I love making air fryer squash and zucchini because it’s such a quick and easy way to enjoy a healthy veggie dish. With just a few simple ingredients, I can whip up something delicious that my whole family can enjoy.
Addresses soggy zucchini from excess moisture, uneven browning in the air fryer, crumbly coating, and oil splatter by patting dry, spaced placement, and improved coating.
Sometimes, I struggle with getting my zucchini just right without it getting all soggy. This recipe helps solve that problem! By using the roll cut technique, the pieces cook evenly and stay nice and crispy. Plus, it fits perfectly into my eating routine.
What I really appreciate is that this dish takes only 20 minutes from start to finish. Prep is just 10 minutes and the cooking time is under 10 minutes. It’s an easy side dish that works great with almost any meal.
If you want something a little more special, try baking some Air Fryer Zucchini Fries to go alongside these veggies!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Crunchy Texture : Thanks to the roll cut technique, you get a delightful crunch with each bite, making this dish a fantastic alternative to soggy preparations.
- Savory Flavor : The combination of garlic, herbs, and Parmesan creates a savory profile that really amps up the veggies, making them a tasty side dish or snack.
- Quick & Easy : With just 10 minutes of prep and another 10 for cooking, you can whip this up in no time, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Storage Friendly : Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. They taste great cold or can be easily reheated for a quick snack later.
Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini and Squash
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cool Time: 0 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Method: Air Frying
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A quick and easy air fryer recipe for squash and zucchini that is gluten-free and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- 17 oz. (480g) zucchini, 2 medium
- 10 oz. (280g) yellow squash, 1 medium
- 1.5 tbsp (22.5ml) olive oil
- 0.5 tsp (2.5g) coarse sea salt
- 0.5 tsp (2.5g) garlic powder
- 0.5 tsp (2.5g) ground black pepper
- 0.25 tsp (1.25g) dried basil
- 0.25 tsp (1.25g) red pepper flakes
- 4 tbsp (30g) grated parmesan cheese, divided
- (Optional) onion powder, to taste
- (Optional) fresh herbs like thyme or oregano, to taste
- (Optional) smoked paprika, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Start by preheating your air fryer so it is nice and hot when you add the veggies. You will know it is ready when you hear that gentle whirring noise. Skipping this step might leave some of your squash and zucchini a bit soggy.
- Toss with Oil & Seasoning: Take the cut vegetables and give them a good toss with olive oil and your favorite seasonings. As you do this, you will notice the oil coating the veggies, making the flavors pop. Forgetting this step means they might dry out or not taste as flavorful.
- Add to Air Fryer Basket: Carefully place the seasoned veggies in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd it. You want them to sit in a single layer for even cooking. If you pack them too tightly, some might end up mushy instead of crunchy.
- Cook & Shake It Up: Air fry the zucchini and squash for 10 minutes, giving the basket a shake halfway through. The smell will be heavenly! This allows for even cooking; missing this could lead to unevenly cooked veggies.
- Check for Doneness: At the end of cooking, peek inside to see if they are tender and slightly crispy. You will want them to have a beautiful golden-brown color. Overcooking can turn them mushy, so it is worth checking early if you are unsure.
- Serve & Enjoy: Scoop the cooked veggies onto a plate and dig right in! They will be warm and beautifully seasoned. Waiting too long to serve might cause them to lose that perfect texture, so enjoy while they are fresh!
Notes
- Storage Tips: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Can be eaten cold or reheated.
- Expert Tips: If sogginess is a problem, cutting the zucchini and squash into uniform pieces helps them cook evenly and retain crispness.
- When using cheese, toss the vegetables with both oil and parmesan before air frying to encourage better adhesion of cheese.
- If you find your zucchini cooks unevenly, preheating the air fryer will help achieve consistent results throughout the basket.
- For maximum texture, avoid overcrowding the basket; keeping space around the vegetables allows hot air to circulate properly.
- If it seems undercooked, checking the veggies a couple of minutes before the suggested time helps catch them at the perfect doneness.
- Reheating Instructions: Reheat in the air fryer at 375 degrees F for about 5 minutes or until warmed through.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with grilled chicken or shrimp for a complete meal. Serve alongside a fresh salad for a light lunch. Enjoy cold as part of a healthy picnic spread.
- Recipe Variations: For a vegan option, substitute parmesan cheese with vegan cashew parmesan cheese. You can use avocado oil instead of olive oil for a different flavor. Add onion powder for an extra layer of flavor, and mix in fresh herbs like thyme or oregano.
- Ingredient Notes: When selecting squash, look for firm, unblemished skin, and feel slightly heavy for their size. Substitute options: use avocado oil for olive oil. Ensure all vegetables are fresh for the best flavor and texture.
Nutrition
- Calories: 102
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 392mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 4mg
Recipe Tips
- If sogginess is a problem, cutting the zucchini and squash into uniform pieces helps them cook evenly and retain crispness.
- When using cheese, tossing the vegetables with both oil and parmesan before air frying encourages better adhesion of cheese.
- If you find your zucchini cooks unevenly, preheating the air fryer will help achieve consistent results throughout the basket.
- For maximum texture, avoid overcrowding the basket; keeping space around the vegetables allows hot air to circulate properly.
- If it seems undercooked, checking the veggies a couple of minutes before the suggested time helps catch them at the perfect doneness.
Serving Suggestions
Pair the crispy air fryer zucchini and squash with grilled chicken or shrimp for a satisfying meal. Serve alongside a fresh salad for a light lunch option that complements the vegetables.
These zucchini and squash can also feature in various recipes like wraps, grain bowls, or mixed vegetable sides. Enjoy them cold as part of a healthy picnic spread or at a summer barbecue.
Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for extra flavor. A squeeze of lemon juice brightens the dish and enhances the savory notes.
Recipe variations
- You can use 17 oz. of eggplant instead of zucchini for a different texture and taste.
- Add 1 tsp of onion powder for an extra layer of flavor in your dish.
- Either mix in fresh herbs like thyme or oregano for added freshness or sprinkle with 1 tsp of smoked paprika for a smoky kick.
- If making a larger batch, consider using 34 oz. of zucchini and 20 oz. of yellow squash to scale up the recipe.
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How to Store?
To keep your crispy air fryer zucchini and squash fresh, follow these storage tips:
Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer or microwave.
Freezing: Place in a freezer-safe bag, removing excess air, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Room Temperature: For short-term storage, keep covered at room temperature for up to 2 hours. Consume promptly for safety.
Other Recipes You’ll Love
- Blooming Onion Recipe Air Fryer
- Air Fryer Tortilla Chips
- Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
- Air Fryer Asparagus
If you enjoyed this air fryer squash and zucchini or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. I appreciate taking time to read about this recipe, thank you!
