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Air fryer zucchini is the perfect side dish to almost every meal. With just olive oil and basic seasonings, you have crispy zucchini slices that are full of flavor, and easy to make!

Wooden spoon scooping slices of cooked zucchini

“This zucchini recipe was delicious with the right seasoning per instructions. I will never cook zucchini any other way.”

-Sharon

This simple air fryer zucchini recipe is ready in under 15 minutes and makes a perfect side dish or healthy snack. Whether you’re following a keto, low carb, or gluten free diet, this recipe checks all the boxes.

It’s also a great way to use up fresh zucchini from the garden or market. If you love quick veggie sides, you might also enjoy Air Fryer Green Beans or Air Fryer Carrots.

Because they are so simple to make, they are perfect for busy weeknight dinners. They are a great side to serve with a juicy Air Fryer RibeyeAir Fryer Pork Chopsor Air Fryer Chicken Breast.

Ingredients for Air Fried Zucchini

zucchini cut into slices on a wooden cutting board with olive oil and seasonings.
  • Zucchini: Fresh, firm zucchini sliced into ¼ inch rounds.
  • Olive oil: Helps the zucchini crisp and prevents sticking.
  • Optional seasonings: Garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or grated Parmesan cheese.
  • Lemon juice: Adds a fresh, tangy finish.

A full list of ingredients is included in the recipe card below.

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Variations

  • Swap the olive oil for avocado oil for a lighter flavor.
  • Add red pepper flakes for a little heat.
  • Toss with grated Parmesan before serving for a cheesy finish.
  • Sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning before air frying.
  • Serve with a side of homemade ranch for dipping.
  • Try a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of lemon zest for extra flavor.

How to Cook Zucchini in the Air Fryer

glass bowl with slices of zucchini being tossed with olive oil and salt on a marble table
  1. Wash and dry each zucchini. Slice thinly into ¼ inch rounds for even cooking. Place the zucchini slices in a medium bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss until lightly coated.
slices of zucchini in the air fryer basket after being tossed with olive oil and salt
  1. Season with salt, pepper, and any additional spices like garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or Parmesan. Arrange the zucchini in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap. Work in batches if needed.
Air fryer zucchini cooked in the basket
  1. Air fry at 400 degrees F for 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Adjust the time if needed for your preferred level of crispness.
Fork serving zucchini slices after air frying.
  1. Remove from the air fryer and drizzle with fresh lemon juice before serving.

If you are looking for more delicious air fryer zucchini recipes, try these air fryer zucchini frittersair fryer zucchini pizza boatsor air fryer zucchini chips.

Expert Tips

  • Keep zucchini in a single layer so they can cook evenly on both sides.
  • If you slice zucchini rounds a little thicker, you may need to add 2-3 minutes to the cook time.
  • I usually use 2-4 medium-sized zucchinis for this recipe. As they air fry, they will shrink a bit.
  • For crispy “chips” slice thinner, and follow the same steps.

I like to make them extra crispy and eat them as a snack. Or you can serve with air fryer country style ribs, these air fryer frozen pork chopsair fryer turkey breast, or these air fryer turkey legs. 

Golden cooked zucchini slices on a serving dish on a white marble table

Air Fryer Zucchini FAQ’S

How do you prevent zucchini from getting soggy in the air fryer?

Slice the zucchini evenly, don’t overcrowd the basket, and avoid using too much oil. Air frying in batches helps the zucchini crisp up instead of steaming.

Is air fryer zucchini keto friendly?

Absolutely! Zucchini is naturally low in carbs and a great option for keto or low-carb diets. Just be mindful of toppings or dips you add.

More Air Fryer Side Dish Recipes

If you enjoyed this recipe, please consider leaving a STAR ⭐️ RATING in the COMMENTS 📝 SECTION below.

Golden cooked zucchini slices on a wooden spoon
4.78 from 76 votes
Servings: 4

Air Fryer Zucchini

Air fryer zucchini is the perfect side dish to almost every meal. With just olive oil and basic seasonings, you have crispy zucchini slices that are full of flavor, and easy to make! 
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Total: 15 minutes
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Equipment

  • 1 Air Fryer

Ingredients 

  • 2-4 medium zucchini
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Optional:

  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions 

  • Wash and dry each zucchini. Then, slice thinly, no more than ¼ of an inch in thickness. 
  • Place them in a medium bowl and then toss with olive oil until they are lightly are coated. Then, season with salt and pepper, or your favorite seasonings. 
  • Lay the zucchini pieces flat in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not stack or overlap, so work in batches if necessary. 
  • Air fry at 400 degrees F for 8-10 minutes, shaking or tossing the zucchini halfway through cooking. Add additional time if necessary, until it reaches your desired crispness or tenderness. Drizzle with a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.

Video

Notes

Slice evenly for even cooking: Keep zucchini slices no thicker than ¼ inch.
Don’t overcrowd the basket: Air fry in batches for best results.
Adjust seasonings to taste: Try garlic powder, smoked paprika, or Parmesan for extra flavor.
Serve immediately: Zucchini is best enjoyed fresh and hot out of the air fryer.
 

Nutrition

Calories: 49kcal, Carbohydrates: 3g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 4g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 3g, Sodium: 299mg, Potassium: 262mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 2g, Vitamin A: 197IU, Vitamin C: 18mg, Calcium: 17mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Like this? Leave a comment below!

Becky Abbott

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4.78 from 76 votes (74 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




7 Comments

  1. Sharon says:

    5 stars
    This zucchini recipe was delicious with the right seasoning per instructions. I will never cook zucchini any other way. Thanks!

    1. Jen West says:

      Thank you! We love this recipe. It’s one of my favorite ways to use up my extra zucchini in the summer! ๐Ÿ™‚

  2. Isis says:

    5 stars
    I tried this recipe and loved it! I had leftover zucchini and am wondering how you would reheat?

  3. James Stowe says:

    What thickness to slice for recipe?
    1/4 inch? 1/2 inch? Please advise.
    Thanks

    1. Rebecca says:

      I try to slice them about 1/8 to 1/4 inch. Try to keep them the same size for even cooking. Hope that helps.

  4. Cheryl says:

    These sound delicious. I also want to try deep fried pickles

    1. Rebecca says:

      Thank you! We just shared a recipe for Air Fryer Fried Pickles. They are so yummy! Enjoy!