Description
This Air Fryer Zucchini and Squash recipe offers a quick and delicious way to enjoy tender, flavorful vegetables with a perfectly crispy exterior. Ideal as a side dish or a healthy snack, it features simple seasoning with garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika, enhanced with olive oil, and optionally garnished with fresh herbs for a burst of color and freshness.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 2 medium zucchinis (Fresh and firm for the best results.)
- 2 medium yellow squash (Look for even-sized pieces.)
Seasonings
- 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.)
Garnish
- Fresh herbs like parsley or basil (Optional, for garnish.)
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Wash and dry the zucchinis and yellow squash thoroughly. Cut both into evenly sized pieces, such as half-moons or rounds about ½ inch thick, to ensure even cooking.
- Season the vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the cut zucchini and squash with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the vegetables are evenly coated with the oil and spices.
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to preheat for about 3-5 minutes to ensure optimal crispiness.
- Cook the vegetables: Place the seasoned zucchini and squash in the air fryer basket in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. Cook for about 12 minutes, shaking the basket or stirring the vegetables halfway through to promote even cooking and browning.
- Garnish and serve: Once cooked to a tender and slightly crispy texture, transfer the vegetables to a serving plate. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil if desired, and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- For best results, use similarly sized pieces of zucchini and squash to ensure even cooking.
- If you prefer extra crispiness, you can increase cooking time by 2-3 minutes but watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Feel free to experiment with other seasonings like Italian herbs or chili flakes for a different flavor profile.
- Use a light cooking spray on the air fryer basket if sticking is a concern.
- This recipe is excellent as a low-carb, gluten-free side dish.
