Air Fryer Zucchini is savory, crispy, delicious, and so simple to make! Seasoned with common pantry staples, this is a go-to side dish recipe you can rely on all year long. Vegan, gluten-free, low-carb, and keto.
This recipe was originally published on July 22, 2020. It was fully updated with a new recipe and recipe information on August 18, 2023.
Table of contents
Air frying is such an easy, quick and low-fuss alternative to deep frying and roasting that it is a hard one to pass up. Fresh green zucchini shines in the air fryer: made with minimal oil, the air fryer creates a crispy texture and caramelized flavor.
Whether you are looking for the perfect side dish or a healthy snack, this air fryer zucchini fries recipe is a delicious way to enjoy extra vegetables. So, next time you find yourself with the beloved veggie, make this air fryer zucchini!
Why You'll Love This Air Fryer Zucchini Recipe
- Simple Ingredients. But big flavor. This air fryer zucchini is made with just a handful of easy to find ingredients.
- Fresh. Highlight this fresh produce with the perfect blend of light seasonings to enhance the veggies without weighing them down.
- Year-round. Even though this recipe helps use up the extra loads of summer zucchini, it's delicious any time of year that you have the deep green squash on hand.
- Versatile. Serve this air-fried zucchini side dish alongside anything from a burger or brat to pasta bolognese and garlic bread! See additional serving suggestions below!
Recipe Ingredients
Air fryer zucchini chips are made with simple ingredients found at almost any grocery store.
- Zucchini - choose fresh zucchini that are small-to-medium in size (larger zucchini aren't as sweet and can be more spongy), have smooth skin, and dark green color.
- Olive oil - choose extra virgin olive oil if you can. Avocado oil also works in a pinch.
- Salt - brings out all the flavor in the air-fried zucchini chips and also helps express some of the moisture from the veggie. Choose sea salt if possible.
- Lemon juice - don't worry if you aren't into lemon flavor; the citrus juice functions to highlight the seasonings and sweetness of the zucchini without being overly lemony-flavored.
- Garlic seasoning mix - a simple homemade seasoning blend made with common pantry staples of dried parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. It's flavor and versatile!
Want more air frying recipes? Check out my air fryer salmon bites, air fryer chicken bites, air fryer garlic bread, air fryer egg rolls, and more!
How to Cook Zucchini in the Air Fryer
Scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the ingredient measurements and the complete directions.
Step 1: With the air fryer basket installed, preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees for 2-3 minutes.
Step 2: In a large shallow bowl, toss together the zucchini slices, olive oil, salt, parsley garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika until combined.
Step 3: Add half of the zucchini to the preheated air fryer in a single layer. Air fry the zucchini chips for 9-11 minutes, tossing the zucchini every 3 minutes, or until the zucchini is golden brown and crisp. Repeat this step with the remaining zucchini.
Step 4: Squeeze the lemon juice over the zucchini and gently toss until combined. Serve piping hot!
Recipe Pro-Tips
- Cut the vegetables in uniform size so they cook evenly. I recommend ½-inch think half moons of zucchini, or cutting the zucchini lengthwise and then crosswise into ½-inch thick pieces.
- Preheat the air fryer for 2-3 minutes before adding the vegetables. This helps the zucchini slices cook evenly and crisp up quickly!
- Don't overcrowd the basket. Though it may be tempting to add all the zucchini to the air fryer basket at once, you will want to restrain yourself. Overcrowding the air fryer basket results in soggy and wet zucchini. For the best results, cook the zucchini in two batches.
- Keep the air fried zucchini warm in an oven preheated to 200 degrees while the second batch of zucchini chips air fry.
- Toss the veggies throughout the cooking time. This also helps the vegetables to cook evenly, as it ensures that all of the veggies get equal exposure to the hot air circulating within the air fryer.
- To double the recipe, simply double all of the ingredients and follow the recipe directions as listed, air frying the zucchini in 4 separate batches (to keep them from overcrowding in the air fryer and getting soggy).
Recipe Variations
- Squash. Have extra yellow or summer squash on hand? You can easily make air fry summer squash or air fryer zucchini and yellow squash! Simply substitute any amount of the zucchini for similar size pieces of yellow or summer squash and follow the recipe directions as listed. Delicious!
- Zucchini Fries: Make crispy zucchini fries by cutting the zucchini into thick match-stick style pieces and tossing the vegetables with ½ cup of panko breadcrumbs along with the seasonings.
- ltalian Air Fryer Zucchini: Substitute ¾ teaspoons of Italian seasoning and replace the lemon juice with balsamic vinegar. Optional: sprinkle the zucchini with parmesan cheese and/or red pepper chili flakes before serving.
- Greek Seasoned Zucchini: Sprinkle the zucchini with ½ teaspoon dried oregano + ¼ teaspoon dried thyme + ½ teaspoon garlic powder before air frying the zucchini. Toss the zucchini with red wine vinegar instead of lemon juice before serving. Optional: sprinkle the zucchini with crumbled feta.
- Herbes de Provence Zucchini: Use ¾ teaspoon herbes de Provence seasoning instead of the recommended blend. Drizzle the zucchini with white wine vinegar before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve air fryer zucchini hot with almost any of your favorite proteins. It is makes a great side dish for grilled chicken thighs, Italian sausage and peppers pasta, flat iron steak, burgers, and more.
Storage and Reheating Directions
- Refrigeration: Leftovers keep covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat the fried zucchini in an air fryer preheated to 400 degrees for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. The zucchini can also be reheated in the microwave.
- Freezing: I do not recommend freezing the leftover zucchini as it will get mushy and soggy in the freezing and defrosting process.
FAQs
To prevent soggy zucchini, shake the zucchini throughout the cooking time, and don't overcrowd the air fryer. Shake the vegetables about every 3-4 minutes while it cooks, and add the zucchini to the air fryer in batches, allowing sufficient airflow around the chunks as they air fry.
Tools Needed to Make This Recipe
- Cutting board
- Chef knife
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Silicone spatula
- Air fryer: I have and love both the Ninja Foodi Tendercrisp and the Instant Pot Duocrisp
More Air Fryer Vegetable Recipes
- Air Fryer Italian Sausage
- Air Fryer Vegetables
- Air Fryer Portobello Mushrooms
- Frozen Broccoli in the Air Fryer
- Air Fryer Green Beans {+ Video!}
- Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
- Air Fryer Kale Chips
- Air Fryer Smashed Parmesan Potatoes
- Air Fryer Butternut Squash
More Zucchini Recipes
- Zucchini Lasagna
- Gluten-free Zucchini Bread
- Sauteed Zucchini & Yellow Squash with Herbed Parmesan Cheese
- Sheet Pan Sausage and Veggies
If you make and like this recipe, please review and rate it 5 Stars at the top of the recipe card. This helps other people to find the recipes and helps this reader-supported publication, too!
Thank you so much for your feedback and support of Mae's Menu!
Recipe Card
Air-Fryer Zucchini (Low-Carb + Keto!)
Email FacebookIngredients
- 6-7 cups zucchini or about 6 small zucchini or 3 large zucchini, sliced into quarters vertically and then into ½-inch thick half moons
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Pinch ground red pepper optional
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200 degrees and line a small baking sheet with parchment paper. With the air frying basket installed, preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees for 2-3 minutes.
- In a medium-size mixing bowl, toss the zucchini, olive oil, salt, and spices together until combined.
- Add half of the zucchini to the preheated air fryer and air fry for 9-11 minutes, shaking or stirring the zucchini every 3 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and golden. Pour the zucchini onto the prepared baking sheet and keep warm in the preheated oven.
- Add the remaining zucchini to the air fryer and repeat the air frying process, cooking the zucchini for 9-10 minutes and shaking or stirring the zucchini every 3 minutes, or until the zucchini is cooked through.
- Combine the freshly air fried zucchini and the warmed zucchini from the oven in the mixing bowl. Squeeze with lemon juice and gently stir until combined. Season the vegetables with extra salt if needed, and serve hot!
Notes
- Italian seasoning: ¾ teaspoons of bottled Italian seasoning blend. Toss the zucchini with 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar instead of lemon juice. Optional: sprinkle the zucchini with grated or shredded parmesan before serving.
- Greek seasoning: ½ teaspoon dried oregano + ¼ teaspoon dried thyme + ½ teaspoon garlic powder. Toss the zucchini with red wine vinegar instead of lemon juice before serving. Optional: sprinkle the zucchini with crumbled feta.
- Herbes de Provence: ¾ teaspoon herbes de Provence seasoning blend. Toss the zucchini with white wine vinegar instead of lemon juice before serving.
- Spicy Italian Seasoning: ¾ teaspoon Italian seasoning blend + ¼ teaspoon garlic powder + ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes before air frying. Toss the zucchini with 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar instead of lemon juice. Optional: sprinkle the zucchini with grated or shredded parmesan before serving.
Carol says
What Air Frier is this?
Mae's Menu says
Hi Carol, This air fryer is the Ninja Foodi Tendercrisp 8 quart option. I believe I have it linked in the "tools needed for this recipe section). I love mine!
Carol says
Fryer, sorry.
Joe says
Yields what? Cups, ounces, or what?
Joe says
Yields what? Cups, ounces, or what?Loved your bean salad. Please let us know what yield is equal too in measures. Thanks, Mae.
Mae's Menu says
Hi, Joe! For some reason, I never got notified of your comment. I'm just seeing it now as I was reviewing the post.
This recipe yields 2 cups of air fryer zucchini.
Hope that helps!
Tara says
I made this recipe as directed. After 20 minutes the zucchini had turned to mush. Should I sweat the zucchini first?
I’m really disappointed.
Mae's Menu says
Hi Tara,
I'm so sorry to hear you had this experience. I've made this recipe 20+ times and have never had that happen. You shouldn't need to sweat the zucchini before adding it to the air fryer. Did you use the full amount of salt and shake the zucchini frequently throughout cooking? When I cook the zucchini it naturally sweats off the moisture and crisps up evenly as I shake it as it cooks. Please let me know your experience and I'd be happy to help troubleshoot further. Thank you!
Kelly says
Same here!! I tried making them two different times. the first time I just let them sit in there for 20 minutes and then the second time I tossed them every few minutes and they’re still mushy. Have you figured out how to crisp them up?
Mae's Menu says
Hi Kelly,
Thank you for your comment! Does your air fryer have room for the air to circulate around the zucchini? They will need to not be packed in -- rather have lots of exposure to the hot air -- to crisp up and not get soggy. If you can, test out cooking them in two different batches (tossing them every few minutes), and let me know how that goes.
Thank you!
Chelsea
Claudia says
I think you're supposed to cook each batch for only 9-11 minutes. I just made it and it came out great 🙂
Mae's Menu says
Hi, Claudia!
So glad to hear you loved it!
All the best,
Chelsea
Pam says
My air fryer does not have a basket but instead racks. Should I turn the zucchini half way through the time
Mae's Menu says
Hi, Pam --
Yes, you can turn them halfway through. You may also want to cut your zucchini into thicker slices so they don't easily fall through the racks.
Hope this helps!
Chelsea
Pamela G Cameron says
I have a LARGE zucchini I'd like to try. Do the slices have to be single layer or can they over lap a bit? Would you recommend cutting large slices in half or quarters? As my basked is about 8 1/2" I think it may take a few batches. Also, thinking of making a zucchini parmesan bake from the finished product. Should the slices be firm and not soft? Soft is what we're hoping to avoid. Thank you. Love trying new things in my airfryer.
Mae's Menu says
Hi Pamela,
Thanks for your comment. Your zucchini can overlap as long as you shake the zucchini throughout cooking (as directed). The zucchini will cook down as it air fries, but you do want to make sure there is room for the hot air to circulate around the zucchini so it cooks up evenly and doesn't get soggy.
The end result should be zucchini that's crisp on the outside and tender on the inside. Hope this helps!
Best,
Chelsea
michael holcombe says
As directed... Mushy and starts to burn before even twenty minutes... tasty but mushy and burnt.
Barbara T says
I tried this recipe, shook the zucchini every 5 minutes, and cooked them for 25 ,minutes. Not at all crispy. I used seasoned salt, though, and not plain salt. Would that make a difference?
Thanks.
Mae's Menu says
Hi, Barbara! Thanks for your feedback. How large did you cut the zucchini chunks? That can make a difference. Also, do you have an air fryer with a basket or a tray?
Thank you!
Chelsea
Tammy says
I made these with garlic pepper instead of plain. Also increased the air fryer temp to 400 to get crispy: great taste and ranch makes it perfect for appetizers. Thanks for the recipe 😊
Mae's Menu says
Thanks for popping in to leave such a nice review, Tammy! I'm so glad you liked them. 🙂
Dawna says
I have chopped up zucchini and onion and tossed it in olive oil and Greek seasoning. Then hubby has a pan with holes and it goes out on the grill. But I didn't think of the air fryer. ( there wasn't one 40 some years ago lol ) I love zucchini !
Mae's Menu says
Ooh, both sound delicious! It's amazing how many new opportunities we have with air fryers! Thanks for your comment and have a great day!
Best,
Chelsea
Anthony I Wilson says
If you are going to pre heat your oven to 200º why not simply cook all the zucchini in one batch in it?! Probably takes less time
Mae's Menu says
Hi Anthony,
Great question! Frying them in batches keeps them crisp and speeds up the air frying process, as crowding vegetables in the air frying basket can mean much longer cooking times and soggy vegetables.
Best,
Chelsea
Linda says
Preheating to 200, then increasing the temp again makes no sense. No wonder so many people have mushy results.
Mae's Menu says
Hi Linda,
Sorry to hear you weren't satisfied with the results. You will want to heat the oven to 200 degrees and the air fryer to 400 degrees. There is no need to increase the temperature throughout the cooking time. Hope this helps!
Best,
Chelsea