This air fryer zucchini is a simple, healthy side dish that’s ready in about 15 minutes. Slice the zucchini into coins or spears, toss it with olive oil and a few pantry spices, and let the air fryer do the rest!
Quick Glance
- Time: 5 minutes of prep and 10 to 12 minutes in the air fryer.
- Serves: 4.
- Cut it your way: Coins (rounds), half-moons, or spears all work.
- Temperature: 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
- Quick Tip: Cook in a single layer so the zucchini browns instead of steaming.
Jump to:
As much as I love air fryer breaded zucchini fries, some nights I want a lighter, no-breading side that comes together with almost no effort. That’s where this zucchini in the air fryer comes in. It gets tender in the middle with golden, browned edges, and you can season it to go with just about any meal.
Love simple green sides? Try my air fryer asparagus, maple-glazed Brussels sprouts, sauteed broccolini, or Instant Pot green beans.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast: It’s on the table in about 15 minutes.
- Simple ingredients: Zucchini, olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Healthy side: Zucchini is low in calories and a good source of fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants.
- Goes with everything: Change up the seasonings to match tacos, pasta night, or a holiday dinner.
The Ingredients
Please refer to the recipe card below for the full list of ingredients and quantities.
- Zucchini: Small to medium zucchini are firmer and less watery than very large ones.
- Olive oil: Just 1 Tablespoon helps the edges brown and keeps the seasonings in place.
- Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika (optional).
How to Cut Zucchini for the Air Fryer
- Coins (rounds): Slice into ½-inch rounds. They brown quickly and are great for a quick side.
- Half-moons: Cut the zucchini in half lengthwise, then slice into ½-inch pieces.
- Spears: Cut into quarters lengthwise, then into 2- to 3-inch spears. Thicker spears hold their shape and get a little crispier on the edges.
Whichever shape you choose, cut the pieces about the same size so they cook evenly.
How To Season Air Fryer Zucchini
I haven’t tested all of these, but they’re easy ways to change the flavor:
- Spices: Onion powder, cumin, chili powder, cayenne pepper, or smoked paprika.
- Herbs: Italian seasoning, dried oregano, thyme, or rosemary.
- Cheesy flavor: Toss with nutritional yeast before air frying, or sprinkle with vegan parmesan to serve.
- Seasoning blends: Lemon pepper, taco seasoning, ranch seasoning, or garlic and herb seasoning.
- Finishing touches: A squeeze of lemon or lime juice, balsamic glaze, walnut pesto, or fresh basil and parsley.
How to Air Fry Zucchini
Step 1: Slice and season. Trim the zucchini and slice it into ½-inch rounds or spears. In a large bowl, toss the zucchini with the olive oil, then add the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika (if using) and toss again.
Step 2: Arrange in the basket. Arrange the zucchini in a single layer in the air fryer basket or tray with a little space between each piece. Cook in batches if needed.
Step 3: Air fry. Air fry at 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking the basket or flipping halfway through, until tender and lightly browned. Serve right away.
Want crispier edges? Cut the zucchini into thicker spears instead of thin rounds, and don’t crowd the basket.
FAQs
Air fry ½-inch zucchini rounds or spears at 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking halfway through. Air fryers vary, so start checking at 10 minutes.
No. The skin helps the zucchini hold its shape and adds color.
Zucchini has a lot of water, so it steams if the basket is crowded or the pieces are cut too thin. Cook it in a single layer, in batches if needed, and serve it right away.
Yes, though it will be softer. Toss frozen zucchini slices with oil and seasonings and air fry at 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) for 12 to 15 minutes.
No. This is a simple roasted-style vegetable side. For a crunchy, breaded version, try my air fryer zucchini fries.
Toni’s Recipe Tips
- Cut evenly: Same-size pieces cook at the same rate.
- Don’t crowd the basket: Leave space for air to flow so the zucchini browns.
- Don’t skip the oil: A little oil helps the edges turn golden.
- Watch the time: Overcooked zucchini turns soft and watery.
- Serve right away: The texture is best fresh from the air fryer.
What to Serve with Air Fried Zucchini
- Tacos and burritos: Black bean tacos or butternut squash bean burritos.
- Pasta and grains: Garlic and lemon pasta, pesto rice, or vegan stuffed shells.
- Mains: Beyond Meat meatloaf or crispy air fryer tofu.
- Brunch: A vegan frittata, Just Egg quiche, or Just Egg omelette.
Storage Instructions
Fridge: Air fryer zucchini is best fresh, but leftovers keep in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days.
Freeze: I don’t recommend freezing it, since it turns soggy when thawed.
Reheat: Warm it in the air fryer at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for 3 to 5 minutes to bring back some of the texture.
If you tried this air fryer zucchini or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Thanks!
More Vegan Air Fryer Recipes
Quick Air Fryer Zucchini (Coins + Spears)
Want to save this recipe?
Enter your email & get this sent to your inbox! Plus you'll get great new recipes from me every week!
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchini sliced into ½-inch rounds or spears
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, toss the zucchini with the olive oil until evenly coated.
- Add the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika if using. Toss again to distribute the seasoning.
- Arrange the zucchini in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Air fry at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until tender and lightly browned.
- Remove from the air fryer and serve immediately.
Notes
- For crispier zucchini, cut it into thicker spears instead of thin rounds.
- Cook in a single layer, in batches if needed, so the zucchini browns instead of steaming.
- This is a simple vegetable side dish, not crispy zucchini chips.
- Serve right away for the best texture.
Andrea says
Love this zucchini recipe!