Zucchini in the air fryer is a delicious way to enjoy the fresh summer veggie. The air fryer allows you to create crispy chips and fries that are perfect for dipping and sharing with your family and friends. Our easy, quick recipe makes the perfect snack or side dish that you can enjoy or serve any time!
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Air fryer Zucchini
Our air fryer zucchini is simply the best! And no, we are not just saying that. Here’s why.
First, we offer two methods to cook it. Do you like chips? Use this recipe to create chips perfect for dipping into your favorite sauces. Or do you prefer fries? No problem! You can make strips and then dip those fries into your favorite sauces.
Of course, if you love just plain, healthy zucchini, this recipe works great too! It uses a bit of salt, pepper, and garlic powder to create a flavor that is simple but delicious.
And, our version is naturally low carb and gluten free! You won’t find any flour or breadcrumbs in the ingredients list. But they will still be crispy and satisfying.
Also, our zucchini is really easy and fast to make. It is the perfect addition to your next afternoon snack, a great appetizer for a get together, or a great excuse to use up some of that extra sauce from last night’s dinner. The possibilities are endless!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Zucchini
When you pick out the zucchini, you should look for smallish to large sizes. In generally, the bigger the zucchini, the less flavor it will have and the more bitter it can take. Your best bet is to stay away from the super-sized zucchini and opt for a smaller one with smooth skin.
For this recipe, you’ll need:
- Zucchini - We look for small-medium sized zucchini, but not super big.
- Olive oil - You could use cooking oil spray instead
- Seasonings - We use simple seasonings including pepper, garlic powder, and salt.
- Lemon - Adds a hint of freshness.
Air Fryer Zucchini Video
How to make Zucchini in Air Fryer in 5 easy steps
- First, wash and cut the zucchini either into 1/8” thick slices or lengthwise into 1 inch strips. Both methods work fine. But if you want to dip into a chunkier sauce, we recommend making them into chips. Both can dip well into a smooth sauce.
- In a large bowl, add the zucchini, oil, salt, and pepper and then mix well.
- Once the zucchini is ready, preheat the air fryer to 400F or 200C.
- Carefully transfer the zucchini into the air fryer basket and then air fry the zucchini for a total of 8 to 10 minutes.
- If you make them into strips, they will take a bit longer. They should be browned and slightly crispy on the outside when done.
- Once cooked carefully, remove the zucchini and place them in a bowl to sprinkle it with a freshly squeezed lemon juice. Serve with your favorite dips and sauces.
Air Fryer Brand Recommendations
If you don’t have an air fryer, we definitely recommend you getting one as soon as you can. There are three top contenders for air fryers, in our books. They include:
- Ninja Air Fryers - Ninja is a top brand known for making high quality kitchen appliances such as blenders, coffee makers, air fryers, and pressure cookers.
- Instant Pot Air Fryers - Instant Pot has stand-alone air fryers, and of course, some of their Instant Pot pressure cookers with added tops that allow you to air fry your food.
- Philips Air Fryers - Philips Air Fryers is a heavy duty air fryer that claims to cook 1.5 faster than an oven and drains more fat than other air fryers with its fat removal technology
If you are short on space, you could opt for a combination pressure cooker and air fryer. Both Instant Pot and Ninja create models that allow you to switch between the two types of cooking methods.
Another consideration for air fryers is space inside. Many air fryers are smaller in size and need a lot more batches of food preparation. If you have a large family, you may want to consider a large sized version that can fit more per batch.
Can I bake this recipe in the oven instead
Yes! You can definitely bake these chips in the oven. To do so, preheat your oven to 400 degrees and then place the zucchini in a single layer on a cookie sheet. You’ll want to cook them for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Can this recipe work on Air Fryer Zucchini Chips?
If you cut the zucchini into 1 inch wide chips, then you can eat them like a chip. So yes, you can definitely make them into chips in the air fryer if you like.
You could also cut them a bit thinner if you like them a bit crispier. Just watch the cook time because the thinner you make them, the less time they’ll need.
Can I make Air Fryer Zucchini fries?
Yes, to make the air fryer zucchini fries, follow the recipe and cut them into strips instead of chip shaped. Like the chips, you can cut them narrower for thinner, crispier fries or leave them thicker for more of a steak fry size and consistency.
What to serve with Air Fryer Zucchini?
We love air fryer zucchini fried and chips because I can enjoy the low-carb version as is while I can serve it with to my son with his favorite sauces and dips as a perfect healthy snack. It really just becomes a vessel to enjoy your other favorite flavors.
Sometimes we like to make them into chips and serve them alongside our air fryer apple chips, banana chips, potato wedges, or potato chips. Especially when hosting a party, it is great to give people a few options to choose from.
When you just make the air fryer zucchini fries or chips on their own, you could also try some of our favorite dips, like:
If you love making veggies in the air fryer, you should also try our broccoli and baked potatoes recipes. They offer another great excuse to use your favorite kitchen appliance (next to the Instant Pot of course!).
How to store Air Fryer Zucchini Fries or Chips?
Once the chips or fries have cooled, place them in an airtight container. We find they last longer if you store them in the fridge for about 4 to 5 days. Though you can freeze them, we generally recommend avoiding the freezer because they will become softer and taste less fresh.
How to reheat Air Fryer Zucchini Chips or Fries?
If you have left overs or make them ahead, you can easily reheat them in the oven set to 350 F for about 5 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, you could place them in the air fryer again set at 350 for about 1 to 2 minutes or until warmed through.
Pro tips and tricks to make the best Air Fryer Zucchini Chips or Fries
To make the best Air Fryer Zucchini chips or fries, follow these tips and tricks to help get you started:
- Make sure to leave space between the chips or fries to ensure air can flow around them.
- Be sure to flip or toss halfway through the cook time.
- If you don’t use olive oil, spray the outsides with cooking spray or another oil to help them crisp up.
- For added crunch, you can either toss with a few bread crumbs or cut the pieces into thinner portions.
- If you use frozen zucchini, the cook times will vary. Also, the results will likely vary a bit with them being softer and a bit wetter.
- You don’t have to follow our cutting guidelines exactly, but do make sure they are as even as possible to avoid overcooking some and under-cooking others. Also, adjust cook time for larger or smaller slices.
How to make these healthy, low carb and without oil
Our zucchini chips and fries are a healthy way to enjoy zucchini. We don’t include any flour or breadcrumbs in our recipe, but they still get a crisper outside.
When you use the air fryer, you still should use a light spritz of oil. This helps ensure that the outside crisps up. But the amount you use is far less than other cooking methods and much, much less than using a deep fryer.
If you want to avoid oil altogether, we recommend using a non-stick cooking spray. Just spritz the outside of the chips or fries to coat them evenly. You’ll get similar results to tossing them with a bit of olive oil.
Let us know what you think
If you make this delicious Air fryer zucchini recipe, let us know how it went! When you make this, be sure to take a pic and tag us on Instagram @dbellyrulesdmind or Facebook @thebellyrulesthemind!
More Air Fryer Recipes that you might like to try
- Baked Potatoes
- Crispy Gobi Manchurian
- Cauliflower Steaks
- Cauliflower Wings
- Onion Rings
- Olive Garden Bread Sticks
Zucchini in Air Fryer Recipe
Zucchini in Air Fryer
Zucchini in the air fryer is a delicious way to enjoy the fresh summer veggie. The air fryer allows you to create crispy chips and fries that are perfect for dipping and sharing with your family and friends. Our easy, quick recipe makes the perfect snack or side dish that you can enjoy or serve any time!
Ingredients
- • Zucchini 3 small to medium
- • 2 tablespoon olive oil or cooking oil spray
- • Pepper ¼ tsp
- • Garlic powder ¼ tsp
- • Salt ¼ tsp
- • ½ lemon
Instructions
- First, wash and cut the zucchini either into 1/8” thick slices or lengthwise into 1 inch strips. Both methods work fine. But if you want to dip into a chunkier sauce, we recommend making them into chips. Both can dip well into a smooth sauce.
- In a large bowl, add the zucchini, oil, salt, and pepper and then mix well.
- Once the zucchini is ready, preheat the air fryer to 400F or 200C.
- Carefully transfer the zucchini into the air fryer basket and then air fry the zucchini for a total of 8 to 10 minutes.
- If you make them into strips, they will take a bit longer. They should be browned and slightly crispy on the outside when done.
- Once cooked carefully, remove the zucchini and place them in a bowl to sprinkle it with a freshly squeezed lemon juice. Serve with your favorite dips and sauces.
Notes
- Make sure to leave space between the chips or fries to ensure air can flow around them.
- Be sure to flip or toss halfway through the cook time.
- If you don’t use olive oil, spray the outsides with cooking spray or another oil to help them crisp up.
- For added crunch, you can either toss with a few bread crumbs or cut the pieces into thinner portions.
- If you use frozen zucchini, the cook times will vary. Also, the results will likely vary a bit with them being softer and a bit wetter.
- You don’t have to follow our cutting guidelines exactly, but do make sure they are as even as possible to avoid overcooking some and under-cooking others. Also, adjust cook time for larger or smaller slices.
Recommended Products
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Philips TurboStar Airfryer XXL, with Fat Removal Technology -
Mealthy CrispLid for Pressure Cooker - Turns your Pressure Cooker into an Air Fryer - Air fry, Crisp or Broil fits 6 & 8 Q Pot Basket, Trivet, Silicone Mat, Tongs plus Instant access Free Recipe App -
GoWISE USA 1700-Watt 5.8-QT 8-in-1 Digital Air Fryer and 50 Recipes for your Air Fryer Book (Black) -
Gourmia GAF400 Electric Multipurpose Classic Rapid Air Fryer with Dual Dial Timer & Temperature Controls, 10 Cup/4.5 Qt. Capacity, 1230W, Black -
Instant™ Vortex™ 6-Quart 4-in-1 Air Fryer with Roast, Broil, Bake, and Reheat functions
Nutrition Information
Yield 2 Serving Size 1Amount Per Serving Calories 231Total Fat 22gSaturated Fat 3gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 7gCholesterol 0mgSodium 78mgCarbohydrates 7gFiber 3gSugar 5gProtein 3g
All information and tools presented and written within this site are intended for informational purposes only. We are not a certified nutritionist and any nutritional information on TheBellyRulesTheMind.net should only be used as a general guideline. This information is provided as a courtesy and there is no guarantee that the information will be completely accurate. Even though we try to provide accurate nutritional information to the best of our ability, these figures should still be considered estimates.