Air-Fried Zucchini with Garlic Onion Seasoning

Introduction

Dicing the zucchini into medium-sized squares gives you more edges to brown, so the air fryer can crisp them in about 8 minutes. You get a fast side dish with simple pantry seasoning that works with weeknight dinners, bowls, or eggs.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 7 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 2

Ingredients

• 2 zucchinis
• 1 pinch of seasoned salt
• Olive oil
• Garlic powder to taste (optional)
• Onion powder to taste (optional)

Instructions

1. Dice zucchini into medium-sized squares.
2. Transfer zucchini to a bowl, and add olive oil to your preference. A few tablespoons is a good starting point.
3. Add the season salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Toss to coat all the zucchini well.
4. Put in air fryer, and cook for 8 minutes at about 205 °C (400 °F) or until crispy.

Variations

• Replace 1 zucchini with yellow squash for a slightly softer texture and a milder flavor.
• Swap Olive oil for avocado oil if you want a more neutral taste and a higher-smoke-point oil.
• Change the cut in step 1 from medium-sized squares to half-moons for more tender pieces with less browned surface area.
• Add grated Parmesan when you toss the seasonings for a saltier, more savory finish and a little extra crust.

Tips for Success

• Keep the zucchini pieces close to the same size so they cook evenly in the 8-minute air-fry.
• Use enough Olive oil to coat the pieces lightly; too little can dry them out, and too much can make them steam instead of crisp.
• Toss the seasoned salt, Garlic powder, and Onion powder thoroughly so the flavor is distributed before the zucchini goes into the basket.
• Leave some space in the air fryer basket. If the zucchini is piled up, the edges stay softer.
• Pull the zucchini when the edges are browned and the centers are just tender; overcooking can make it slump and release more water.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freezing is not recommended because zucchini loses its texture and turns watery when thawed.

Reheat in the air fryer at 190 °C (375 °F) for 2 to 4 minutes until hot and re-crisped. You can also reheat on a sheet pan in a 200 °C (400 °F) oven for about 5 minutes. The microwave works for speed, but the zucchini will be softer.

FAQ

Can you use yellow squash instead of zucchini?

Yes. It cooks about the same way, though it usually ends up a little softer and milder.

Do you need to peel the zucchini?

No. The skin helps the pieces hold their shape and adds texture, especially in the air fryer.

Why did the zucchini turn out soft instead of crispy?

The usual causes are overcrowding the basket, using too much Olive oil, or cutting the pieces too small. Give the pieces space and cook until the edges brown.

Can you make this without Garlic powder or Onion powder?

Yes. The seasoned salt and Olive oil are enough for a simple version, and you can leave the optional seasonings out without changing the method.