Name: Air Fryer Zucchini Quick Snack Recipes That'll Make You Actually Love Vegetables
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 4 medium zucchinis (about 1.5 pounds); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon paprika; ¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste); ¼ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste); ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, but highly recommended)

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Look, I’m gonna be honest with you. I used to think zucchini was boring. Like, really boring. The kind of vegetable you eat just to say you had your greens. But then I discovered the magic of tossing it in my Air Fryer, and wow, game changer doesn’t even cover it. These crispy little rounds have become my go-to for After School Snacks when the kids come home hangry, and honestly, I sneak them for myself way more than I’d like to admit. What makes this one of my favorite Air Fryer Recipes Easy enough for busy weeknights? You literally need about 10 minutes of prep and your Air Fryer does all the heavy lifting. No standing over a hot stove, no oil splatters everywhere. Just crispy, golden zucchini that tastes like you actually tried. Plus, it’s one of those Air fryer recipes healthy that doesn’t make you feel like you’re punishing yourself. You get that satisfying crunch without the guilt. I’ve been making these Healthy Snacks for months now, and they never get old. Sometimes I add parmesan, sometimes I go spicy with cayenne, and sometimes I keep it simple with just garlic and salt. The best part? My picky eater actually asks for seconds. If that’s not a win, I don’t know what is. Trust me, once you make Air Fryer Recipes like this, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with the oven.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Air Fryer Zucchini Recipe
3) Ingredients for Air Fryer Zucchini
4) How to Make Air Fryer Zucchini
5) Tips for Making Air Fryer Zucchini
6) Making Air Fryer Zucchini Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Air Fryer Zucchini
8) Try these Snacks next!
9) Air Fryer Zucchini
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

Can you air fry zucchini without it getting soggy?
What temperature should you cook zucchini in an air fryer?
Do you need to soak zucchini before air frying?
How do you keep air fryer zucchini crispy?
What seasonings work best with air fried zucchini?

2) Easy Air Fryer Zucchini Recipe

I’m not gonna sugarcoat it. Finding quick snack recipes that actually taste good AND don’t take forever to make can feel impossible some days. But this Air Fryer zucchini? It’s one of those quick snack recipes that changed my whole snack game. We’re talking 25 minutes from start to finish, and most of that time you’re just waiting for the Air Fryer to do its thing.

What makes this recipe so darn easy? You don’t need fancy equipment or weird ingredients you’ve never heard of. Just grab some zucchini from the store, a few spices you probably already have, and your trusty Air Fryer. I love making this when I need something fast but don’t want to feel like I’m eating cardboard. The kids can help with the seasoning part too, which makes it fun for the whole family.

The texture is what gets me every single time. That crispy outside with the tender inside is exactly what you want in a good veggie snack. I’ve tried making this in the oven before, and let me tell you, it’s just not the same. The Air Fryer gives you that perfect crunch without needing a ton of oil. Plus, cleanup is a breeze, which means more time doing literally anything else.

This recipe has become my go-to for when people come over and I want to serve something that looks like I actually tried. It’s one of those Air Fryer Recipes Easy enough that even my teenager can make it without burning down the kitchen. And the best part? You can customize it however you want. Some days I go heavy on the garlic, other days I add some heat with cayenne.

3) Ingredients for Air Fryer Zucchini

Zucchini: Picking the right zucchini matters more than you’d think. I always go for medium-sized ones because they have better flavor and aren’t as watery as the giant ones. Look for zucchini that feels firm when you squeeze it gently and has smooth, unblemished skin. If it’s soft or has weird spots, keep looking. I usually grab about four medium zucchinis for this recipe, which gives you plenty to munch on.

Olive Oil: You don’t need much oil here, which is one reason I love Air Fryer Recipes. Just two tablespoons does the trick. I use regular olive oil, not the fancy extra virgin stuff, because we’re cooking it at high heat anyway. The oil helps the seasonings stick and gives the zucchini that golden color we’re after. If you’re out of olive oil, avocado oil works great too.

Garlic Powder: Fresh garlic would burn in the Air Fryer, so we stick with garlic powder. It gives you that garlicky flavor without any char. I’m pretty generous with the garlic powder because I think it makes the whole thing taste better. If you’re one of those people who thinks there’s no such thing as too much garlic, feel free to add an extra half teaspoon.

Onion Powder: This adds a sweet, savory depth that you don’t get from garlic alone. Onion powder is one of those secret ingredients that makes people wonder what’s in your recipe. Don’t skip it just because it seems like a small thing. That little bit of onion flavor really rounds out the taste.

Paprika: I love using paprika because it adds color and a subtle smokiness. You can use regular paprika or smoked paprika if you want more of that campfire taste. Some days I swap this for cayenne pepper when I want things spicy. It’s totally up to you and what your taste buds are craving that day.

Salt and Black Pepper: These are the basics that bring everything together. I use kosher salt because I like how it sticks to the zucchini better than table salt. For pepper, freshly cracked always tastes better, but pre-ground works fine too. Start with a quarter teaspoon of each and adjust based on your preference. You can always add more at the end.

Parmesan Cheese: This is optional but highly recommended. I’m talking about the good stuff, not the green can kind. Freshly grated Parmesan melts into the zucchini during those last two minutes and creates this amazing cheesy crust. If you’re making this for someone who’s dairy-free, just leave it out. The zucchini still tastes great without it, but the cheese definitely takes it up a notch.

4) How to Make Air Fryer Zucchini

Step 1: Start by washing your zucchini under cool water and giving them a good scrub. You don’t need to peel them because the skin gets nice and crispy in the Air Fryer. Pat them dry with a kitchen towel. Any excess water will make them steam instead of crisp up, and we don’t want that. Slice off both ends and cut the zucchini into rounds about a quarter inch thick. Try to keep them pretty even so they all cook at the same rate.

Step 2: Grab a big mixing bowl and throw in your olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Give it a quick stir so everything blends together. This is your seasoning mixture, and it’s gonna coat every piece of zucchini. Don’t be shy about mixing it up. You want all those spices evenly distributed in the oil.

Step 3: Toss your zucchini slices into the bowl with the seasoning. Use your hands to mix everything around. Make sure every single piece gets coated with that seasoned oil. I like to really massage the seasoning into the zucchini. It only takes a minute or two, but it makes a big difference in how the final product tastes. You want to see oil and spices on every slice.

Step 4: Preheat your Air Fryer to 400°F. This usually takes about five minutes. Don’t skip the preheating because it helps the zucchini start cooking right away when you put them in. A hot Air Fryer means crispier results. Use this time to clean up your workspace a little or just stand there and scroll through your phone. No judgment.

Step 5: Lay your seasoned zucchini slices in the Air Fryer basket in a single layer. This is key for getting them crispy. If you pile them on top of each other, they’ll steam instead of fry. Leave a little space between each piece if you can. You’ll probably need to cook them in two or three batches unless you have a huge Air Fryer. It’s worth the extra time, trust me.

Step 6: Cook for 12 to 15 minutes. About halfway through, give the basket a good shake or use tongs to flip the pieces. This helps them cook evenly on both sides. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes because every Air Fryer is a little different. You’re looking for golden brown edges and a crispy texture. If they’re not quite there yet, give them another minute or two.

Step 7: If you’re using Parmesan cheese, sprinkle it over the zucchini during the last two minutes of cooking. This gives the cheese just enough time to melt and get a little crispy without burning. Once they’re done, pull the basket out and let the zucchini cool for just a minute. They’re super hot right out of the Air Fryer. Then dig in and enjoy your crispy, delicious creation.

5) Tips for Making Air Fryer Zucchini

Slice your zucchini evenly. This might seem obvious, but it really matters. If some pieces are thicker than others, you’ll end up with some that are perfectly crispy and others that are still raw in the middle. I use a sharp knife and try to make each slice about a quarter inch thick. If you have a mandoline slicer, that works great too, but watch your fingers. I’ve learned that lesson the hard way.

Don’t overcrowd the basket. I know it’s tempting to throw everything in at once so you can be done faster, but it’ll backfire. The zucchini needs space for the hot air to circulate around each piece. When you crowd them, they end up soggy and limp instead of crispy. Do it in batches and you’ll be much happier with the results. The first batch stays pretty warm while you cook the rest anyway.

Pat your zucchini dry before seasoning. Zucchini holds a lot of water, and any excess moisture will keep them from crisping up properly. After you slice them, lay them out on a paper towel or clean kitchen towel and pat them dry. It only takes a minute and makes a huge difference. This is one of those small steps that separates okay air fried zucchini from really great air fried zucchini.

Experiment with your seasonings. The basic recipe I gave you is delicious, but don’t be afraid to mix things up. Try Italian seasoning, ranch seasoning powder, or even some lemon pepper. Each time you make this, you can create a totally different flavor profile. I keep a few different spice blends on hand just for this recipe. It keeps things interesting when you’re making it multiple times a week.

Check your Air Fryer temperature. Not all air fryers heat exactly the same way. If this is your first time making this recipe, check on the zucchini a minute or two before the timer goes off. You might find your Air Fryer runs hot and needs less time, or maybe it needs an extra minute. Once you know how yours cooks, you can adjust the timing for next time. Write it down somewhere so you remember.

6) Making Air Fryer Zucchini Ahead of Time

Here’s the thing about making these Healthy Snacks ahead of time. You can definitely prep some parts in advance, but you’ll get the best results if you air fry them fresh. That crispy texture just doesn’t hold up as well when you reheat them. But if you’re short on time, there are ways to make it work.

The best way to prep ahead is to slice and season your zucchini, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook, just pull them out and toss them straight into your preheated Air Fryer. They might need an extra minute or two of cooking time since they’re cold from the fridge, but they’ll still turn out crispy and delicious.

If you know you’ll be making these for After School Snacks all week, you can slice a bunch of zucchini on Sunday and keep them in the fridge in a container with a paper towel to absorb moisture. Then just season and cook them as needed throughout the week. This cuts your prep time down to almost nothing when you need a quick snack in a hurry.

You can also make the seasoning blend ahead of time. Mix up a big batch of the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper and keep it in a small jar. That way, all you need to do is slice the zucchini, toss it with oil and your premixed seasonings, and you’re ready to cook. It’s one less thing to think about when you’re trying to get dinner on the table.

If you’ve already cooked the zucchini and have leftovers, you can store them in the fridge and reheat them in the Air Fryer for a few minutes. They won’t be quite as crispy as when they were fresh, but they’re still pretty good. Just pop them back in at 350°F for about 3 to 4 minutes and they’ll crisp up a bit. Way better than trying to microwave them, which makes them soggy and sad.

7) Storing Leftover Air Fryer Zucchini

Let’s be real for a second. Leftover air fried zucchini doesn’t happen often in my house because we demolish them pretty quickly. But if you do end up with extras, here’s how to store them properly. Let them cool completely first. Don’t throw hot zucchini into a container because the steam will make them soggy.

Once they’re cool, put them in an airtight container or a zip-top bag. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. I like to put a paper towel in the container to soak up any extra moisture. This helps keep them from getting too soft. They won’t be as crispy as when you first made them, but they’re still tasty.

When you’re ready to eat the leftovers, the Air Fryer is your best friend again. Reheat them at 350°F for about 3 to 5 minutes. This brings back some of that crispiness you love. The microwave is tempting because it’s faster, but it’ll turn your crispy zucchini into mush. Nobody wants that. Spend the extra few minutes using the Air Fryer and you’ll thank yourself later.

Can you freeze air fried zucchini? Technically yes, but I wouldn’t recommend it. The texture changes too much when you freeze and thaw them. They get watery and lose that nice crisp you worked so hard to achieve. If you really want to freeze zucchini, freeze it raw instead. Then you can air fry it fresh whenever you want.

If your leftover zucchini has gotten a little soft, you can still use it. Chop it up and add it to a frittata, toss it in a pasta dish, or mix it into some scrambled eggs. Just because it’s not crispy anymore doesn’t mean it’s not delicious. Waste not, want not, right? I’ve thrown leftover air fried zucchini into so many dishes and they always turn out great.

8) Try these Snacks next!

9) Air Fryer Zucchini