Name: Air Fryer Zucchini and Squash
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 6 cups sliced zucchini and yellow squash (round slices, cut in half); 1/4 teaspoon dried basil; 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/8 teaspoon onion powder; Pinch of black pepper; 1 teaspoon olive oil

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This quick and easy recipe for Air Fryer Zucchini and Squash is lightly seasoned and drizzled with olive oil. In less than 20 minutes you can have perfectly cooked, tender, zucchini and summer squash!

Air fryer zucchini and squash on a round white plate with a silver serving spoon.

When it's late summer in NNY, every farmer's market, grocery store and roadside stand is practically giving away zucchini and summer squash. Once summer squash starts ripening, it doesn't stop until the end of August!

You probably have your favorite zucchini bread recipe, zucchini medley recipe and zucchini soup recipe, but we all know we can't have too many zucchini recipes during the summer months!

So this summer I need you to add one more tried-and-true zucchini recipe to your lineup... Air Fryer Zucchini and Squash! This is the perfect side dish recipe that will cook up your sliced zucchini in under 20 minutes.

If you're looking for more air fryer recipes to serve your air fryer summer squash with, I've got you covered with Air Fryer Frozen Salmon, Air Fryer Chicken Thighs and Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets!

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Why you need this recipe
Ingredients
Equipment needed
How to make
Expert tips
Variations
Storage, reheating and freezing instructions
Serving suggestions
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Why you need this recipe

Only 1 main ingredient! Yes, you truly can make this recipe using just one simple ingredient, the summer squash. The olive oil and seasonings are added for flavor!
Fits into all the diets! This air fryer zucchini recipe is an incredibly healthy snack and delicious side dish. It fits into a low carb, keto, paleo, gluten free, vegan, Whole30 and vegetarian diet!
Easily customizable! Make this recipe your own with easy additions and toppings.

Ingredients

Zucchini: Zucchini is a type of summer squash. Choose medium-sized zucchini for the best results. Medium-sized zucchinis are tender, mild and don't have huge seeds in the center.

Yellow squash: In addition to zucchini you'll need yellow squash, which is also commonly referred to as summer squash, crookneck squash and straightneck squash. Summer squash actually includes all of the summer squashes which include zucchini, crookneck squash, pattypan squash, tatuma squash, zephyr squash and cousa squash. For this recipe, just use the yellow squash that looks similar to zucchini!

Olive oil: A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil will help to give the air fryer squash that appetizing golden brown color that we all love.

Seasoning blend: The seasoning blend is a combination of dried herbs and spices. This includes garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, dried oregano, kosher salt and black pepper.

*See recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts.

Equipment needed

Air Fryer (basket style) - Here is the air fryer that I currently use. I purchased it in January of 2022 and it's working out really well for me! Many food bloggers also love the Ninja Foodi Air Fryer and the 5.8 QT Cosori Air Fryer.
Cutting board and chopping knife
Measuring cups and measuring spoons

How to make

Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. While the air fryer is preheating, slice your zucchini and squash into round slices and then cut them in half, into half moon shapes. Place them into your medium sized mixing bowl.

Zucchini and yellow squash in a round bowl.

Step 2: Combine the dried herbs, salt and pepper in a small bowl.

Step 3: Drizzle the sliced squash with olive oil and season with the dried herb blend. Mix to fully combine.

Summer squash in a round glass bowl, drizzled with olive oil and coated in dried herb seasoning.

Step 4: Transfer the cut and seasoned squash slices to the air fryer basket. Try to spread the squash out in an even, single layer. You'll have overlapping though, which is totally fine.

Uncooked zucchini and squash in the bottom of an air fryer basket.

Step 5: Cook the squash in the air fryer at 400°F for 10-15 minutes, tossing once, halfway through cooking time. Start checking the squash at 10 minutes. If the squash isn't quite golden brown and crispy on the edges, then continue cooking the squash for up to 5 minutes more.

Cooked zucchini and yellow squash in the air fryer basket.

Step 6: Remove your summer squash from the basket of the air fryer and transfer to a serving platter. Add any toppings and adjust your seasonings to taste if needed. Enjoy!

Expert tips

Many air fryers require preheating. To preheat an air fryer, simply run your air fryer for 3 minutes at the temperature you will be cooking your recipe at.
This recipe works for both round zucchini slices and zucchini spears. I have tested it both ways! A zucchini spear is like a zucchini "fry."
I included a seasoning blend with this air fryer recipe, but you definitely don't need to use it. If all you want to do is air fry zucchini and squash, then simply follow the cooking instructions and omit the dried herbs.
I highly suggest making a big batch of air fryer summer squash and keeping it in the fridge for the week. You can add air fried zucchini and yellow squash to scrambled eggs, pasta, salads, soups, sandwiches and use it as a side dish at lunch and dinnertime.

Variations

Seasoning blend: I prefer to use the seasonings that I have included in this recipe. You could also use Italian seasoning blend or your own favorite dried herbs.

Toppings: Zucchini and yellow squash are delicious topped with fresh grated parmesan cheese, fresh herbs and a light squeeze of lemon juice. I top this recipe with fresh flat leaf parsley.

Dipping sauces: If you want your air fryer squash to have even more flavor, drizzle them with your favorite dipping sauce. I love a delicious marinara sauce or a garlic aioli.

Storage, reheating and freezing instructions

How to store: Store leftover cooked summer squash and zucchini in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

How to reheat: Reheat leftover air fryer zucchini and squash in the microwave in a glass, microwave safe dish or on the stovetop. Reheat leftovers on the stove top in a small frying pan, lightly oiled with cooking spray, over low heat.

How to freeze: It is possible to freeze cooked zucchini. Let the cooked zucchini cool completely. Lay the zucchini out flat on a baking sheet, spaced apart. Freeze the zucchini for about 1-2 hours, then transfer the frozen zucchini to a plastic freezer bag.

Serving suggestions

I think the perfect summer meal to serve air fryer summer squash with, would be chicken and shrimp kabobs, slow cooker pulled pork, marinated vegetable salad and my easy potato salad. Talk about delicious!

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