Air Fryer Roasted Zucchini is a quick, cozy side with crisp edges and tender centers—perfect for weeknights or meal prep. This simple recipe highlights zucchini’s mild flavor with a savory seasoning blend and cooks in minutes for a healthy, family-friendly dish. For another simple snack, try these air fryer apple fries.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Roasted Zucchini
- Crispy-tender texture with browned edges and a soft center.
- Ready in about 30 minutes including prep and the 20-minute sweating step.
- Minimal oil and pantry-friendly seasonings for a lighter side.
- Great for meal prep and reheats well in the air fryer.
- Kid-approved and easy to scale for a crowd.
Ingredients Needed
- Vegetables
- 2 medium zucchini (about 1–1.5 pounds)
- Oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil)
- Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Trim and cut: Cut off the zucchini ends, halve each lengthwise, halve again lengthwise, then cut each spear into 1/2" slices. Don’t cut thinner or they’ll cook too quickly and get mushy.
- Salt and sweat: Lay slices on a kitchen towel or double paper towel, sprinkle the 1 teaspoon salt over them, and let sit 20 minutes so they release moisture.
- Pat dry: After 20 minutes you’ll see moisture on top; blot slices dry with the towel or paper towels.
- Mix seasoning and preheat: While zucchini sweats, combine remaining spices in a small bowl. Preheat the air fryer to 450°F for about 5 minutes.
- Toss and arrange: Toss zucchini with 1 tablespoon oil in a medium bowl, sprinkle with the seasoning mix, and stir to coat. Spread in the air fryer basket in as much of a single layer as possible.
- Air fry and finish: Cook at 450°F for 7–8 minutes, stirring halfway through. Watch closely the last 2 minutes and remove when browned and just tender inside—don’t overcook. If you want a cheesy companion, serve with air fryer broccoli cheddar poppers on the side.
Serving Suggestions Air Fryer Roasted Zucchini
- Toss with lemon zest and extra nutritional yeast for a bright finish.
- Serve alongside grilled chicken or fish for a balanced meal.
- Top with a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
- Add to grain bowls over quinoa or rice for extra veggies.
- Pair with a crisp white wine or a refreshing iced tea.
Tips for Success Air Fryer Roasted Zucchini
- Don’t slice thinner than 1/2" to avoid mushy results.
- Pat zucchini very dry after sweating to ensure browning.
- Use a single layer or slight overlap to crisp up edges; cook in batches if needed.
- Watch the last 2 minutes closely—air fryers vary and zucchini can go from perfect to overdone fast.
- Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days and re-crisp in the air fryer for best texture; for a spicy twist, try it with air fryer buffalo cauliflower flavors.
Variations
Here are a few easy ways to change it up:
- Make it cheesy: Swap nutritional yeast for grated Parmesan if not dairy-free.
- Add heat: Toss with 1/4–1/2 teaspoon cayenne or red pepper flakes before air frying.
- Mix veggies: Add sliced yellow squash or bell pepper cut into similar sizes and adjust cook time slightly.
Air Fryer Roasted Zucchini
A quick and cozy side with crisp edges and tender centers, this air fryer roasted zucchini is perfect for weeknights and meal prep.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 medium medium zucchini (about 1–1.5 pounds)
Oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil)
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- Trim and cut zucchini: Cut off the ends, halve each zucchini lengthwise, halve again lengthwise, then cut each spear into 1/2" slices.
- Salt and sweat: Lay slices on a kitchen towel, sprinkle 1 teaspoon salt over them, and let sit for 20 minutes.
- Pat dry: Blot slices dry with a towel or paper towels after sweating.
Cooking
- Mix seasoning and preheat: Combine remaining spices in a small bowl. Preheat air fryer to 450°F for about 5 minutes.
- Toss and arrange: Toss zucchini with 1 tablespoon oil in a medium bowl, sprinkle with seasoning mix, and coat. Spread in air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Air fry: Cook at 450°F for 7–8 minutes, stirring halfway through, until browned and tender inside.
Notes
For best results, don’t slice zucchini thinner than 1/2" and ensure they are very dry after sweating. Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.