This Air Fryer Zucchini and Squash recipe is an easy and healthy side dish that's perfect for any weeknight dinner.
Air Fryer Zucchini and Squash is a simple yet delicious side dish that you can enjoy any time of year. But we personally especially enjoy making this easy recipe in late summer/early fall, when we have an abundance of zucchini in the garden.
We love to make Vegan Zucchini Muffins and Zucchini Mushroom Pasta as a way of using up our zucchini. But this Air Fryer Zucchini and Squash recipe is a game changer that is perfect for any busy weeknight meal.
The air frying method ensures a crispy, flavorful result with minimal effort. Whether you’re serving it alongside your favorite main course or enjoying it as a snack, this dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen, too!
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🌟 Why air frying is great for zucchini and squash
Air frying is a popular cooking method, and if you've been following this blog, you know we love our air fryer recipes!
Here’s why air frying is perfect for zucchini and squash:
- Healthier option - With little to no oil required, air frying allows you to enjoy a delicious side dish with fewer calories and less fat compared to traditional cooking methods like deep frying.
- Crispy texture - Zucchini and squash have a high water content. This can make them soggy when cooked with traditional methods. Air frying helps to reduce moisture and creates a perfectly crisp outer layer.
- Quick and easy - Air frying is faster than baking or sautéing, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights. The zucchini and squash require minimal prep time and short cooking time. And they still retain their vibrant color and fresh flavor.
🛒 Ingredient notes
Another great thing you'll love about this air fryer recipe? It only requires a few ingredients you can pick up at your local farmer's market or grocery store.
- Zucchini - You'll need one fresh zucchini, sliced into half moons.
- Yellow squash - You'll also need one yellow summer squash sliced into half moon slices.
- Olive oil - You only need a little bit of extra virgin olive oil to help prevent the veggies from sticking to the air fryer, and helping them crisp up. You could also use avocado oil or grapeseed oil instead.
- Italian seasoning - If you don't have or can't find Italian seasoning, use equal amounts of dried basil, oregano, and thyme.
- Garlic powder - I prefer to use a teaspoon garlic powder instead of fresh garlic in most air frying recipes. Fresh garlic has a tendency to burn and become bitter in many air fryer recipes. You can also add ½ teaspoon of onion powder if you like.
- Salt and pepper - Use kosher salt and ground black pepper to season to taste.
Optional: add a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese before air frying. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley before serving.
✅ Step-by-step instructions
- Slice the zucchini and squash and place them in a large bowl.
- Add the olive oil and toss to coat.
- Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
3B. Toss to coat.
4A. Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper. Place seasoned vegetable slices on top in a single layer.
4B. You will probably need to either work in batches and/or use a rack to air fry two layers at once.
5A. Air fry at 400°F for 8 minutes.
5B. You may need to air fry for anywhere from 2-4 minutes longer, depending on your air fryer and also how crisp you prefer the zucchini and squash to be.
👩🏻🍳 Air frying tips and recipe FAQs
Peeling is optional. The skin adds texture and nutrients, so many people prefer to leave it on. Just be sure to wash the vegetables thoroughly before slicing.
Ensure the slices are evenly coated with oil and not overcrowded in the air fryer basket. Cooking in a single layer allows the hot air to circulate freely, ensuring a crispy result.
Reheat leftovers in a single layer in the air fryer at 375°F for 2-3 minutes, just until they are heated through. Watch them carefully so they don't burn.
Allow the veggies to cool, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
🍽 Serving ideas
These air fried summer squash are a delicious side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Here are a few serving ideas:
- With grilled meats - Serve alongside grilled chicken, grilled bratwurst, or grilled salmon for a light and healthy meal.
- In grain bowls - Add teriyaki salmon bowls or chicken rice bowls with other vegetables, a protein source, and a drizzle of your favorite sauce.
- As a snack - Enjoy these crispy veggies as a guilt-free snack, perhaps with a side of Vegan Tzatziki Sauce or a Dairy-Free Spinach Dip.
- Topped on salads - Toss them into a fresh green salad like this Arugula and Quinoa Salad for an added crunch.
🍷 🥂 Wine pairings
If you're enjoying a wine with air fryer squash and zucchini, I suggest these two dry white wines as the perfect pairing:
- Sauvignon Blanc - This wine is known for its bright acidity and refreshing citrus notes, which complement the light, fresh flavors of zucchini and squash. Its crispness cuts through the slight oiliness of the air-fried vegetables, enhancing the overall dish.
- Chenin Blanc - Chenin Blanc offers a versatile profile, with a balance of acidity and subtle fruitiness that pairs well with the delicate flavors of zucchini and squash. Whether it's a dry or slightly off-dry version, Chenin Blanc provides a refreshing contrast that highlights the natural sweetness of the vegetables.
🍳 Kitchen tools and equipment
Ready to make this recipe? Here are the kitchen tools and equipment you'll need:
- Air fryer - You'll need a standard 6 or 8 quart air fryer or larger. I love my Ninja Foodi 8-quart XL Deluxe Air Fryer and our Ninja Foodi Dual Zone 10-quart Air Fryer.
- Parchment paper - I prefer to line my air fryer baskets and racks with parchment paper to help keep the vegetables from sticking to the basket and racks.
- Air fryer rack - You may find an air fryer rack helpful in cooking two layers of food at once. Just be sure to buy a rack that fits your specific air fryer.
More air fryer recipes
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Air Fryer Zucchini and Squash
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 zucchini, sliced into half-moon slices.
- 1 yellow squash, sliced into half-moon slices.
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 Tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- In a large bowl, add the sliced zucchini and yellow squash.
- Add the olive oil and all seasonings to the bowl.
- Toss the vegetables to coat them well in the olive oil and seasonings.
- Line an air fryer basket with parchment paper or spray with cooking oil.
- Place seasoned zucchini and squash slices in a single layer on the air fryer basket. You may need to work in batches, and/or use a rack to cook a second layer at the same time.
- Air fry at 400°F for 8 minutes, or until the vegetables have reached your preferred level of crispness.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is a general estimate. Actual nutrition details may vary depending on the exact foods & brands you use to make this recipe. It does not take into account any substitutions, toppings, or optional ingredients.
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