Description
This Air Fryer Zucchini and Squash recipe offers a quick, healthy, and flavorful way to enjoy tender, golden roasted vegetables with a smoky and savory seasoning. Perfect as a side dish, it combines fresh zucchinis and yellow squash coated in olive oil and spices, cooked to perfection in an air fryer for a crispy, yet soft texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 2 medium zucchinis (Fresh and firm for the best results)
- 2 medium yellow squash (Look for even-sized pieces)
Seasonings and Oil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (Can substitute with other oils if desired)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (Adjust according to taste)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (Enhances flavor)
- 1 teaspoon paprika (Adds a slight smokiness)
- Salt and pepper to taste (Season according to preference)
Optional Garnish
- Fresh herbs like parsley or basil (Optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preparation: Wash the zucchinis and yellow squash thoroughly under cold running water and pat them dry with a clean towel to remove excess moisture.
- Slicing: Cut each zucchini and squash into even slices about half an inch thick to ensure uniform cooking.
- Seasoning: Place the sliced vegetables in a large bowl, add olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss everything well until all slices are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
- Preheating the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for approximately 5 minutes to prepare it for cooking.
- Cooking: Arrange the coated zucchini and squash slices in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding for even air circulation.
- Air Frying: Cook the vegetables for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure all pieces cook evenly.
- Checking Doneness: After the initial cooking time, check that the vegetables are tender and have developed a golden color. If not, continue cooking for an extra 2 to 3 minutes as needed.
- Serving: Remove the cooked zucchini and squash from the air fryer. Garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or basil if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- Cut the vegetables into even slices to ensure uniform cooking and prevent undercooked or overcooked pieces.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary for best results.
- Adjust seasoning amounts based on your taste preference.
- Fresh herbs add a nice vibrant touch but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Olive oil can be substituted with avocado oil or another preferred cooking oil.
