Mastodon Skip to Content

Air Fryer Zucchini and Squash

Share With Your Friends!

Air Fryer Zucchini and Squash are the perfect low carb summer side dish for your next grill night! Plus, it’s easy enough to add this fresh zucchini and squash recipe to your menu any night of the week.

Plate full of air fryer zucchini and squash.

Don’t you love simple recipes that taste great? Me too! And this is the perfect way to add more vegetables to your diet.

This air fryer zucchini and squash recipe is one of the best things to make in the air fryer! Tender just like roasted zucchini with a mild seasoning, making it an easy recipe to go with any weeknight dinner.

 If you’re looking for more ways to use the zucchini in your garden this summer, try these Air Fryer Zucchini Chips or check out my Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters. It’s a tasty recipe that’s perfect for enjoying by itself or creating a fun veggie burger during the summer months.

Air fryer zucchini and squash also make the perfect side dish to my favorite Honey Garlic Salmon Recipe. As well as, they go perfectly alongside this Panko Crusted Chicken or a nice steak on the grill too.

Plate full of air fryer zucchini and squash with an air fryer in the background.

 

Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Zucchini and Squash

There’s a lot to love about squash and zucchini. They’re so versatile! Check out some of the reasons I know you’re going to love this air fryer version below.

  • The quick cooking time is definitely something to love about this air frying recipe! 
  • Another reason I’m a big fan of this air fryer zucchini and squash recipe is the simple ingredients.
  • They’re full of vitamins and antioxidants and a great way to stay hydrated on those late summer days.
  • You can whip up this tasty squash recipe in about 10 minutes!
  • It’s easy to dress up squash and zucchini with different seasonings if you’re looking for a fun twist on a healthy side dish.

If you love zucchini as much as I do, then this Zucchini Casserole is a must-have recipe.

Make it a meal and serve with this tender and juicy Mayonnaise Roasted Turkey.

More Air Fryer Recipes

Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs

Air Fryer Frozen Potato Skins

Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Parmesan Cheese

Air Fryer Rosemary Potatoes

Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Zucchini

Kitchen Equipment Needed

There are only a few things you’ll need to create your own easy air fryer zucchini and squash recipe. 

  • Air Fryer
  • Sharp Knife
  • Cutting Board
  • Large Bowl
  • Kitchen Tongs or a large fork

Ingredients

With just 5 ingredients, you can make your own tasty side dish for those summer squashes and zucchini that everyone will love! Check out the ingredients to get started with your own air fryer zucchini and squash recipe.

FRESH ZUCCHINI: Use 2 large zucchinis, cleaned and sliced.

YELLOW SQUASH: Use 2 large fresh yellow squash, cleaned and sliced. Yellow squash often comes smaller than a zucchini, in this case you will need to grab a few more.

OLIVE OIL: Just a little oil to help the spices stick as well as give the outside of the squash and zucchini slices a light crisp.

SALT: Only 1/2 teaspoon, just to add flavor.

PEPPER: Also a 1/2 teaspoon to add spice

OPTIONAL SEASONINGS: Omit the salt and pepper and use your favorite seasonings such as Cajun Seasoning, Italian Seasoning, Garlic Salt, Onion Powder etc… See below for more ideas.

Plate full of fresh zucchini and squash slices, salt and pepper shakers and olive oil spray bottle. Ingredients are labeled with text overlay.

 

Zucchini and Squash Prep

There’s not much prep work to be done for this delicious air fryer recipe.

  • All you need to do is clean and slice your zucchini and squash and drop into a large bowl. Make sure to slice your veggies at the same thickness so they will cook evenly. I suggest a 1/4 or 1/2 inch slice.
  • Once cleaned and sliced, you’re ready to coat them and toss them in the air fryer.

How To Make Air Fryer Zucchini and Squash

Follow these step-by-step instructions to make the best air fryer zucchini and squash recipe.

STEP 1: Transfer the sliced zucchini and squash to a large bowl and spray the vegetable slices with olive oil.

STEP 2: Add salt and pepper. Toss to coat.

STEP 3: Preheat your air fryer to 365 degrees Fahrenheit for one-two minutes (depending on your air fryer model)

STEP 4: Next, arrange the coated vegetable slices in the bottom of the air fryer basket in a single layer. Be careful not to crowd or stack your squash and zucchini or they won’t cook properly. The hot air needs to move all around the slices.

TIP: Get one of these air fryer trays for your basket if you want to cook more at a time.

Air fryer basket with a single layer of seasoned squash and zucchini.

 

STEP 5: We’ll cook these for 12 minutes. First, set the timer to cook for 6 minutes.

STEP 6: Once your time goes off, use your kitchen tongs or large fork to turn the vegetable slices over.

Air fryer basket with a single layer of seasoned squash and zucchini flipped over halfway through the cook time.

 

STEP 7: Cook for an additional 5 or 6 minutes, or until they are beginning to turn golden brown. 

 

Recipe Tips

  • If your air fryer zucchini and squash is still not tender enough or crispy enough, add another minute or two of cook time. The thickness of your zucchini and squash slices will determine how long you need to air fry them.
  • If you feel your slices may be on the thin side, be sure to open the air fryer basket a few minutes early to determine how much longer they need to cook.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

There are lots of tasty variations and quick substitutions you can make to this simple side dish. Check out some of my favorite recipe swaps and tricks below.

  • Add a little spice with some red pepper flakes before serving this simple recipe.
  • Turn your air fryer zucchini and squash into the perfect side dish for any Italian dinner with garlic powder and Italian seasoning.
  • Yellow squash and onions go together like peas and carrots! Add fresh onion slices or onion powder to your vegetable slices before air frying.
  • Serve your air fryer summer side dish with a fun dipping sauce. Ranch dressing or a spicy mayo make a great dipping sauce for this great side dish.

What Spices Go Well With Squash and Zucchini?

This recipe is so easy with just salt and pepper for seasonings, but you can definitely dress it up with more sophisticated seasonings. Certain spices go really well with squash and zucchini. Check out herbs that pair well with squash and zucchini to get some ideas.

  • Italian Seasoning with Oregano and Basil mixed in tastes delicious.
  • Cajun Seasoning will give them extra spiciness!
  • Onion Powder
  • Rosemary
  • Dill

Air fryer zucchini and squash on a plate with air fryer jerk chicken topped with pineapple salsa.

 

Is Air Fryer Zucchini and Squash Crispy?

No, these turn out like roasted veggies in the oven. 

The benefit of making these in the air fryer is how much quicker they cook.

If you do want them crispy, simply add more cook time and you’ll get crispy edges!

How to Store Leftovers

Simply keep any leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days.

To re-heat, crisp them back up in your air fryer on 350 degrees F for 3-4 minutes, until heated all the way through.

There are just so many ways you can use your air fryer to create fun side dishes for your next lunch or dinner, be sure to check out all my air fryer recipes here! I know you and your whole family are going to enjoy this easy air fryer zucchini and squash!

Yield: 4

Air Fryer Zucchini and Squash

Plate full of air fryer zucchini and squash.

This air fryer zucchini and squash recipe is one of the best things to make in the air fryer! Tender just like roasted zucchini with a mild seasoning, making it an easy recipe to go with any weeknight dinner.

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 17 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 large fresh zucchinis, cleaned and sliced
  • 2 large fresh yellow squash, cleaned and sliced
  • 1 tablespoon or spray bottle of olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon of pepper
  • Optional: Omit the salt and pepper and use your favorite seasonings such as Cajun Seasoning, Italian Seasoning, Garlic Salt, etc...

Instructions

Prep

  1. Clean and slice your zucchini and squash and drop into a large bowl. Make sure to slice your veggies at the same thickness so they will cook evenly. I suggest a 1/4 or 1/2 inch slice.

How to Air Fry Zucchini and Squash

  1. In a large bowl and spray the vegetable slices with olive oil.
  2. Add salt and pepper. Toss to coat.
  3. Preheat your air fryer to 365 degrees Fahrenheit for one-two minutes (depending on your air fryer model)
  4. Next, arrange the coated vegetable slices in the bottom of the air fryer basket in a single layer. Be careful not to crowd or stack your squash and zucchini or they won’t cook properly. The hot air needs to move all around the slices.
  5. We'll cook these for 12 minutes. First, set the timer to cook for 6 minutes.
  6. Once your time goes off, use your kitchen tongs or large fork to turn the vegetable slices over.
  7. Cook for an additional 5 or 6 minutes, or until they are beginning to turn golden brown. 

Notes

See recipe post for tips and seasoning variations.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

4

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 112Total Fat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 1262mgCarbohydrates: 17gFiber: 6gSugar: 9gProtein: 4g

Nutritional values are estimates and not exact.

Let's Be Social

Follow along on Pinterest for more great recipes!

I love easy recipes and delicious desserts and happy to share with you my favorite recipes. My favorite places are tropical, family always comes first and I'm a cocktail enthusiast for sure!
Connect with me: Facebook and Pinterest

Share With Your Friends!

    Skip to Recipe