Air Fryer Zucchini and Squash: The Ultimate Guide to a Crispy, Healthy Side Dish

This Air Fryer Zucchini and Squash recipe is an incredibly easy and healthy side dish, perfect for complementing any weeknight dinner. Enjoy the delicious flavors and textures of summer vegetables with minimal effort!

Air Fryer Zucchini and Squash is a simple yet delicious side dish that’s suitable for any time of the year. We especially love making this recipe during late summer and early fall, when gardens are overflowing with fresh zucchini and squash. Its simplicity and health benefits make it a top choice for quick and satisfying meals.

While we also enjoy creating dishes like Vegan Zucchini Muffins and Zucchini Mushroom Pasta to utilize our garden harvests, this Air Fryer Zucchini and Squash recipe truly stands out as a game changer. It’s an ideal option for busy weeknight meals when time is of the essence, but you still crave a nutritious and flavorful accompaniment.

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! The versatility of this recipe makes it a winner for various occasions and palates.

Why Air Frying is the Best Way to Cook Zucchini and Squash

Air frying has become a very popular cooking method, and if you’ve been following food trends, you’ll know that we love our air fryer recipes! The convenience and health benefits of air frying make it an attractive alternative to traditional methods. 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 or pan-frying. This makes it a great choice for those watching their calorie intake or fat consumption.
• Crispy Texture: Zucchini and squash have a high water content, which can make them soggy when cooked with traditional methods. Air frying helps to reduce moisture and creates a perfectly crisp outer layer while keeping the inside tender. The rapid air circulation ensures even cooking and browning.
• 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 a short cooking time. This quick turnaround allows for more time to focus on other aspects of meal preparation or simply unwind after a long day.
• Retains Vibrant Color and Fresh Flavor: Air frying helps the zucchini and squash retain their vibrant color and fresh flavor. The quick cooking time prevents the vegetables from becoming dull or losing their natural taste.

Ingredient Notes for the Best Air Fryer Zucchini and Squash

Another great thing you’ll love about this air fryer recipe? It only requires a few simple ingredients that you can easily pick up at your local farmer’s market or grocery store. The accessibility of these ingredients makes this recipe a go-to for a quick and convenient side dish.

• Zucchini: You’ll need one fresh zucchini, sliced into half-moons. Choose a zucchini that is firm and has smooth skin.
• Yellow Squash: You’ll also need one yellow summer squash, sliced into half-moons. Like zucchini, select a squash that is firm and free from blemishes.
• 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 to help them crisp up. The olive oil also adds a subtle richness to the dish. You could also use avocado oil or grapeseed oil instead, depending on your preference.
• Italian Seasoning: If you don’t have or can’t find Italian seasoning, you can easily make your own blend by using equal amounts of dried basil, oregano, and thyme. This seasoning blend adds an aromatic and savory flavor to the vegetables.
• Garlic Powder: I prefer to use a teaspoon of 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. Garlic powder provides a consistent and mellow garlic flavor without the risk of burning. You can also add 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder if you like, which complements the garlic and adds depth to the flavor profile.
• Salt and Pepper: Use kosher salt and ground black pepper to season to taste. Adjust the amount of salt and pepper to your liking to enhance the natural flavors of the vegetables.

Optional: For added flavor, sprinkle a bit of grated Parmesan cheese over the zucchini and squash before air frying. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley before serving for a pop of color and freshness.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Air Fryer Zucchini and Squash

Follow these simple steps to achieve perfectly air-fried zucchini and squash every time!

1. Slice the zucchini and squash into half-moons and place them in a large bowl. Aim for uniform slices to ensure even cooking.
2. Add the olive oil and toss to coat. Make sure all the slices are lightly coated with oil for optimal crispiness.
3. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Toss to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.

Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or spray it with cooking oil to prevent sticking. Place the seasoned vegetable slices on top in a single layer. This prevents overcrowding and ensures even cooking.

You will likely need to work in batches and/or use a rack to air fry two layers at once. Overcrowding the air fryer can result in steamed, rather than crispy, vegetables.

Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8 minutes.

You may need to air fry for anywhere from 2-4 minutes longer, depending on your air fryer model and also how crisp you prefer the zucchini and squash to be. Keep a close eye on the vegetables during the last few minutes to prevent burning. Regularly shake the basket to ensure even cooking.

Air Frying Tips and Recipe FAQs

Serving Ideas for Air Fryer Zucchini and Squash

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 to inspire your next meal:

• With Grilled Meats: Serve alongside grilled chicken, grilled bratwurst, or grilled salmon for a light and healthy meal. The crispy vegetables complement the smoky flavors of the grilled meats.
• In Grain Bowls: Add the air-fried vegetables to teriyaki salmon bowls or chicken rice bowls with other vegetables, a protein source, and a drizzle of your favorite sauce. This adds texture and nutrients to your grain bowls.
• 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. This is a great way to satisfy cravings without compromising on health.
• Topped on Salads: Toss them into a fresh green salad like an Arugula and Quinoa Salad for an added crunch. The warm, crispy vegetables provide a delightful contrast to the cool, crisp greens.

Wine Pairings for Air Fryer Zucchini and Squash

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 You’ll Need

Ready to make this recipe? Here are the kitchen tools and equipment you’ll need to get started:

• Air Fryer: You’ll need a standard 6 or 8 quart air fryer or larger. A larger air fryer provides more space for even cooking.
• Parchment Paper: I prefer to line my air fryer baskets and racks with parchment paper to help keep the vegetables from sticking. This also makes cleanup easier.
• Air Fryer Rack: You may find an air fryer rack helpful in cooking two layers of food at once, especially if you have a smaller air fryer. Just be sure to buy a rack that fits your specific air fryer model.

More Delicious Air Fryer Recipes to Try

Looking for more air fryer inspiration? Try these other fantastic recipes:

• Air Fryer Zucchini and Squash
• Butternut Squash Dip with Roasted Garlic
• Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
• Air Fryer Cookies

Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to leave a 5-Star rating in the recipe card, and if you really loved it, please leave a comment further down on the page. Thank you!

Air Fryer Zucchini and Squash Recipe

Air Fryer Zucchini and Squash

This is an easy and fast side dish that pairs well with almost any meal and can be made quickly.

Equipment

• 1 Air Fryer

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 (200°C) for 8 minutes, or until the vegetables have reached your preferred level of crispness.

Notes

Makes approximately 4 side dish servings.

Storage: Allow the veggies to cool down, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 or 3 days. After that, they will get soggy.

Nutrition

Calories: 53kcal, Carbohydrates: 5g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 4g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g, Monounsaturated Fat: 3g, Sodium: 296mg, Potassium: 283mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 2g, Vitamin A: 218IU, Vitamin C: 17mg, Calcium: 37mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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