This air fryer zucchini is tender and flavorful, tossed in a delicious garlic and herb seasoning. Ready in 10 minutes, it's a perfect weeknight side dish!
This air fryer zucchini recipe is a quick and easy side dish for busy weeknights. It cooks in about 10 minutes and requires just 6 basic ingredients, but it still comes out tender, caramelized, and flavorful every time.
I think of it as my summer shortcut for making roasted zucchini. Unlike the oven, the air fryer won’t heat up your entire house, which makes this recipe a lifesaver in hot weather. It’s also faster (no preheating required!), and with a four-year-old running around, I can’t complain about saving a few minutes in the kitchen. 🙂
If you have an air fryer, try this recipe the next time you need a simple weeknight side. I think you’ll love it!
Air Fryer Zucchini Ingredients
You need 6 basic ingredients to make this air fryer zucchini recipe:
- Zucchini, of course! Choose small to medium sized zucchini over larger ones. They’ll have a sweeter flavor and firmer texture.
- Garlic powder and Italian seasoning – I use these seasonings on my roasted zucchini too. They add delicious savory flavor!
- Extra-virgin olive oil – It helps the zucchini brown and soften as it cooks.
- And salt and pepper – To make all the flavors pop!
Optional, but tasty: Top the zucchini with freshly grated Parmesan cheese (or vegan Parmesan) when it comes out of the air fryer. It adds an extra layer of nutty, umami flavor.
Find the complete recipe with measurements below.
How to Air Fry Zucchini
This air fryer zucchini recipe has 3 simple steps:
Start by prepping the zucchini. Cut it into 1-inch half-moons, then place it in a large bowl and toss it with the olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Next, air fry the zucchini. Spread it in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F for 9 to 11 minutes, or until tender and browned around the edges.
- Note: Air fryers vary! I own (and love) the Our Place Wonder Oven, which doesn’t require preheating and cooks zucchini to perfection in about 10 minutes. Make sure to preheat yours if necessary, and adjust the cook time if needed. The squash is ready when it’s tender and browned.
Finally, season and serve. Taste the zucchini and season with additional salt and pepper if desired. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, if using, and enjoy!
Recipe Tips
- Work in batches if necessary. This is my #1 tip for any air fryer recipe! The key to getting nicely browned, caramelized veggies is to give them plenty of space in the air fryer basket, so make sure your zucchini fits in a single layer. If it doesn’t, take some out and work in batches. Otherwise, the zucchini will steam and soften (not brown) as it cooks.
- Have fun with the seasonings. I love the garlic, herb, and Parm combo here, but lots of other seasonings are great too! Replace the Italian seasoning with dried thyme or herbes de Provence, or skip the herbs and add spices like chili powder and/or cumin. Squeeze the zucchini with lemon or lime juice before serving, or garnish it with fresh basil or parsley instead of cheese. The options are endless!
What to Serve with Air Fryer Zucchini
You can serve this recipe as a side dish with practically any meal. Pair it with your favorite simply cooked protein or a pasta like my pesto pasta, cacio e pepe, or pasta puttanesca.
It would be great alongside (or even in) a frittata or crustless quiche too.
How to Store
I like this zucchini best when it’s hot from the air fryer, but if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Enjoy them at room temperature or quickly reheat them in the microwave or air fryer.
More Air Fryer Recipes to Try
If you love this air fryer zucchini, try one of these easy air fryer recipes next:
- Air Fryer Vegetables
- Air Fryer Broccoli
- Air Fryer French Fries
- Air Fryer Zucchini Chips (with a crispy panko breadcrumb coating!)
Air Fryer Zucchini
Equipment
- Our Place Wonder Oven Air Fryer (my favorite air fryer!)
Ingredients
- 1 pound zucchini, about 3 medium, cut into 1-inch half-moons
- 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F, if your air fryer requires preheating.
- In a large bowl, toss the zucchini with the olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, garlic powder, and several grinds of pepper.
- Working in batches if necessary, arrange the zucchini in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between pieces. Air fry for 9 to 11 minutes, or until tender and browned around the edges. Repeat as necessary with the remaining zucchini.
- Season to taste and serve topped with freshly grated Parmesan, if desired.
Love how quick and healthy this is — the garlic and herb seasoning makes it feel gourmet in just 10 minutes! For more fresh and flavorful ideas, check out this fast-food inspired recipe collection that’s just as easy to make.
I don’t have an air fryer and am too old to get one. Would you just sautée the zucchini or oven roast it?
Hi Kathy, you can roast it in the oven. Find our oven roasted zucchini recipe here: https://dailycove.info/roasted-zucchini/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E%3C/div%3E%3Cdiv class=reply>