When you need a quick, easy, flavorful, and healthy side dish that everyone loves, this Air Fryer Zucchini and Squash recipe is just perfect!
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As summer fades to fall, we are all pining for soups and pumpkin spice everything. (Back away pumpkin spice haters, back away. 😉) However, if you go to the Farmer’s Market, you’ll see there’s still a lot of zucchini and summer squash. It’s still growing in late summer and guess what? I have a great recipe for you to use it!
Savor the last of the season with this quick and easy side dish you can make in your Air Fryer! It’s the perfect way to use this versatile vegetable once you’ve made all the Vegan Zucchini Muffins and Chocolate Zucchini Bread.
Air fryer zucchini and squash is a super simple, healthy, and delicious side dish. This is a perfect side dish for a weeknight meal during the summer months when zucchini is in season or all year long. You can get a little of the satisfying crunch without deep frying with your air fryer. Ready to make this dish?
Recipe Ingredients–What You Need
Each of these simple ingredients brings something special to the table.
Zucchini
Zucchini is a nutrient-dense food and a great source of antioxidants. It’s also low in calories and carbs but high in vitamins and minerals like Vitamin C, potassium, and manganese.
Summer Squash
Like zucchini, summer squash is also a nutrient-dense food and an excellent source of antioxidants. It’s also a good source of vitamins A and C, potassium, and fiber.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is a healthy fat that has been shown to reduce inflammation. It’s also a good source of antioxidants. You only need a small amount for your air fryer recipes!
Panko Bread Crumbs
Panko bread crumbs are a type of bread crumb that is made from coarsely ground bread. They’re perfect for air fryer recipes because they give a nice crunch without being too heavy. Need this recipe to be gluten-free? No problem! Use gluten-free Panko breadcrumbs.
Parmesan Cheese
Parmesan cheese is a hard, salty cheese that is full of flavor. A little goes a long way! It’s also a good source of protein and calcium.
Salt, Pepper, and Italian Seasoning
Salt, pepper, and an Italian seasoning blend bring flavor to this dish. Air fryer zucchini and squash is a versatile recipe–feel free to use your favorite seasonings. Try adding some garlic powder or onion powder for a little more bite. Or switch it up completely and try my homemade taco seasoning!
Optional
These are tasty as is, but one of my favorite ways to eat these little bites are with marinara sauce or ranch dressing. So good!
Now that you have all your ingredients, let’s get cooking! This recipe is so easy, you’ll have it on the table in no time.
Instructions: How to Make Air Fryer Zucchini and Squash
- First, preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- While the air fryer is heating up, cut your zucchini and squash in fourths length wise, and then slice it so you have triangle shaped pieces. I find when I chop them in this way it’s quicker and easier than making air fryer zucchini chips or zucchini fries. I’m all about simple recipes!
- Next, put the zucchini and summer squash pieces into a large bowl. Add olive oil, Panko bread crumbs, seasonings, and Parmesan cheese. Gently stir to combine.
- Place the coated zucchini and squash in a single layer on the tray of your air fryer or in the basket of the air fryer, depending on which type you have. You don’t want the zucchini and squash to be crowded, so if you have a small air fryer you may need to do this in batches.
- Cook for 7-10 minutes, shaking the basket or changing the tray positions at the halfway point. Cooking time may vary as different brands heat differently. 7-10 minutes is what worked well in my tests with my Instant Vortex Plus air fryer.
- Serve alone or with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce for dipping. Enjoy!
I find when I chop them in this way it’s quicker and easier than making air fryer zucchini chips or zucchini fries. I’m all about simple recipes!
You don’t want the zucchini and squash to be crowded, so if you have a small air fryer you may need to do this in batches.FAQs
Is this a healthy zucchini and squash recipe?
I’m always hesitant to answer this question, since healthy is a relative term. Air frying is a healthy way to prepare vegetables and yes, I consider fresh zucchini and squash to be healthy when prepared this way, making this a healthy side dish.
Will my zucchini get soggy?
Sauteed zucchini is easy to overcook and it gets soggy quickly. The same can happen when you roast it. The air fryer is your best bet for cooking your zucchini to the perfect, non-soggy state! The Panko breadcrumbs give a nice little crunch.
What’s the difference between squash and zucchini?
Summer squash is a type of squash that is harvested when it is immature. It has a softer skin and seeds than winter squash. Zucchini is a variety of summer squash. It’s usually dark green but can also be yellow or orange. Summer squash and zucchini are both low in calories and carbs but high in vitamins and minerals.
How do you choose the best zucchini and summer squash?
When choosing zucchini and summer squash, look for ones that are firm with smooth, shiny skin. Avoid ones that are dull looking, have bruises, or are soft to the touch. You’ll also want to avoid gigantic ones–they tend to be more watery.
How can I store leftover squash and zucchini?
If you have leftovers, store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Use the reheat function on your air fryer to reheat them when you’re ready to eat them.
Need more air fryer vegetable recipes? Try this recipe for Air Fryer Asparagus. More will be coming soon!
More Simple Side Dish Recipes
Zucchini Gratin a little more time consuming, but definitely one of my favorite recipes for using zucchini.
Steamed Broccoli (Instant Pot recipe) this one is just as quick and easy, if you have an Instant Pot you can have it the same night!
Roasted Tomatoes Another super simple recipe, perfect for late summer produce!
Coconut Rice recipe If you need a starch with your meal, this flavorful side dish couldn’t be easier!
The whole family is going to love this delicious air fryer recipe! If you try it, please leave a star rating below. It really helps other readers see which recipes are tried and true! Share your photo on Instagram and tag me and I’ll feature you!
Print
Air Fryer Zucchini and Squash (SO FAST!)
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Air Fryer Zucchini and Squash is super simple to prepare, takes less than 20 minutes to make, and is a favorite the whole family loves.
Ingredients
- 1 pound zucchini (2 medium)
- 1 pound summer squash (2 medium)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup Panko bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning blend
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- First, preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- While the air fryer is heating up, cut your zucchini and squash in fourths length wise, and then slice it so you have triangle shaped pieces. I find when I chop them in this way it’s quicker and easier than making air fryer zucchini chips or zucchini fries. I’m all about simple recipes!
- Next, put the zucchini and summer squash pieces into a large bowl. Add olive oil, Panko bread crumbs, seasonings, and Parmesan cheese. Gently stir to combine.
- Place the coated zucchini and squash in a single layer on the tray of your air fryer or in the basket of the air fryer, depending on which type you have. You don’t want the zucchini and squash to be crowded, so if you have a small air fryer you may need to do this in batches.
- Cook for 7-10 minutes, shaking the basket or changing the tray positions at the halfway point. Cooking time may vary as different brands heat differently. 7-10 minutes is what worked well in my tests with my Instant Vortex Plus air fryer.
- Serve alone or with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce for dipping. Enjoy!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: air fryer recipes
- Method: air fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 71
- Sugar: 2.2 grams
- Fat: 4.1 grams
- Saturated Fat: 1.1 gram
- Carbohydrates: 6.9 grams
- Fiber: 1.4 grams
- Protein: 2.9 grams
Please note that links to products are affiliate links. I only recommend products I use and love!
It’s also super easy and quick to prepare, taking only about 20 minutes. This is sure to be a family favorite geometry dash scratch side dish for dinner! If you’re looking for something that’s both delicious and healthy, this is a great option.