Zucchini and Yellow Squash in Air Fryer
f you’re wondering how to air fry squash or looking for an easy way to use up summer zucchini and yellow squash, you’re in the right place. This air fryer squash and zucchini recipe is quick, simple, and the perfect side dish for any summer meal. Whether your garden is overflowing or you grabbed a few extra at the farmers market, this recipe will help you turn them into something delicious in just 15 minutes.
I’ve been using my air fryer for over five years, and in the summer, it’s my go-to tool for getting veggies on the table fast without heating up the kitchen. Since I eat pounds of summer squash every week, figuring out how to make yellow squash in the air fryer was a must, and I’ve tested this recipe more times than I can count. It’s the perfect balance of tender, golden, and flavorful.
If you love using your air fryer to make summer veggies quick and delicious, be sure to try my air fryer roasted zucchini, air fryer tomatoes, and air fryer rutabaga fries next. These recipes are all simple, flavorful, and perfect for those days when you want something easy without turning on the oven.
Ingredients
- Summer squash – zucchini, yellow summer squash, crooked neck squash, patty pan squash – use your favorite summer squash to make this recipe. I love the combination of zucchini and yellow squash since they are so easy to find, and the color contrast is so pretty.
- Olive oil – olive oil helps to coat the squash and ensures the salt and spices will stick. It also helps to create that caramelization on the outside of the squash as they roast in the air fryer.
- Spices: Salt, italian seasoning, garlic powder, red pepper flakes (optional) – these spices are something I always have on hand and go well with so many meals. Check out the other spices blends I would recommend below!
How to make air fryer zucchini and squash
Wash and dry the yellow squash. Cut the top and bottom off and cut into 1/4-1/2 inch coins. Repeat with the zucchini. Add summer squash to bowl. Top with olive oil, salt and spices of choice. Stir well to fully coat. Add the summ squash to the air fryer basket and cook at 400F for 12-15 minutes (start with 12 minutes then add more time if needed). Pause the air fryer with 5 minutes left Shake the basket. Pause again with 2.5 minutes left and shake the basket again. f at the end of 12 minutes, the squash doesn’t look done (it’s not getting brown and caramelized all over), add 3 more minutes. Shake one more time with about 1.5 minutes to go.
Recipe tips
- Change up the flavor: Swap the spices to match your meal (see ideas below)
- Use smaller squash when possible: Smaller zucchini and yellow squash are picked before they’re fully mature, which means they tend to be less watery and cook up with a better texture.
More flavors to try
- Taco – replace the italian seasoning with taco seasoning
- Everything bagel – only use ½ the salt and garlic powder indicated and add 1 tablespoon of everything bagel seasoning
- Greek – add ½ teaspoon oregano to the recipe
- Herbs de Provence – use herbs de Provence in place of the italian seasoning
- Curry – replace italian seasoning with ½ teaspoon curry powder and ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- Smoky – remove the italian seasoning and use ½ teaspoon ground cumin and ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Lemon thyme – replace the italian seasoning with dried thyme. After cooking, squeeze ½ a lemon over the squash.
Air Fryer Yellow Squash and Zucchini
Ingredients
- 3 medium summer squash (zucchini, yellow squash) - (about 3-3.5 cups packed)
- 1/2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- pinch red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Slice the zucchini and squash in 1/2 inch slices.3 medium summer squash (zucchini, yellow squash)
- Add the squash to a bowl, then add olive oil and spices to the bowl. Stir well.1/2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp italian seasoning, 1/2 tsp sea salt, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, pinch red pepper flakes, 3 medium summer squash (zucchini, yellow squash)
- Add zucchini and squash to the air fryer basket. Cook at 400F for 12 minutes.
- With 5 minutes left, pause and shake the air fryer basket. Pause it again with 2.5 minutes left.
- After 12 minutes, if the squash isn't golden and caramelized, add 3 more minutes to the air fryer, shaking again one more time.
Equipment
Recipe Notes
- Cut the squash evenly: Slice the zucchini and yellow squash into similar thickness—ideally between ¼ and ½ inch—to ensure even cooking.
- Avoid cutting too thin: Thinner slices can get watery in the air fryer.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: While a single layer isn’t necessary, a packed basket will take longer to cook. Shake the basket halfway through and add 2–3 extra minutes if it’s very full.
- Double batch? Cook in rounds: If you’re doubling the recipe, cook in batches to avoid soggy, undercooked squash.
- Fridge: Store leftover zucchini and squash in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Reheat in the air fryer 360F for 4-5 minutes.
Nutrition Information
Favorite ways to serve
This air fryer zucchini and squash is incredibly versatile! Here are a few of my go-to ways to enjoy it:
- With eggs or cottage cheese – Add a drizzle of chili garlic oil for a savory, spicy breakfast.
- In grain bowls – Pair with quinoa, chickpeas, and a lime tahini dressing for a satisfying meal.
- As a simple side – Serve alongside any protein (bonus points if you add dairy free mashed potatoes).
Common questions
Do you have to peel summer squash before cooking it?
No, summer squash (zucchini, yellow summer squash, crooked neck squash) all have very thin skin which is edible. You can even eat these squash raw. Be sure to wash the outside of the squash before cutting though.
Does the squash get crispy in the air fryer?
While the zucchini and summer squash do get caramelized on the outside, they do not get crispy. A crispy coating would be achieved if you dredged the zucchini and squash in a batter before cooking, but otherwise they will be mostly soft but incredibly flavorful.
