Published: May 21, 2022 · Modified: May 21, 2022 by Dara · This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. · Leave a Comment

Easy side dish! This air fryer zucchini recipe comes together in about 15 minutes. The pieces are coated in a homemade taco seasoning and crispy breadcrumbs. Serve them “as is” or with your favorite dipping sauce.

Air fryer zucchini is one of the best ways to serve up this popular summertime veggie. I used an easy homemade taco seasoning in this recipe, but feel free to switch up the seasonings.

My family adore oven baked or air fryer zucchini fries with a bowl of pesto yogurt dip on the side. We serve them up as snacks, sides and appetizers. But this version of zucchini in the air fryer is even easier!

If you love using this handy kitchen appliance as much as we do, check out some of my other Air Fryer Recipes, such as Shrimp Egg Rolls, Air Fryer Chicken Thighs or Blackened Air Fryer Salmon.

INGREDIENTS FOR AIR FRYER ZUCCHINI:

These are the main ingredients needed for this recipe (affiliate links included)…

See recipe card below for full ingredients list & recipe directions.

How to make zucchini in air fryer:

The basic steps are cutting the zucchini, seasoning it and cooking it. Let’s talk details…

CUT THE ZUCCHINI: Cut the zucchini into ¾-inch pieces. The easiest way to do this is to cut the zucchini lengthwise into quarters. Line up the sections and cut into ¾-inch pieces.

MAKE THE TACO SEASONING: In a small bowl, stir together the ingredients for the taco seasoning – chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder and salt. Add some ground pepper too, if you like.

COMBINE: In a medium-size bowl, toss the zucchini with olive oil until coated. Add the breadcrumbs and taco spice mixture and toss to coat.

PREHEAT: Most air fryers come with a Preheat setting. Preheat to 400 degrees F. This should take just a few minutes.

ARRANGE THE ZUCCHINI: Transfer the spice-coated zucchini pieces to the air fryer basket. Make sure that the pieces are arranged in a single layer. If the basket of the air fryer basket is small or you doubled the recipe, cook the zucchini in batches.

COOK: Air fry until the pieces are tender when pierced with a fork and the breadcrumbs should be a bit crisp. Take care not to overcook the zucchini! Overcooked = mushy. The cook time is about 6 to 7 minutes, but since all air fryers are a little different, I suggest checking the zucchini at about 5 minutes.

SERVE: Serve the zucchini immediately. It’s best straight from the air fryer. If you like, serve it with your favorite dipping sauce.

Can I use store-bought taco seasoning?

Sure. To save time, feel free to use store-bought taco seasoning. I like to make my own seasoning because I prefer the taste. The store-bought versions tend to be extra salty. Plus, the bottled seasonings often include fillers. That being said, they’re great for convenience.

How do I double the recipe?

Yes! Double it or even triple it. This recipe is a great way to use up a bounty of summertime veggies. Since the zucchini needs to be cooked in a single layer in the air fryer so that it doesn’t become soggy, cook larger amounts in batches.

Can I use regular breadcrumbs?

Technically yes, but I don’t recommend it. Panko breadcrumbs are much crunchier and studier than other breadcrumbs. Avoid use the ground breadcrumbs found in many grocery stores.

Can I add Parmesan cheese?

Sure! A couple of teaspoons of finely grated Parmesan cheese adds extra flavor. Keep in mind that the dish will no longer be vegan if cheese is added.

Can air fried zucchini be made ahead of time?

Zucchini made in the air fryer is best when served immediately. It cools down quickly and can start to become a bit soggy when left to sit. If this happens, cook it in the air fryer for another couple of minutes, then serve.

Disclosure: I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.