Air Fryer Zucchini
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.
I really donโt like it when zucchini is so soft that itโs mushy in the middle. I therefore prefer methods of cooking it that use high heat for a short time.
My usual method for cooking zucchini is where I actually leave the zucchinis whole, rub them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and then broil them or grill them. I slice them after theyโre cooked. They get nice and brown on the outside but are still slightly firm in the middle. If you havenโt tried that, youโve got to.
Video: Air Frying Vegetables
However, now that Iโm air fryer obsessed (I really really am! If you donโt have one yet, hurry up! I promise youโll love it! Hereโs the air fryer that I have) I have to try making everything in there. For instance, Iโm on an air fryer veggie kick right now and Iโm in love with these Air Fryer Green Bean Fries and these Air Fryer Roasted Carrots with Honey Glaze.
Anyhow, since Iโm putting everything in the air fryer, I moved onto zucchini. I tried them whole the first time and then tried slicing them before cooking. I found that even if sliced, they donโt get as mushy in the air fryer. I think itโs because they donโt need very much time to start browning. So in the air fryer, I slice them first and then cook them.
The sliced zucchini in the air fryer turn out nice and brown in places, a bit salty (in a good way), and with just the right amount of softness.
Preheat the Air Fryer
Get the air fryer preheating to 400ยฐF. It doesnโt take long to preheat, but note youโll likely be ready to add your zucchini to the air fryer before itโs done preheating. Thatโs totally fine. Get that veg in there as quickly as you can so you can move onto something else.
How to Cut Zucchini
I get small-to-medium sized zucchini. Once theyโre sliced, I can fit 2 of them in my air fryer. If youโre not going to slice them first, you can fit up to 4 whole zucchini in there. But 2-3 will be better because they brown better when theyโre 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.
Season the Zucchini
Put the zucchini slices into a bowl and toss them with 2 teaspoons of cooking oil, ยผ teaspoon of salt, and 1/8 teaspoon of pepper.
Note that you could do this right in the air fryer basket instead of dirtying a bowl. However, I find that some of the oil and seasoning drops straight through the holes in the basket when I add it directly to the basket. Using a bowl ensures more of it sticks to the zucchini. But this is really not a huge deal. Iโm just a perfectionist sometimes.
Transfer the zucchini to the basket of your air fryer. Toss it around a bit to get it into a single layer, or as much of a single layer as you can.
How Long To Cook Zucchini In The Air Fryer
Slide the basket with the prepped zucchini into the fryer which you pre-heated to 400F. If you didnโt preheat it, itโs not going to matter much. Cook for 5 minutes. No need to toss them or anything during this time. Let them be!
After 5 minutes give them a peek. They will likely need a bit more time. Toss the basket a bit and cook them for another 2-3 minutes, until they look like this:
Transfer the zucchini from the basket of the air fryer to a serving plate. Eat!
Want to switch up your zucchini snacking? Try these breaded Air Fryer Zucchini Chips too! They are amazing.
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 400ยฐF.
- Trim the two ends off of each zucchini. Slice the zucchinis in half lengthwise, end to end. Slice into ยพ-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 theyโre browned and slightly softened in the middle. If not, toss and then cook another 2-3 minutes.
Love this recipe? Iโd appreciate it if you could scroll down and add a *5 star rating* to help others know theyโll 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 โ they wonโt brown as well but will still be delicious. This is the air fryer that I have, and I do love it for its size (compact on the outside, large capacity inside), price, and functionality.
This post originally appeared in August 2021 and was revised and republished in June 2023.
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 ๐
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 ๐
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.