For my part, there’s really no comparability in the case of fragrant in-season zucchini and wrapped-in-plastic low season zucchini. The earthy aroma is considered one of my favourite traits of contemporary zucchini… the subsequent time you decide one up that’s tremendous contemporary, give it a sniff! They odor like summer season, and I can’t get sufficient of it. Nonetheless, I can’t deny that probably the greatest issues about zucchini is we are able to get it year-round for an honest value. So whether or not you’re making this tremendous simple (and quick!) Air Fryer Zucchini within the warmth of {the summertime} or the depths of a harsh winter, it’s an gratifying and wholesome aspect dish it doesn’t matter what.


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Simple Recipe for Air Fryer Zucchini
Every time I make zucchini within the air fryer, I goal for that steadiness of crisp on the skin and deliciously juicy on the within. I favor to make use of small zucchini (bigger ones will be further watery, so be sure to take away the seeds if yours are on the larger aspect!), and I wait till simply earlier than cooking so as to add salt. That means, the salt doesn’t draw out moisture too early, making the zucchini soggy. I additionally add a fast coating of garlic powder, mayo, and Dijon to assist the breadcrumbs and Parmesan stick, which crisps up within the air fryer and provides huge taste with out a ton of effort. Not dangerous for a handful of pantry staples and some zucchini!
Air Fryer Zucchini


- 3 zucchini (small, (1.5 lbs whole) $3.04*)
- ½ tsp garlic powder ($0.05)
- 1 Tbsp mayonnaise ($0.05)
- ½ tsp Dijon mustard ($0.01)
- 2 Tbsp panko breadcrumbs ($0.22)
- 1 Tbsp Parmesan cheese (grated, $0.67)
- ¼ tsp salt ($0.01)
- ¼ tsp black pepper (floor, $0.02)
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Collect elements and preheat the air fryer to 400℉.
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Wash and lower zucchini into 3” lengthy spears, leaving the pores and skin on.
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Mix garlic powder, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard.
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Brush garlic mayo mustard combination on all sides of every zucchini spear.
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Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs and grated parmesan evenly throughout all items of zucchini.
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Season with salt and pepper.
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Place the zucchini in a single layer within the air fryer basket and air fry every batch for 10 minutes at 400 levels, stopping midway by to softly shake. Repeat with any remaining zucchini spears, and serve!
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*Should you’re utilizing massive zucchinis with plenty of seeds, scrape out the seeds in Step 2.
Serving: 1servingEnergy: 80kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 3gFats: 4gSodium: 247mgFiber: 2g
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tips on how to make Air Fryer Zucchini step-by-step pictures


Collect all your elements and preheat your air fryer to 400°F.


Reduce the zucchini: Wash and dry 3 small zucchini nicely. Slice the zucchini into 3” lengthy spears, leaving the pores and skin on. Should you’re utilizing massive zucchini with plenty of seeds, I like to recommend scraping out the seeds earlier than persevering with with the recipe.


Make the garlic mayo mustard: Add ½ tsp garlic powder, 1 Tbsp mayonnaise, and ½ tsp Dijon mustard to a small bowl. Combine nicely to mix.


Brush the seasoned mayonnaise and mustard combination on all sides of the zucchini spears.


Now evenly sprinkle all sides of the zucchini with 2 Tbsp panko breadcrumbs and 1 Tbsp grated parmesan.


Season the zucchini with ¼ tsp salt and ¼ tsp black pepper.


Air fry: Organize the zucchini spears in a single layer in your air fryer basket. It’s possible you’ll have to work in batches relying on the dimensions of your air fryer.


Air fry every batch for 10 minutes at 400°F, shaking gently midway by. Repeat with any remaining zucchini spears, then serve and revel in!


- After you wash the zucchini, be sure to dry it actually nicely. Zucchini is round 90% water, so any further moisture hanging round can result in soggy spears as an alternative of crispy ones! It’ll additionally make it more durable for the garlic mayo mustard to stay in the event that they’re nonetheless moist from washing.
- Cook dinner in batches. Overcrowding your air fryer basket with the zucchini could make them steam as an alternative of air fry (one other widespread reason behind soggy air-fried zucchini!). I lay my spears in a single layer and cook dinner in batches relying on the dimensions of the air fryer basket.
- Take away the seeds from the bigger zucchini. The larger the zucchini, the extra possible it’s to have a spongy, seedy heart that holds lots of water. Scooping these out helps all the pieces cook dinner extra evenly and retains your spears from going mushy.
- Reduce them into rounds or quarters. I like a baked zucchini fry, however you actually can’t beat the comfort of an air fryer. I normally slice my zucchini into spears to make air-fried zucchini fries, however rounds or quarters work nice, too. Simply take into accout they’ll cook dinner sooner the thinner you slice them. Irrespective of the form, don’t overlook to shake the basket midway by so all the pieces crisps up evenly.
- Make them vegan or gluten-free. Attempt swapping the mayo for vegan mayo and the grated Parmesan for dietary yeast (or your favourite vegan parmesan different). This recipe also needs to work nicely with gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.
Serving Recommendations
I prefer to serve my air fried zucchini with one thing scrumptious to dip them in. Mayo, ketchup, remoulade sauce (see my shrimp po’boys for the recipe), or garlic aioli are my high decisions.
These zucchini additionally work nicely as a straightforward aspect dish while you don’t really feel like plain outdated boiled veggies! My cauliflower steaks with a aspect of stewed tomatoes and okra and air fryer zucchini would make a veggie-packed plate that’s hearty, summery, and colourful. You may also tuck the zucchini into wraps, serve it alongside a rooster membership sandwich, or a easy pasta dish like spaghetti aglio e olio.
Storage & Reheating
This recipe is finest served contemporary because the breading and zucchini will soften because it sits. Should you do have leftovers, retailer them as soon as cooled in an hermetic container within the fridge for as much as 2-3 days. Pop them again within the air fryer for a couple of minutes at 350°F to assist convey again a number of the crispiness earlier than serving.


