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In less than 15 minutes, you can enjoy this Air Fryer Zucchini that’s made with only a few simple ingredients and so flavorful! Makes a delicious, air-fried low-calorie snack or side dish.
Craving something super flavorful and easy? Try my Air Fried Zucchini Spears! Combined with your favorite dipping sauce, it makes a yummy, low-calorie snack that not only tastes great but is also good for you.
But it also makes a perfect easy side dish, that doesn’t take away oven space, cooks fast, and goes well with so many dinner favorites. Zucchini is a great option when you want a healthy alternative to French fries or other fried food.
As crispy, as you want, super flavorful, tender, and perfectly seasoned, this light and easy dish is one of my favorite things to whip up when I have Zucchini on hand! Give it a try! Looking for something else to make with your zucchini? Check out my Zucchini Salad and Chocolate Zucchini Bread.
Why make this recipe
- Easy to make with a few simple ingredients
- Done in less than 15 minutes
- It is a perfect side dish for any main dish
- Perfect finger food to dip that is low-calorie and low-carb
Ingredient Notes
Detailed measurements and instructions can be found at the bottom of the page on the printable recipe card.
- Zucchini – Smaller zucchini work best because they are easier to cut into slices. But this recipe works for any size, just make sure to keep the pieces similar-sized.
- Olive oil – If you want to use as little oil as possible I recommend using a quality single ingredient olive oil spray. Other vegetable oil works too, for example, avocado oil.
- Dried Thyme – Using dried thyme is the perfect way to give your zucchini a flavor boost. If you would like to use fresh thyme, use a bit less. You can also use Italian seasoning.
- Garlic – When you want to make the zucchini savory and delicious, be sure to add garlic powder or minced garlic to it. Minced garlic tends to burn easily, so I prefer garlic powder, but you can use what you have on hand.
- Lemon Juice – The acidity of the lemon juice pairs perfectly with the zucchini and the seasoning that you will add to it. Freshly squeezed tastes best!
How to Make the Air Fryer Zucchini
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Before beginning this recipe, make sure to preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Prep the Zucchini: Cut your zucchini across the middle and then into lengthwise quarters. Depending on the diameter of the zucchini you’re using, you will have to cut the quarters into smaller pieces. (Image 1)
- Mix Seasonings and Coat Zucchini: Spray zucchini with oil or toss to coat, combine spices in a small bowl and season sliced zucchini with the seasoning mixture. (Image 2)
- Air Fry: Place the slices of zucchini into your air fryer and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the zucchini has browned. (Image 3)
- Season and serve: Squeeze some lemon juice on top of the zucchini after removing it from the air fryer. Serve it fresh and hot. (Image 4)
Expert Tips
- Cut the zucchini into similar-sized pieces so it cooks evenly. Depending on the size of your zucchini, you want to divide it into more slices.
- Leave your zucchini in the air fryer a bit longer if you would like to have it crispier. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
- You can also cut the zucchini into coins. The cooking time will change depending on the thickness of the coins.
- Make a great snack with your favorite dip or a low-calorie side dish
- I prefer to preheat my Air Fryer. Cooking times are more accurate this way, and food cooks more evenly.
- Depending on your Air Fryer and the amount of zucchini you are making, you might have to air fry in batches. The cooking time can also vary depending on the model you have.
Recipe FAQs
These are some of the common questions people want to know when preparing this delicious Air Fryer Zucchini recipe.
No, you do not need to peel the zucchini beforehand. It is a matter of preference. You can leave the skin attached if you would like.
The Air Fryer Zucchini is low-calorie and low-carb, making it perfect for those trying to watch their calorie and carb consumption.
The size of the zucchini does not matter too much. It depends on how much of it you would like to make. You may want to purchase a larger zucchini when you have more mouths to feed.
What to Serve With Air Fryer Zucchini
Serve the Air Fryer Zucchini as a snack with a side of your favorite dips, such as marinara sauce, homemade Aioli, or creamy ranch. Or serve it as a side with one of my favorite main dishes, below:
Main Dishes
Beans and Rice
Main Dishes
Chicken Mushroom Pasta
Main Dishes
Pork Medallions with Blue Cheese Sauce
Main Dishes
Baked Chicken Legs with Potatoes
Leftovers
When you have leftovers, you can put them in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. It will continue to be good for you to eat for up to 4 days. Keep in mind that the zucchini will become a bit soggy, but will still be delicious in a salad or on a sandwich.
More Air Fryer Recipes
Looking for some other super easy side dishes to whip up in your air fryer? Here are some of my other favorite recipes:
Air Fryer
Air Fryer Okra
Air Fryer
Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potatoes
Air Fryer
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Air Fryer
Air Fryer Asparagus
Air Fryer Zucchini
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb zucchini, each cut in half across the middle, then each half quartered lengthwise
- 1 Tbsp olive oil, or olive oil spray
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder, or 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme, or Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice, to serve
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 400 F.
- Spray zucchini slices with oil spray or brush with oil.
- Combine spices in a small bowl and season sliced zucchini with spices.
- Transfer slices to basket in a single layer and air fry at 400 F for 8–10 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.
- Squeeze over lemon juice and serve.
Notes
- Cut the zucchini into similar-sized pieces so it cooks evenly. Depending on the size of your zucchini, you want to divide it into more slices.
- Leave your zucchini in the air fryer a bit longer if you want to have it crispier. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
- You can also cut the zucchini into coins. The cooking time will change depending on the thickness of the coins.
- Make a great snack with your favorite dip or a low-calorie side dish
- I prefer to preheat my Air Fryer. Cooking times are more accurate this way, and food cooks more evenly.
- Depending on your Air Fryer and the amount of zucchini you are making, you might have to air fry in batches. The cooking time can also vary depending on the model you have.
