Prep: 5 Common Questions
Why is my air fryer zucchini soggy?
Soggy zucchini usually happens when there’s too much moisture! Make sure to pat the zucchini dry with a paper towel before air frying and avoid overcrowding the basket to let the air circulate properly.
How do I know when my zucchini is done?
The zucchini is ready when it’s golden brown and tender with slightly crispy edges. Give it a quick poke with a fork—it should be soft but not mushy!
Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini that’s easy to make and delicious! Made with the best seasoning mix, whole wheat bread crumbs, and a little bit of avocado oil, this recipe results in crispy perfection on the outside and tender zucchini on the inside. Serve it with a dipping sauce for next level air fryer zucchini that’s full of flavor and perfect as a side dish or healthy snack!
Whether you’re making this Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini recipe for a weeknight side dish, party food, or a healthy snack, one thing is for sure: it is SO. GOOD. And not to mention super easy to make. You’ll love how quickly this recipe comes together for a staple and favorite that everyone will love!
You’ll Also Love: Air Fryer Crispy Brussels Sprouts & Bacon
Air Fried Zucchini Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for making Air Fryer Zucchini that’s crispy and delicious!
Zucchini – Fresh zucchini is best! You can slice it, cube it, or even cut the zucchini into “fries”.
Avocado Oil – This type of oil is versatile and perfect for healthy recipes. Olive oil works great, too!
Bread Crumbs – Any type of bread crumbs will work! I toasted whole wheat bread and then crumbled it in a food processor, but you can also purchase bread crumbs (opens in a new tab) at the store. Panko bread crumbs work great as well!
Tip: Wanting to make this a low carb recipe? Simply omit the bread crumbs. Another option is to use a keto-friendly bread or almond flour instead (for a gluten-free recipe)!
Garlic Powder – The flavor of garlic powder (opens in a new tab) in this recipe really takes it to another level!
Paprika or Harissa Seasoning – Regular paprika is great, but you can really take the flavor profile up a notch with harissa seasoning! (opens in a new tab)
Oregano – Dried oregano is so delicious in this zucchini recipe. You can also use basil or parsley!
Salt – Add regular salt or finely ground sea salt to taste. Feel free to add pepper to taste if desired as well!
How to Air Fry Zucchini
Making Air Fryer Zucchini is so easy! Here’s how to quickly make this recipe:
- Roll the cubed zucchini in oil.
- Mix the seasoning and bread crumbs together.
- Coat the zucchini in the bread crumb mixture.
- Place in a flat layer in the air fryer and cook!
How Long to Cook Zucchini in the Air Fryer
The time to cook zucchini in the air fryer depends on how crispy or soft you want it to turn out. It’s best to cook a flat layer of zucchini for 8-10 minutes in the air fryer, flipping it halfway!
My Favorite Air Fryer
Personally, I love my Instant Pot Pro Crisp (opens in a new tab) since it’s an air fryer AND an Instant Pot all in one device. It’s easy to use, easy to clean, and it makes the BEST fried zucchini!
Air Fryer Zucchini Dipping Sauce Ideas
One of my favorite things about this recipe are the dipping sauce pairings! The options are endless. Here are a few of my favorite ideas:
- Spicy Sriracha Yogurt Sauce (2 Tbsp plain yogurt, 1 Tbsp sriracha, 1 -2 tsp water, salt)
- Honey Mustard Dressing Recipe
- Yogurt Dill Sauce (2 Tbsp plain yogurt, 2-3 tsp water, salt, dried or fresh dill to taste)
- Creamy Avocado Lime Dressing
- Marinara Sauce
- 10-Minute Healthy Ranch Dressing
- Hot Honey Sauce (opens in a new tab)
Tip: Not feeling a dipping sauce? Sprinkle a little bit of grated parmesan cheese over the zucchini instead!
Tips for the Best Air Fried Zucchini
This recipe is easy to make, but here are a few extra tips for making the very best air fryer zucchini:
- Make sure that the bread crumbs are finely ground (instead of big or uneven pieces).
- In addition to flipping halfway through the cook time, it may be a good idea to flip it a few extra times through the process. If so, be sure to add an extra minute or two to the overall time since the air fryer would lose a little heat every time the lid is opened!
- This recipe is best served fresh, but it can be refrigerated and reheated for a few minutes in the air fryer if needed.
Air Fryer Zucchini Pairings
Need a main dish to go with this Air Fryer Zucchini side dish? Here are a few delicious ideas:
- Dairy-Free Tuscan Chicken
- Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese
- Rosemary Mushroom Rice Pilaf
- Creamy Salmon Pasta Recipe
- Spinach Ricotta Mac & Cheese
- Spinach & Mushroom Vegetarian Lasagna
- The BEST Easy Vegan Meatballs
More Zucchini Recipes You’ll Love
- Vegan Ramen Soup w/ Zucchini Noodles
- The BEST Vegan Zucchini Bread
- Vegetarian Zucchini Spaghetti w/ Red Sauce & Mushrooms
- Hot Honey Chicken Bowls
- Barbecue Ranch Pasta Salad
- Chocolate Zucchini Muffins
Air Fried Zucchini FAQs
Did you make this recipe? Be sure to give it a rating below and tag your photos @jar.of.lemons! (opens in a new tab)
Crispy Zucchini (Air Fryer Recipe)
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchini (cubed)
- 1/3 cup whole wheat bread crumbs (about 1/2 slice toasted bread)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (or harissa seasoning)
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 Tablespoons avocado oil (opens in a new tab)
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F.
- Slice and cube the zucchini.
- Mix the bread crumbs, garlic powder, paprika (or harissa seasoning), oregano, and salt together in a small bowl.
- Coat the cubed zucchini with avocado oil, then mix into the seasoning mixture until evenly coated.
- Place a single layer of the zucchini in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes (depending how crispy you want them), flipping halfway.
- Repeat with a second batch if necessary.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Make sure that the bread crumbs are finely ground (instead of big or uneven pieces).
- In addition to flipping halfway through the cook time, it may be a good idea to flip it a few extra times through the process. If so, be sure to add an extra minute or two to the overall time since the air fryer would lose a little heat every time the lid is opened!
- This recipe is best served fresh, but it can be refrigerated and reheated for a few minutes in the air fryer if needed.
- Spicy Sriracha Yogurt Sauce (2 Tbsp plain yogurt, 1 Tbsp sriracha, 1 -2 tsp water, salt)
- Honey Mustard Dressing Recipe
- Yogurt Dill Sauce (2 Tbsp plain yogurt, 2-3 tsp water, salt, dried or fresh dill to taste)
- Creamy Avocado Lime Dressing
- Marinara Sauce
- 10-Minute Healthy Ranch Dressing
- Hot Honey Sauce (opens in a new tab)
Nutrition
Did you make this? I’d love to see!
Tag me on socials at @JarOfLemons (opens in a new tab) or #JarOfLemons (opens in a new tab)
Super easy to make, I loved the mix of spices. They came out delicious and super crispy. A new favorite of mine.
I just got an air fryer, and I am delighted to find your recipe. The zucchini was indeed soft on the inside and crispy on the outside. It came out delicious; the seasonings are on point. Thanks, I will be making this recipe again and again.
This zucchini recipe was one of the first recipes I used my new air fryer for. So delicious. In the past, I often baked zuccini but this way is miles better!
This is such an easy recipe and it’s totally delicious! We serve this with just about everything, thanks so much for the recipe!
This air fryer zucchini was the perfect recipe for our Superbowl party! I tested it before tomorrow and ate the whole batch!