This Air Fryer Zucchini might just be the easiest veggie side dish known to man (well, besides raw veggies). Every summer we grow more zucchini than I know what to do with.

But, every time I roasted zucchini it just ended up a soggy mess. It was time to tackle the perfect roasted air fryer zucchini. 

The key is to salt and “sweat” out the moisture first. Then, air fry it at a high temperature for a short period of time. This will help the outside get the nice roast on it without the inside getting too mushy. 

Why We Love This Air Fryer Zucchini

• First, because it is so dang easy! The hardest part is just waiting for the moisture to “sweat” out of the salted zucchini. Then, just toss with oil and seasonings! The result is quick, simple, and flavorful zucchini. Perfect for a busy night!
• Second, this air-fried zucchini is very allergen-friendly. It’s Whole30, Paleo, Keto, gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, egg-free, and vegan. It’s just zucchini, oil, and spices cooked at the right temperature to get it roasted but not mushy.
• Third, it’s the perfect summer side for all the zucchini you grew. I always plant more than I end up knowing what to do with!

Ingredients

With simple, the Air Fryer Zucchini earns it’s reputation as the easiest veggie side!

• Zucchini
• Oil – Avocado or olive oil both work equally well. 
• Seasoning – I use a combination of nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, basil, and oregano. These are all spices I can get at my local Walmart or Winco and usually have on hand in my kitchen. You can swap all of these spices with a pre-made spice blend you love on your veggies, just make sure it doesn’t have salt in it as the zucchini will already be salted!

What is Nutritional Yeast?

Nutritional Yeast is not the same as baker’s yeast. Though it’s derived from baker’s yeast, it’s been deactivated and cannot make things rise. Instead, it’s a commonly used for a cheesy dairy-free flavor.

I get mine at Trader Joe’s (best flavor and cheapest), but you can also find it at Walmart. I love it in this recipe, as it helps give extra texture to the roasted zucchini. 

Instructions

• Chop zucchini by cutting off the ends and then cutting it in half lengthwise. Cut each half in lengthwise again. Then cut each spear into 1/2″ slices. Don’t cut them any thinner, or they will cook too quickly and get mushy.
• Lay the cut zucchini out on a kitchen towel or double-layered paper towels. Sprinkle the 1 teaspoon salt on top. Set a timer and let the salt pull out the moisture of the zucchini, making them “sweat”. After 20 minutes, you will see the moisture on top of the zucchini slices. Blot them dry. 
• While zucchini is “sweating,” combine remaining spices in a small bowl to create the seasoning. Preheat air fryer – for me that looks like turning it on to 450 degrees for 5 minutes prior to using. 
• Toss zucchini with oil in a medium mixing bowl. Sprinkle with seasoning and stir until well coated. Spread into the air fryer basket in as much of a single layer as possible. 
• Air fry at 450 for 6-7 minutes, stirring halfway through. Time will depend on size of air fryer. Watch closely the last 2-3 minutes and remove when browned. 
• Serve immediately and enjoy! 

Want More Easy + Delicious Veggie Sides?

Need delicious vegetables in your life? I feel that! I hated pretty much all veggies until I was in my mid-twenties. But, I’ve come to realize veggies can be so tasty, with the right recipe! All of these recipes are Whole30, Paleo, gluten-free, and dairy-free:

• Whole30 Broccoli Salad
• Kale Salad Kit
• Veggie Fritters
• Air Fryer Zucchini
• Creamy Cauliflower Soup

Air Fryer Roasted Zucchini

Autumn @wholefoodfor7

An EASY veggie side with lots of flavor without a lot of work and no sad soggy zucchini!

5 from 6 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 7 minutes mins

Total Time 27 minutes mins

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 4 people

Calories 60 kcal

1/2x1x2x3x

Equipment

• Air fryer - can use oven on broil, see notes.

Ingredients

 

• 2 medium zucchini about 1-1.5 pounds
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
• 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

 

• Chop zucchini by cutting off the ends and then cutting it in half lengthwise. Cut each half in lengthwise again. Then cut each spear into 1/2" slices. Don't cut them any thinner, or they will cook too quickly and get mushy.
• Lay the cut zucchini out on a kitchen towel or double-layered paper towel. Sprinkle the 1 teaspoon salt on top. Set a timer and let the salt pull out the moisture of the zucchini, making them "sweat". After 20 minutes, you will see the moisture on top of the zucchini slices. Blot them dry. 
• While zucchini is "sweating," combine remaining spices in a small bowl to create the seasoning. Preheat air fryer - for me that looks like turning it on to 450 degrees for 5 minutes prior to using. 
• Toss zucchini with oil in a medium mixing bowl. Sprinkle with seasoning and stir until well-coated. Spread into the air fryer basket in as much of a single layer as possible. 
• Air fry at 450 for 7-8 minutes, stirring halfway through. Time will depend on size of air fryer. Watch closely the last 2 minutes and remove when browned and *just tender* inside. Don't overcook, or, you know - soggy ; ).
• Serve immediately and enjoy! 

Notes

Don't have an air fryer? Follow the above preparation instructions, except line a baking sheet with parchment and turn your oven on to broil (high). Spread prepared zucchini onto pan and broil for 7-8 minutes, flipping halfway and watching closely. The size of your oven and proximity to the broil flames will cause the cooking rate to vary. Remove when browned and just tender inside. 

Nutrition

Calories: 60kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 2gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 591mgPotassium: 345mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 230IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 24mgIron: 1mg

Keyword budget-friendly, dairy-free, easy, egg-free, gluten-free, keto, nut-free, paleo, plant-based, vegan, whole30

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