Air Fryer Squash and Zucchini: The Lazy Cook’s Secret Weapon
You want crispy, golden, perfectly cooked squash and zucchini without babysitting a skillet or drowning them in oil. Newsflash: your air fryer just became your best friend. This isn’t some sad, mushy veggie side dish—it’s the kind of thing that disappears off the plate before the main course even shows up.
And the best part? You’re 15 minutes away from making it happen. No fancy skills, no guilt, just stupidly good results.
Ready to out-cook yourself with minimal effort?
Why This Recipe Works
Air fryer squash and zucchini hit that magical trifecta: fast, easy, and delicious. The air fryer’s high heat crisps the edges while keeping the centers tender, and you use a fraction of the oil you’d need for pan-frying. Plus, the seasoning sticks better than glitter on a kindergarten art project.
It’s the ultimate way to turn bland veggies into something you’ll actually crave.
Ingredients
- 1 medium yellow squash (sliced into ¼-inch rounds)
- 1 medium zucchini (sliced into ¼-inch rounds)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, but highly recommended)
- ¼ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp grated Parmesan (optional, for serving)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the veggies: Slice the squash and zucchini evenly. Uneven cuts = some pieces burnt, others soggy. Nobody wants that.
- Toss with oil and spices: Drizzle the oil, sprinkle the seasonings, and mix like you mean it.
Coat every piece, but don’t turn them into a soggy mess.
- Air fry: Spread the slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 375°F for 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway. No peeking every 2 minutes—trust the process.
- Serve: Hit them with Parmesan if you’re feeling fancy.
Eat immediately (because let’s be real, they won’t last long).
Storage Instructions
Leftovers? Unlikely, but if you somehow resist eating them all, store cooled squash and zucchini in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2–3 minutes to revive the crispiness.
Microwaving will turn them into sad, limp versions of their former selves—just don’t.
Why You Should Make This Regularly
Beyond tasting like crispy heaven, this recipe is low-carb, gluten-free, and packed with vitamins. Zucchini and squash are basically water and nutrients in veggie form, and air-frying keeps them healthy without sacrificing flavor. It’s also a killer way to use up garden produce or that zucchini your neighbor “gifted” you (you know the one).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the basket: Steam is the enemy of crispiness.
Give the slices space, or cook in batches.
- Skipping the oil: A little fat helps the seasoning stick and prevents sticking to the basket. Don’t be scared of it.
- Ignoring slice thickness: Too thin = chips. Too thick = undercooked middles. ¼-inch is the sweet spot.
Alternatives and Upgrades
Bored already?
Try these twists:
- Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes.
- Cheesy: Toss with shredded cheddar or mozzarella in the last 2 minutes of cooking.
- Herb-loaded: Fresh thyme, rosemary, or basil take it up a notch.
- Breaded: Dip slices in egg wash, then almond flour or panko before air frying for a crunchier bite.
FAQs
Can I use frozen squash and zucchini?
Technically yes, but they’ll be mushier. Thaw and pat them extremely dry first, or embrace the sogginess.
Why is my squash sticking to the basket?
Either you skipped the oil, overcrowded the basket, or didn’t preheat the air fryer. Pick your mistake.
Can I make this without an air fryer?
Sure, roast them at 425°F on a baking sheet for 15–20 minutes.
But why make life harder?
How do I know when they’re done?
They should be golden with slightly crispy edges. If they look like they’ve been through a desert drought, you’ve gone too far.
Final Thoughts
Air fryer squash and zucchini are the ultimate proof that healthy food doesn’t have to taste like punishment. It’s quick, customizable, and so good you might forget you’re eating vegetables.
FYI, this recipe also works as a gateway drug for convincing veggie-haters to join the dark side. Now go forth and air fry like your hunger depends on it—because it does.
