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.
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.
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.
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.
Drizzle the olive oil and sprinkle the spices over top of the zucchini and stir well.
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.
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!
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
Air Fryer Zucchini Recipe
Guided Recipe Video
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchini
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
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
- 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
- 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.
Equipment
Recipe 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
Nutrition Information
Ways to serve air fryer zucchini
- With your favorite dip: Try it with pesto, lemon herb tahini dressing or sriracha mayo
- As a side dish: Pairs well with chicken, burgers, tahini crusted salmon, or lentils and rice.
- In salads or grain bowls: Serve with yellow turmeric rice, black beans, and creamy lime tahini dressing for a flavorful bowl.
- For breakfast: Add alongside eggs for a quick, filling breakfast.
- Tossed into pasta: Great with your favorite creamy pasta recipe (my favorite is this lemon tahini pasta.
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.
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.
Excellent!
So glad you loved this zucchini Jodi! Thanks for coming to leave a review! happy cooking xo Sam
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.
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!
Added a bunch of unpeeled garlic cloves and OMG they were delicious rich sweet and amazing!
Ok I’m adding some unpeeled garlic cloves next time! Thank you for sharing that tip Rosie!
LOVED IT. THANK YOU PAT
This is one of my favorite ways to enjoy zucchini, so glad you loved it too!