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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 air fryer zucchini recipe only requires four ingredients! You only need to slice them, toss with olive oil, then season, so they can be done very quickly.

Because they are so simple to make, they are perfect for busy weeknight dinners. You will love them with air fryer ribeye, air fryer pork chops, or air fryer chicken breast.

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AIR FRYER ZUCCHINI RECIPE

To make air fryer zucchini, only a few simple ingredients are needed. A simple drizzle of olive oil, a pinch of salt and pepper, and perhaps some herbs or garlic can bring out the best in the zucchini’s flavor. 

If you are looking for more delicious air fryer zucchini recipes, try these air fryer zucchini fritters, air fryer zucchini pizza boats, or air fryer zucchini chips.

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IMPORTANT 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 reduce in size, but I like to have an abundance of zucchini on our plates with our meal.
  • For crispy “chips” slice thinner, and follow the same steps.

RELATED RECIPES:

Air fryer cauliflower is another easy recipe to make with a few simple ingredients and ready to serve in minutes!  

The air fryer makes these Air Fryer Green Beans crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, so you’ll want to eat them as a side dish AND as a snack!

Air Fryer Broccoli is delicious and tender. It’s so easy to make, you will want to add this healthy side dish to all of your favorite meals. 

Air Fryer Zucchini Fries are a delicious alternative to traditional French fries. Seasoned and crunchy, the air fryer makes this perfect snack in less than 20 minutes! 

Fork full of golden brown cooked zucchini slices

WHY YOU’RE GOING TO LOVE THIS

  • You can eat this zucchini as a side dish.
  • Toss with a marinara or alfredo sauce.
  • Add meat to it for a complete meal.
  • Zucchini can be a simple side dish or a main course ingredient.

This air fryer zucchini recipe only requires four ingredients! You only need to slice them, toss with olive oil, then season, so they can be done very quickly. Because they are so simple to make, they are perfect for busy weeknight dinners.

WHY I LOVE THIS RECIPE

I love this recipe because it’s not only easy, but it’s also delicious. Zucchini is so versatile, and because it’s delicious and easy to prepare, it will be a favorite side dish! 

It air fries very quickly, with just a few simple ingredients. A simple drizzle of olive oil, a pinch of salt and pepper, and perhaps some herbs or garlic can bring out the best in zucchini.

Of course, you can eat this zucchini as a side dish, or you can toss with a marinara or alfredo sauce, and add meat to it, for a complete meal. Whether you’re looking for a simple side dish or a main course ingredient, zucchini is a delightful addition to any meal.

If you are looking for more delicious air fryer zucchini recipes, try these air fryer zucchini fritters, air fryer zucchini pizza boats, or air fryer zucchini chips. 

INGREDIENTS

Ingredients needed to make air fryer zucchini, salt, olive oil
  • Medium Zucchini– I use medium sized zucchini that are crisp and firm. You can use larger zucchini, or other summer squash, as long as they aren’t too thick.
  • Olive oil-or avocado oil
  • Kosher Salt– and black pepper to taste

HOW TO COOK AIR FRYER ZUCCHINI

Wash and dry each zucchini. Then, slice thinly, no more than ¼ of an inch in thickness.

zucchini cut into slices on a wooden cutting board with olive oil and seasonings.

Once they are slices, place them in a medium bowl and then toss with olive oil until they are lightly are coated, along with salt and pepper, or your favorite seasonings.

glass bowl with slices of zucchini being tossed with olive oil and salt on a marble table

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. Make sure you leave enough room for the air to circulate. 

slices of zucchini in the air fryer basket after being tossed with olive oil and salt

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.

Air fryer zucchini cooked in the basket

WHAT TO SERVE WITH AIR FRYER ZUCCHINI

Zucchini is such a simple but versatile side dish, try serving it with air fryer country style ribs, these air fryer frozen pork chops, air fryer turkey breast, or these air fryer turkey legs. 

HOW TO STORE AND REHEAT

Air fryer zucchini is best when it is freshly made. Should you have leftovers, for storage, keep zucchini stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for three to five days.

To reheat the zucchini, return to the air fryer and air Fry at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 to 5 minutes cook time, until they are warmed.

I make this zucchini in my Cosori air fryer. Depending on your air fryer, size and wattages, cooking time may need to be adjusted 1-2 minutes.

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

VARIATIONS

  • I like to keep my veggies simple with a basic spice blend, like kosher salt and black pepper. For extra flavor, you can easily add a teaspoon garlic powder, taco seasoning, Italian seasoning, or even sprinkle with Parmesan cheese or everything but the bagel seasoning.
  • For breaded zucchini, try these Air Fryer Zucchini Chips. We make this with breadcrumbs for a coating and they are perfect for dipping in marinara sauce or ranch dressing.

MORE AIR FRYER VEGETABLE RECIPES

Whether you use it as a side dish, or a main course vegetable, air fryer zucchini is a delicious, easy choice!

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

Air Fryer Zucchini

By Becky
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.

Notes

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. 
There is no need to use parchment paper or cooking spray on the basket. Because you coat the zucchini with olive oil, this prevents them from sticking. However, if using a baking sheet, you may want to lightly spray the tray. 
I usually use 2-4 medium-sized zucchinis for this recipe. As they air fry, they will reduce in size, but I like to have an abundance of zucchini on our plates with our meal. 
If you are looking for a breading mixture that you can use on zucchini, try the coating we use on our Air Fryer Onion Rings. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch dressing.
 

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!

FAQS 

How do I choose the best zucchini at the store? 

When selecting zucchini at the grocery store, look for ones that are firm, shiny, without any bruising or blemishes. They should be small to medium in size for a milder flavor and tender texture. Avoid overly large zucchinis, as they can be tougher and have more seeds. Keeping the zucchini a similar size will also help them cook evenly.

Do I need to peel zucchini before cooking? 

It’s not necessary to peel zucchini. In fact, the skin is edible and contains nutrients. I leave the skin on when I make them in the air fryer.

What are some seasonings and herbs that go well with zucchini? 

Zucchini pairs well with various seasonings and herbs, including garlic, basil, thyme, oregano, rosemary, lemon zest, and Parmesan cheese. Experiment with different combinations until you find your favorite!

MORE AIR FRYER VEGETABLE RECIPES

Becky Abbott

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4.78 from 76 votes (74 ratings without comment)

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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!

    Reply
    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! 🙂

      Reply
  2. Isis says:

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

    Reply
  3. James Stowe says:

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

    Reply
    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.

      Reply
  4. Cheryl says:

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

    Reply
    1. Rebecca says:

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

      Reply