This air fryer zucchini side dish will upgrade your meal in just 20 minutes! With the air fryer, you’ll get perfectly crispy zucchini on the outside while keeping it tender and flavorful on the inside. This quick and easy recipe guides you step by step to create a mouthwatering side that pairs with most any main.
Today, I'm thrilled to introduce a game-changer to your side dish rotation.
Air Fryer Zucchini is the perfect way to add a burst of flavor to your plate, and get your family eating more veggies.
Serve this air fryer zucchini with a simple main like Picanha Steak or Ninja Foodi Chicken Thighs. Round out your plate with Skillet Potatoes or Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad.
Ingredient Talk
I tested this with fresh lemon juice, and kept coming back to that, but if you don’t have lemons, a splash of red wine vinegar works too.
Look for small to medium zucchini. They cook more evenly and stay tender. Finish with Parmesan for a salty, nutty bite, or swap in Pecorino Romano for a sharper cheese.
Step by Step
For the full zucchini air fryer recipe with measurements, see the recipe card at the end of the post.
Once cooked, transfer the zucchini to a serving dish and sprinkle it generously with cheese.
Tips & Tricks
- Choose the right zucchini: Look for firm zucchini with smooth skin. Avoid ones that feel soft or have blemishes.
- Slice evenly: To ensure even cooking, slice the veggies into uniform thickness. This helps to achieve a consistent texture throughout.
- Arrange in a single layer: Place the zucchini slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and result in soggy zucchini, so cook in batches if necessary.
- Serve immediately: Air fryer zucchini is best enjoyed right after cooking. If you need to cook a bit before serving, you can keep them on a wire rack so they will stay as crisp and tender as possible.
- Experiment with seasonings: Feel free to get creative with seasonings. Add herbs like basil or thyme, or sprinkle some garlic powder or paprika for a different flavor profile.
- Pair with dipping sauce: Serve the air fryer zucchini with a tangy marinara sauce, homemade yogurt ranch dressing, or a garlic feta dip for an extra kick. (This is a great way to turn zucchini into a low carb snack!)
- Storage: Leftover zucchini will keep in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat leftovers in the oven or air fryer for best results.
Air Fryer Zucchini Side Dish
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 pound zucchini cut into half-moons
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
- Place the zucchini in the bowl and toss to coat.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400 ° F.
- Arrange the zucchini in the air fryer basket in a single layer, cooking in batches as necessary.
- Cook for 10 to 13 minutes or until tender and lightly browned.
- Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with the cheese.
Jeanie says
Looks yummy and easy. N the photo, it shows more than cheese on top? What else did you add?
Wendy Polisi says
It is crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat and color pop. Enjoy!
Jeanie says
Thank you. I'll certainly be making (and reviewing) them.