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Air-fried zucchini has turned into my nightly ritual. It's what I whip up when I'm craving something light but full of flavor. They come out just right - crispy on the outside, soft on the inside. Mix olive oil with herbs and garlic, and this humble veggie transforms into a Mediterranean treat that takes me back to my summer trips down south.
My super easy ingredient lineup
To feed two folks, I grab a couple of firm zucchinis. I mix them with a tablespoon of good olive oil, a teaspoon of sea salt, half a teaspoon of garlic powder, and the same amount of dried thyme. I love how these basic items work together to create such a tasty dish full of flavor.
The cooking method I swear by
First, I cut off the ends of my zucchinis, then split them lengthwise into halves and quarters to make nice strips. Next, I chop them into 2-centimeter chunks. I toss everything in a big bowl with olive oil and seasonings. I take my time making sure each piece gets coated nicely. Then I lay them in my air fryer basket without overlapping - that's key for getting that golden finish. I set it to 200°C for 12 minutes, shaking the basket a few times during cooking so everything gets evenly crispy.
What to serve them with
These zucchinis taste amazing when they're hot. I usually pair them with grilled chicken or a nice fish fillet. For snacking, I make a Greek yogurt dip with fresh herbs. Sometimes I throw them into pasta or add them to a big salad. They really go with just about anything you can think of.
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Clever tweaks and variations
For a spicier version, I sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. When I want different flavors, I swap thyme for rosemary or oregano. My favorite way is adding grated parmesan near the end of cooking - it makes an amazing crust. When I have guests over, I cook multiple batches to avoid overfilling the air fryer basket. I love trying something slightly different each time I make this dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I cook this meal ahead of time?
- They're best when served hot right after cooking. If needed, reheat them in the Air Fryer for 2-3 minutes.
- → How do I know if the zucchini is ready?
- They should be soft on the inside and have a hint of golden color outside. Use a fork to check if they're cooked through.
- → Can I try different spices?
- Of course! Paprika, mixed herbs, or even grated parmesan all work great with zucchini.
- → Why are my zucchini mushy?
- Overcooking or overcrowding the basket can cause this. Cook in smaller batches and keep an eye on the time.
- → Should I thaw frozen zucchini first?
- Fresh zucchini works best, but if you're using frozen ones, make sure to thaw and pat them dry first.