middle. Finally, cut each halved zucchini into 3/4-inch slices.
Seasonings
Since this air fryer recipe is mostly about the method and timing, I’ve kept things really simple with oil, salt, and pepper. Of course, you can add other seasonings to change up the flavor! I also really enjoy it with garlic powder and a little Italian seasoning. You could even sprinkle a little Parmesan cheese on top in the last minute or two of cooking.
Transfer the zucchini to the air fryer basket. Toss it around a bit to get them into a single layer, or as much of a single layer as you can. If the veggies are too crowded, they won’t brown nicely.
Want to switch up your zucchini snacking? Try these breaded Air Fryer Zucchini Chips too!
Time And Temperature
You want the air fryer set to 400°F. If the air fryer isn’t completely preheated, it’s totally fine. Cook for 5 minutes, then check. If they aren’t quite done, give them a toss and air fry another few minutes.
They should look similar to the photo below.
Transfer the zucchini from the basket of the air fryer to a serving plate. Eat!
More Air Fryer Vegetables
Browse our full collection of air fryer recipes or try one of these other tasty veggies next time.
Podcast Episode: Air Fryer Zucchini and Summer Squash
Listen to me explain briefly about how to make this recipe, with some great tips along the way, by clicking the play button below:
Listen to more Recipe of the Day episodes here.
Print
Air Fryer Zucchini Recipe
- Prep Time: 2 Minutes
- Cook Time: 8 Minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 Servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
DESCRIPTION
Zucchini is so delicious when cooked in the air fryer. It comes out nice and browned in places without being too mushy in the middle, and it only takes 8 minutes.
Ingredients
- 2 small to medium zucchini
- 2 tsp. olive oil
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 1/8 tsp. pepper
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
- Trim the two ends off of each zucchini. Slice the zucchinis in half lengthwise, end to end. Slice into ¾-inch slices.
- Put zucchini slices in a medium bowl with the olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat.
- Transfer to the air fryer basket and toss, arranging them in a single layer.*
- Cook for 5 minutes. Check and see if they’re browned and slightly softened in the middle. If not, toss and then cook another 2-3 minutes.
Love this recipe? I’d appreciate it if you could scroll down and add a *5 star rating* to help others know they’ll love it as well!
Notes
*Depending on the size of your air fryer, you might not be able to fit them all in a single layer. You have two choices. One, cook them in two batches. Two, allow them to have some overlap – they won’t brown as well but will still be delicious.
Hi Christine
The link for the air fryer that you have is broken
What type air fryer do you have ?
Sorry about that, James! I currently use a 6-quart Cosori air fryer – https://amzn.to/47YtKH9
Quick and easy recipes and interesting information
Thank you so much, Moira!
The zucchini was delicious!! I never could get mine to brown, but we loved them. What I really appreciated about this recipe is that there were very few ingredients and it was easy to prepare!
Diane, I’m not sure why they wouldn’t brown for you. I wonder if your zucchini was damper than the ones I’ve tested with. You could try patting them dry before adding the oil. Thanks for your feedback!
So simple and quick. I am going to have some tonight.
Thank you.
Lili, Thank you! I hope you enjoy it 🙂
Well, there are different sizes of air fryers, you may have one on the smaller size, Christele. You can also look into stacked racks for the air fryer so that you can fit more. Just make sure they are the right size for the model you have!
I love zucchini. Your recipe is very tasty. I added a little Cajun seasoning they were really good. Thanks for the recipe
Ooo, Cajun seasoning sounds great. Thanks, Don!
Just the instructions I needed. And I am also In Love with my air fryer!! Especially as, right now here in N. Louisiana, I will do ANYTHING to Not have to turn on my conventional oven! Too hot in the kitchen for all that!
I can definitely understand that! Enjoy, Holly.
Just recipe I was looking for
Thank you 🙏
You’re welcome, Gita!
Best way I’ve cooked zucchini, it was great to not have the mushy inside. Highly recommend others to try this way and next time I’m going to sprinkle some paprika or garlic granules as well as the salt and pepper.
That’s wonderful, Alan! Thanks for sharing.
Simple but yummy. Thank you for the recipe.