Roasted Zucchini Air Fryer

If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful way to use up zucchini, this air fryer roasted zucchini is the recipe you need. It’s ready in under 15 minutes, made with simple pantry spices, and pairs well with just about any meal. No breading, no fuss; just perfectly seasoned, crisp-tender zucchini every time.

I first came up with this recipe during a summer zucchini explosion. We didn’t have a grill, and I didn’t want to turn on the oven, plus, I was getting tired the same skillet zucchini I had been making on repeat. I needed something quick and easy that actually tasted good. Little did I know this would become my all time favorite way to cook zucchini, and now I make it year round.

Roasted zucchini in an air fryer basket, beige striped napkin on the side.

If you are like me and everything gets cooked in the air fryer in the summer, be sure to also try this air fryer zucchini and squash recipe or air fryer roma tomatoes.

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A note on the zucchini

Use small or medium sized zucchini for the best flavor and texture. Larger zucchinis tend to hold more water, have a spongier texture and can be less sweet.

Ingredients to make air fryer roasted zucchini on a marble countertop.

How to make roasted zucchini in the air fryer

Start by cutting the top and bottom off the zucchini. Then cut the zucchini in half lengthwise (making 2 half moon shaped logs. Cut each half in half again lengthwise, creating 4 spears.

Cut the zucchini spears down into 1-inch pieces. Toss the zucchini in a bowl.

Zucchini cut in half then into cubes on a wood cutting board.

Drizzle the olive oil and sprinkle the spices over top of the zucchini and stir well.

White bowl filled with cubed zucchini with spices on top.

Put zucchini in air fryer basket and cook at 400F for 12 minutes. Pause and shake the basket 2-3 times during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

Before and after roasting zucchini in the air fryer.

Serve hot, the roasted zucchini is best right out of the air fryer.

Top tips

  • Cut the zucchini into similar size pieces to ensure everything gets cooked evenly.
  • Place a parchment paper or silicone liner in the air fryer basket for easy clean up.
  • Change these to pair perfectly with any meal, check out the flavor variations below!
Pink plate filled with air fryer roasted zucchini.

Other spice combinations

To change up the flavor, simply replace the dried thyme in the recipe with one of the options below:

  • Cajun: 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
  • Taco: 1 tsp taco seasoning
  • Italian: 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Everything Bagel: 1 tbsp everything bagel seasoning (also reduce the salt and garlic powder by half)
  • Spicy: Add 1/8 to 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (no other changes needed)
  • Greek: 1 tsp Italian seasoning + 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • Herbs de Provence: 1 tsp herbs de Provence (add to existing spices)
  • Curry: 1/2 tsp curry powder + 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • Smoky: 1/2 tsp smoked paprika + 1/2 tsp ground cumin
★ Did you make this recipe? Please give it a star rating below!
Roasted zucchini in the air fryer.

Air Fryer Zucchini Recipe

Quick, flavorful, and made with simple ingredients, this air fryer zucchini is guaranteed to become your new go to veggie side dish. Ready in under 15 minutes, it's the perfect last minute addition to any meal. The best part, it turns out perfectly every time!
5 from 3 votes
Print Pin Save Rate
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: air fryer roasted zucchini, air fryer zucchini, roasted zucchini air fryer
Prep Time: 1 minute
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 13 minutes
Servings: 2

Guided Recipe Video

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Cut zucchini into 1 inch pieces. Cut the top and bottom off the zucchini. Cut the zucchini in half lengthwise, then in half again (4 long strips). Cut the strips down into 1 inch pieces.
    2 medium zucchini
    Zucchini cut in half then into cubes on a wood cutting board.
  • Add zucchini to a bowl and add olive oil and spices. Stir well.
    1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon sea salt, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon dried thyme
    White bowl filled with cubed zucchini with spices on top.
  • Add zucchini to air fryer basket and turn on 400F for 12 minutes. Pause the air fryer during the last 5 minutes to shake the basket 2-3 times. Serve hot.
    Before and after roasting zucchini in the air fryer.

Equipment

Notes

Tips for success

  • Place a parchment paper or silicone liner in the air fryer basket for easy clean up.
  • The zucchini can slightly overlap in the basket just be sure to shake the basket 2-3 times during cooking.
  • Exact cooking time will vary. The fuller the basket, the longer the cooking time. Start checking the zucchini around 10 minutes.

Storing leftovers

Store leftover zucchini in the fridge for up to 4 days. For best texture, reheat in the air fryer at 360°F for 4–5 minutes or in a skillet with a little oil. 

Nutrition Information

Nutrition Facts
Amount per Serving
Calories
98
Fat
 
8
g
Carbohydrates
 
7
g
Fiber
 
2
g
Sugar
 
5
g
Protein
 
3
g
Where does nutrition info come from? Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy, sourced from the USDA Food Database.
DID YOU LOVE THIS RECIPE?Let others know by rating and leaving a comment below!

Ways to serve air fryer zucchini

Common questions

Do I need to peel zucchini before cooking?

No, the skin is full of fiber and nutrients. However, be sure to wash the outside to remove any dirt before cutting the zucchini.

Air fryer basket filled with roasted zucchini.

Can I make this with yellow summer squash?

Yes, you can either add yellow summer squash or replace the zucchini with summer squash as they cook up very similarly.

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8 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    I am looking for more ways to use my air fryer and this recipe is a keeper! I used 1 zucchini and 1/2 onion along with the spices as the recipe suggested. 12 minutes was perfect.

    1. Yum I love the addition of the onion!! Glad this one is a keeper, it’s one of my go-to recipes of the summer! I truly appreciate you coming to leave a review. Happy cooking!

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