Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
Summertime usually means an abundance of fruits and veggies; especially, zucchini! If you’ve ever grown zucchini you know they can get a little wild and before you know it, you’ve got more zucchini than you know what to do with! In addition to sharing the goods, you should try out some new recipes too. I’ve rounded up 12 DELICIOUS Air Fryer Zucchini Recipes for you to try this summer.
Table of Contents
- 1. Air Fryer Zucchini Parmesan Rounds
- 2. The Crispiest Air Fryer Zucchini Chips
- 3. Zucchini Chips with Vegan Basil Aioli
- 4. Zucchini Fries
- 5. Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters
- 6. Air Fried Cheesy Zucchini Corn Fritters
- 7. Zucchini Garlic Bites
- 8. Pizza Zucchini Boats
- 9. Air Fryer Zucchini
- 10. Air Fryer Zucchini and Yellow Squash
- 11. Air Fryer Zucchini Bread
- 12. Air Fryer Chocolate Zucchini Bread
- DID YOU KNOW?
Air fryer? Yep! These zucchini recipes can all be made in your air fryer because whether you’re only cooking for one or two, or you don’t feel like warming up your house during the summer heat, an air fryer is undoubtedly superior to an oven. I still use my oven plenty but between ease of use, efficiency, and speed (like dino chicken nuggets in less than 10 minutes!) … the air fryer holds a special place in my heart!
And the thing about zucchini is it is SO versatile! It has a very mild flavor so it works great mixed with other bold flavors, added to baked goods, or used as a healthier alternative in place of carbs. There are truly so many ways to use zucchini. Which one of these air-fried zucchini recipes will you try out first?!
1. Air Fryer Zucchini Parmesan Rounds
What’s a surefire way to make zucchini tastier? Smother it in crispy, salty parmesan cheese, of course! With only 3 ingredients and mere minutes of your time, these Air Fried Zucchini Parmesan Rounds are absolutely delectable!
2. The Crispiest Air Fryer Zucchini Chips
Thin and crispy, with a hint of salt, air-fried zucchini chips are the perfect, healthy snack that can satisfy any potato chip craving!
Pro tip – make sure to absorb excess moisture with a paper towel and fry the zucchini rounds in a single layer. You’ll have crispy perfection every time!
3. Zucchini Chips with Vegan Basil Aioli
I love this air fryer zucchini recipe! It reminds me a little of fried pickles because of the look and texture, but WAYYYY better (because fried pickles are awful 😂😂).
The panko mixture gives great flavor, but the pièce de résistance is the basil aioli! It’s fresh and creamy, and the perfect accompaniment for those crispy zucchini slices. (It’s also fantastic as a spread on tomato sandwiches, in case you’re wondering.)
Not vegan? Don’t hesitate to try this recipe out anyways! If you prefer, you can replace the aquafaba with an egg and the vegan mayo for regular mayo.
4. Zucchini Fries
Making your own french fries is one of the biggest reasons most people are willing to try out using an air fryer. So of course, you need to try air fryer zucchini fries too!
Surprisingly, quite a few people search for zucchini fries without breading. But let’s be honest, without a breading mixture you just have zucchini. So add those panko bread crumbs, call them “fries”, and feel good about the choices you make in your life!
5. Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters
These air-fried zucchini fritters are a much healthier option than traditional fritters that get deep fried in oil. The trick here is to use olive oil spray (avocado oil works too) to keep them from sticking to your air fryer basket.
The end result is a golden brown outside and a moist flavorful inside. I promise you won’t miss the grease with these crispy air fryer zucchini fritters!
6. Air Fried Cheesy Zucchini Corn Fritters
For next-level zucchini fritters, try these babies out. Filled with sharp cheddar and sweet crunchy corn, you get a mouthful of flavors and textures with every bite!
Not only are these cheesy zucchini corn fritters insanely good, but they’re sure to impress, making them a great appetizer or snack for your next party. Or pair them with a simple side salad and lemon juice vinaigrette for a perfect, light and healthy lunch.
7. Zucchini Garlic Bites
These little balls of goodness can be made in the oven or the air fryer (who doesn’t love options?!)
Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, like tomato sauce or ranch dressing, and you’ve got yourself a fabulous snack the entire family will love. Make extra and store in an air-tight container because you’ll surely want seconds!
8. Pizza Zucchini Boats
Save this recipe for the next time you’re craving pizza but not the calories! In a few simple steps, whole zucchini are transformed into low-carb pizza!
Simply slice zucchini in half, scoop out the center, and fill with all your favorite pizza toppings.
Of course, you can make these on a baking sheet in the oven too (and you might need to if you’re feeding a crowd) but air frying saves you HALF THE TIME!
9. Air Fryer Zucchini
This simple, delicious zucchini recipe is one of the best! I love how it’s made with just a handful of ingredients and takes only a few minutes to prep.
Flavorful, slightly crispy yet tender, this air-fried zucchini recipe makes the ultimate side dish for any dinner party.
10. Air Fryer Zucchini and Yellow Squash
Where there’s zucchini, you’ll often find yellow squash (a.k.a. crookneck squash.) The two gourds are similar in texture and flavor and are often paired together to make a colorful, summery side dish.
If you’re looking for an easy way to make your squash in the air fryer, this is the one.
Minimal seasonings and a healthy dose of garlic allow the roasted veggies to simply stand out on their own. A great side dish for busy weeknights.
11. Air Fryer Zucchini Bread
Carb-lovers rejoice! This recipe is NOT one where we’re replacing carbs for zucchini!
And if you’ve never tried zucchini bread, this is a perfect opportunity. Quickbreads don’t require yeast making them an easier recipe for novices, while using the air fryer means you can make a smaller loaf in minimal time.
This particular recipe is a great transition from summer to fall utilizing the warm flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and walnuts.
12. Air Fryer Chocolate Zucchini Bread
Last but not least, an air fryer chocolate zucchini bread. Because .. CHOCOLATE.
Fresh zucchini has a mild flavor so you really don’t taste it in quickbreads, making it a sneaky healthy way to add in some vitamins and nutrients. And with both cocoa powder AND chocolate chips, you might be surprised to find even your picky eater devouring this luscious, moist zucchini bread.
There are plenty of ways to cook zucchini in a way that is delicious, but not necessarily healthy or quick. These 12 air fryer zucchini recipes, however, check all the boxes!
Whether you are looking for a healthy after-school snack, the perfect side dish, or a low-carb main course, you’ll find something here to delight your tastebuds!
DID YOU KNOW?
How to Get Moisture Out of Zucchini
If this is your first time cooking with zucchini, you need to know that it has a lot of moisture that will ruin any recipe that you expect to be crispy or crunchy (think chips, fries, and fritters.)
For the best results, you’ll need to get out as much excess moisture as possible.
- For shredded zucchini, you can place it in a sieve over a bowl and let it drain for about 10 minutes. An easy way to speed up the process is to wrap it in a paper towel instead and squeeze it out.
- For sliced zucchini, layer it in between sheets of paper towel for about 10 minutes.
You can also add a little salt to either method which helps draw out even more moisture. Just be careful to not add too much and account for how much additional salt is listed in the recipe.
