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You can air fry zucchini and yellow squash pretty easily.
It’s one of the fastest ways to turn those summer garden veggies into a crispy, golden side dish.
If you’ve been wondering how to air fry zucchini and yellow squash without them turning into a soggy mess, you’re in the right place.
The air fryer circulates hot air around the slices, which gives you that roasted texture with way less oil.
In this post, we’ll walk through how to air fry zucchini and yellow squash step by step, plus seasoning ideas and tips to keep them crisp.
Let’s get cooking.
How to Air Fry Zucchini and Yellow Squash
Learning how to air fry zucchini and yellow squash comes down to a few simple moves.
Here’s the basic process so you can air fry zucchini and yellow squash with confidence.
1. Slice Them Evenly
Start by washing your zucchini and yellow squash, then trim the ends off.
Cut them into half-inch rounds or half-moon slices so they cook at the same rate.
If you want to air fry zucchini and yellow squash as chips, go thinner at about a quarter inch.
Just keep the slices uniform so nothing burns while the rest stays raw.
2. Pat Them Dry
This step is the secret to how to air fry zucchini and yellow squash without sogginess.
Zucchini and yellow squash are mostly water, so blot the slices with a paper towel or clean kitchen towel.
The drier the surface, the better they’ll crisp up when you air fry zucchini and yellow squash.
3. Toss With Oil and Seasoning
Drizzle the slices with a tablespoon of olive oil or avocado oil, then toss to coat.
Sprinkle on salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, or use whatever blend you love.
A little grated parmesan or Italian seasoning works great when you air fry zucchini and yellow squash too.
Don’t overdo the oil, since too much will make them steam instead of roast.
4. Arrange in a Single Layer
Place the seasoned slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
If you overcrowd the basket, they’ll steam and turn soft instead of crispy.
Cook in batches if needed so every piece gets that hot air circulating around it.
5. Air Fry at the Right Temperature
Set your air fryer to 375°F and cook for about 10 to 12 minutes.
Shake the basket halfway through so they brown evenly on both sides.
For crispier results, bump it to 400°F and check them at the 8-minute mark.
The exact time depends on your air fryer model and how thick you sliced them.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Zucchini and Yellow Squash
Want to nail how to air fry zucchini and yellow squash every single time?
These tips will help you air fry zucchini and yellow squash like a pro.
1. Salt Them First to Draw Out Water
Sprinkle salt on the slices and let them sit for 10 minutes.
Then pat away the moisture that beads up on the surface.
This trick makes a big difference when you air fry zucchini and yellow squash.
2. Add a Light Coating for Extra Crunch
If you like them crispy, toss the slices in a tablespoon of cornstarch or panko before cooking.
This helps them brown beautifully when you air fry zucchini and yellow squash.
3. Don’t Skip the Preheat
Preheating your air fryer for 3 to 5 minutes gives you a head start on crisping.
It’s a small step that makes a big difference in how to air fry zucchini and yellow squash.
4. Season After Cooking Too
A squeeze of lemon juice, fresh herbs, or a pinch of flaky salt after cooking wakes up the flavor.
Since some seasoning can burn at high heat, finishing touches are a smart move when you air fry zucchini and yellow squash.
What to Serve With Air Fried Zucchini and Yellow Squash
Now that you know how to air fry zucchini and yellow squash, here’s how to enjoy them.
They pair well with grilled chicken, burgers, fish, or a big bowl of pasta.
You can also air fry zucchini and yellow squash as a healthy snack with marinara or ranch for dipping.
Toss leftovers into salads, wraps, or grain bowls the next day.
They keep in the fridge for about three days in an airtight container.
Reheat them in the air fryer for a couple of minutes so they crisp back up instead of going soft in the microwave.
So, How Do You Air Fry Zucchini and Yellow Squash?
You air fry zucchini and yellow squash by slicing them evenly, patting them dry, tossing them with oil and seasoning, and cooking them at 375°F for about 10 to 12 minutes.
A single layer and a mid-cook shake are what keep them golden instead of soggy.
Whether you serve them as a side or a snack, now you know exactly how to air fry zucchini and yellow squash any night of the week.
Happy cooking.