This air fryer zucchini recipe is a quick and healthy way to enjoy a delicious snack or side dish. The zucchini slices are seasoned with a blend of spices and cooked to perfection in the air fryer, resulting in a crispy and flavorful treat.
Most of the ingredients for this recipe are common pantry staples, but you may need to pick up some smoked paprika if you don't already have it. This spice adds a unique, smoky flavor that elevates the dish. Make sure to check your spice rack before heading to the supermarket.
Ingredients For Air Fryer Zucchini Recipe
Zucchinis: Fresh, medium-sized zucchinis are the main ingredient, providing a tender and mild base for the seasoning.
Olive oil: Used to coat the zucchini slices, helping them to crisp up in the air fryer.
Garlic powder: Adds a savory, aromatic flavor to the zucchini.
Onion powder: Enhances the overall taste with a subtle sweetness and depth.
Smoked paprika: Provides a smoky, slightly spicy flavor that complements the zucchini.
Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients.
Pepper: Adds a touch of heat and balances the flavors.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
To achieve perfectly crispy zucchini slices, make sure to pat them dry with a paper towel before tossing them with the olive oil and spices. This removes excess moisture, allowing the air fryer to crisp them up more effectively.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it a great alternative for air frying.
garlic powder - Substitute with fresh garlic: Fresh garlic can provide a more robust flavor. Use minced fresh garlic, but reduce the quantity to avoid overpowering the dish.
onion powder - Substitute with shallot powder: Shallot powder offers a milder and slightly sweeter flavor compared to onion powder, which can add a unique twist to the recipe.
smoked paprika - Substitute with regular paprika: Regular paprika can be used if smoked paprika is unavailable, though it will lack the smoky flavor. Add a drop of liquid smoke if you want to replicate the smokiness.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a savory umami flavor along with saltiness. Use a low-sodium version to control the salt content.
pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper can add a bit of heat and spice to the dish, but use it sparingly to avoid making the dish too spicy.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Dish
How To Store / Freeze This Recipe
Allow the zucchini slices to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make them soggy.
Place the cooled zucchini slices in an airtight container. If you have multiple layers, separate each layer with parchment paper to maintain their crispiness.
Store the container in the refrigerator. The zucchini slices will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
For freezing, arrange the cooled zucchini slices on a baking sheet in a single layer. This prevents them from sticking together.
Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 1-2 hours, or until the zucchini slices are frozen solid.
Transfer the frozen zucchini slices to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.
When ready to enjoy, reheat the frozen zucchini slices in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
How To Reheat Leftovers
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover zucchini slices in a single layer in the basket. Heat for 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even reheating. This method will help maintain their crispy texture.
For a quick stovetop method, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil and toss in the zucchini slices. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are warmed through and slightly crisp.
If you prefer using an oven, preheat it to 375°F (190°C). Spread the zucchini slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until they are heated through and crispy.
For a microwave option, place the zucchini slices on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway to ensure they are evenly warmed. Note that this method may result in a softer texture.
If you have a toaster oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the zucchini slices in a single layer on the toaster oven tray. Heat for 3-5 minutes, or until they are warmed through and slightly crispy.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Air fryer: This is the main appliance used to cook the zucchini slices to a golden and crispy texture.
Knife: Essential for slicing the zucchinis into rounds about ¼ inch thick.
Cutting board: Provides a safe and stable surface for slicing the zucchinis.
Mixing bowl: Used to toss the zucchini slices with olive oil and seasonings.
Measuring spoons: Necessary for accurately measuring the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
Tongs: Useful for shaking the basket halfway through cooking and for removing the zucchini slices from the air fryer.
Serving plate: For placing the cooked zucchini slices once they are done.
How to Save Time on Making This Recipe
Pre-slice zucchinis: Slice the zucchinis in advance and store them in an airtight container in the fridge to save time when you're ready to cook.
Use pre-mixed spices: Create a spice blend with garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika ahead of time to quickly season the zucchini slices.
Batch cooking: If you have a large air fryer, cook multiple batches at once and store the extras in the fridge for quick reheating.
Quick cleanup: Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper to make cleanup faster and easier.
Air Fryer Zucchini Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchinis
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- to taste Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Slice zucchinis into rounds about ¼ inch thick.
- In a bowl, toss zucchini slices with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Place zucchini slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until zucchini is golden and crispy.
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