Air Fryer Baked Zucchini
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Air Fryer Baked Zucchini is my go-to when I want a quick, clean side that still feels really good on the plate. The zucchini wedges come out golden and caramelized on the edges with tender, juicy centers, seasoned with Italian herbs and garlic and finished with a bright hit of fresh lemon. Light, simple, and ready faster than almost anything else I make.
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I make this for weeknight dinners, summer cookouts, and any time I need a fast vegetable side that doesn’t feel like an afterthought. The air fryer makes it so convenient because there’s no need to heat up the oven and it’s ready in minutes. It pairs well with just about anything on the table and leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients shown in the photograph below.
How to Make Air Fryer Baked Zucchini with Step-By-Step Instructions
Scroll down for the full recipe card containing a full printable recipe and measurements in both US customary and metric units.
Here’s everything you need to know to get perfectly golden, crispy-edged zucchini sticks every single time.
Line the Basket
Start by lining your air fryer basket with parchment paper to keep the fresh zucchini from sticking and make cleanup a breeze. I use pre-cut parchment paper, and they fit perfectly without any fuss.
If you don’t have parchment on hand, a light coat of cooking spray works just as well.
Season the Zucchini
Add your zucchini sticks to a large bowl and toss them with extra-virgin olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, kosher salt, and pepper until each piece is evenly coated. I always use a glass prep bowl with a lid for this step so I can shake everything together and get a really even coating without making a mess.
You can also cut the zucchini half-lengthwise into zucchini spears or zucchini slices, depending on your preference. If you like a little heat, a pinch of chili powder or onion powder makes a great addition to the seasoning mix.
For extra crunch, a handful of panko breadcrumbs tossed in with the seasoning gives every piece a satisfying bite.
DO MORE WITH YOUR
AIR FRYER
This eBook is a collection of 86 recipes I make again and again in my own kitchen. If you love good food and easy instructions, this book was made for you.
Immediate eBook download. No physical book available.
∙ Cheesy Egg Bites
∙ Broccoli Cheddar Soup
∙ Asparagus Casserole
∙ Crack Chicken Casserole
∙ Coffee Cake
...and much more!
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Air Fry Until Golden
Spread the seasoned zucchini pieces in a single layer in the preheated air fryer basket, making sure none overlap. I love using my basket-style air fryer for this recipe because the wide, flat basket makes it so easy to spread everything in a single layer for even cooking.
Air fry at 350ºF for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and slightly crisp. If you have summer squash or yellow squash on hand, they work just as well here with the same cook time.
Finish and Serve
Remove the zucchini from the air fryer, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top, and garnish with your favorite chopped fresh herbs. I keep a handheld citrus press right on my counter because that fresh lemon squeeze makes such a difference in recipes like this one.
Now, all that’s left is to enjoy your Air Fryer Baked Zucchini!
These travel well to potlucks and gatherings. Pack them in a divided meal prep container to keep them from getting squished, and squeeze the lemon and add the herbs on-site so everything stays fresh and bright.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 medium zucchini cut into ½-inch sticks/wedges
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges
- Fresh herbs
Instructions
- Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, toss the zucchini sticks with olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.3 medium zucchini, 2 teaspoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, Salt and pepper
- Spread the zucchini in a single layer in the air fryer basket and air fry at 350ºF for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and slightly crisp.
- Remove from the air fryer, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top, and garnish with your favorite chopped herbs before serving.Lemon wedges, Fresh herbs
Notes
- Don’t skip the parchment liner: It prevents sticking and makes cleanup much faster, especially with the olive oil coating on the zucchini.
- Cut your zucchini sticks evenly: Keeping them a consistent ½-inch size means they’ll all finish cooking at the same time, without some being overdone while others are still soft.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: Spread the zucchini in a single layer with space between each piece. Overcrowding traps steam, and you’ll lose that golden, slightly crisp finish.
- Season generously: Zucchini is a mild vegetable, so don’t hold back on the salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to get the most flavor out of every stick.
- Add lemon right before serving: Squeeze the lemon juice over the zucchini as soon as it comes out of the air fryer, so the flavor stays bright and fresh rather than being absorbed too early.
- Freeze for later: Arrange leftover or pre-cooked zucchini sticks in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for one hour before transferring to a freezer bag. They won’t clump together and reheat much better from frozen.
Nutrition
DO MORE WITH YOUR
AIR FRYER
This eBook is a collection of 86 recipes I make again and again in my own kitchen. If you love good food and easy instructions, this book was made for you.
Immediate eBook download. No physical book available.
∙ Cheesy Egg Bites
∙ Broccoli Cheddar Soup
∙ Asparagus Casserole
∙ Crack Chicken Casserole
∙ Coffee Cake
...and much more!
Includes ad-free recipes like:
How to Store Leftovers
Let the zucchini cool completely before storing. Transfer leftover zucchini to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back into the air fryer for a few minutes to bring back some of that crispness.
What to Serve With Air Fryer Zucchini
This pairs well with so many meals and fits naturally into almost any dinner. I love serving it next to grilled chicken, baked salmon, or a simple pasta for a complete dinner that comes together quickly. It also works beautifully alongside burgers or as part of a bigger spread at the table. A sprinkle of grated parmesan right before serving adds a nice finishing touch.
If you’re serving it as a snack or appetizer, pair it with a creamy dipping sauce like tzatziki, garlic aioli, or a simple marinara. The Italian seasoning and fresh lemon complement almost any dip you set out.
More Easy Recipes for You to Try at Home
If making zucchini in the air fryer got you hooked, these easy side dishes are next on your list.
