Air Fryer Zucchini
Why this recipe works
- Fast side dish: The air fryer cooks the courgette quickly, giving it colour and tenderness in under 15 minutes.
- Better browning: Cutting the courgette into thick batons helps it brown in spots without collapsing or turning watery.
- Fresh finish: Lemon zest seasons the courgette as it cooks, while lemon juice added at the end lifts the garlic and herbs.
Get the most out of this recipe
Texture tips
- Keep the basket uncrowded: Cook the courgette in a single layer so moisture can escape and the edges can brown.
- Use thicker batons: Fairly thick pieces hold their shape better and stay tender rather than soft and collapsed.
Ingredient notes
- Choose firm courgettes: Firm courgettes with smooth skins tend to cook more evenly and release less water.
- Dried herbs work well: Dried oregano stands up to the air-fryer heat and gives the courgette a savoury, Mediterranean-style flavour.
Make-ahead tips
- Best served straight away: The courgette has the best texture just after cooking, while the edges are still lightly browned.
- Reheat in the air fryer: Reheat chilled leftovers at 190°C (375°F) until piping hot; the courgette will be softer than when freshly cooked.
Serving ideas
- Serve with simple mains: Pair with grilled chicken, fish, pasta or rice-based dishes for a quick vegetable side.
- Finish with extra freshness: Add a little more lemon juice just before serving if the courgette needs a brighter finish.
Equipment you'll need
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut the courgette into batons, roughly 1.5 cm thick. Finely grate the garlic, then zest the lemon and cut it in half.
- In a mixing bowl, toss the courgette with the olive oil, garlic, dried oregano, fine sea salt, black pepper and the lemon zest. Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (390°F) for 2 minutes if needed.
- Air fry in a single layer for 7 to 9 minutes, shaking once, until browned in spots and tender but not collapsed. Tip into a serving dish and squeeze over the lemon juice to taste.
Recipe notes
Tips
- Keep the batons fairly thick so they brown without turning watery.
- For deeper browning, cook in two batches rather than piling the courgette up.
- Add the lemon juice after cooking so the courgette stays lightly crisp rather than steaming.
Substitutions
- Replace dried oregano with italian-seasoning for a more rounded herb flavour.
- Replace lemon with lime for a sharper citrus finish.
Storage
- Refrigerate up to 2 days
- Cool, then refrigerate in an airtight container. Reheat in the air fryer at 190°C (375°F) for 2 to 4 minutes until piping hot; the courgette will soften slightly on keeping.
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Recipe overview
- Servings: 3 servings
- Total time: 14min (6min active)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cuisine: Fusion
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