If you grow zucchini, you know the feeling. One day there are a few small squash on the vine, and the next you’re handing them to neighbors just to make room on the counter.
The good news is that zucchini is one of the most versatile vegetables around. These zucchini recipes turn your garden haul into crispy fries and chips, kid-friendly pizza boats, hearty dinners, and moist zucchini bread and muffins. Most are made in the air fryer, so you get golden, crunchy results without heating up the kitchen on a hot summer day.
Pick a few favorites, grab your grater, and put that zucchini to work.
Crispy Zucchini Sides and Snacks
1. Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Zucchini Crisps
Thin zucchini slices get a savory Parmesan coating and air fry at 400°F until golden. They’re crunchy outside, tender inside, and kid-friendly. Salt and pat the slices dry first so they don’t get soggy.
Get the recipe: Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Zucchini Crisps
2. Copycat Red Robin Zucchini Fries
Zucchini spears get dipped in egg and breadcrumbs, then air fry at 370°F for about 14 minutes, flipping halfway. They taste just like the restaurant version. Serve with ranch or marinara for dipping.
Get the recipe: Copycat Red Robin Zucchini Fries
3. Air Fryer Everything Bagel Zucchini Chips
Everything bagel seasoning turns plain zucchini rounds into a savory, crunchy snack. They cook at 375°F in a single layer. Make a double batch, because they go fast.
Get the recipe: Air Fryer Everything Bagel Zucchini Chips
4. Ninja Foodi Woodfire Zucchini Fritters
Grated zucchini, egg, flour, and fresh dill form golden fritters with a light smoky flavor. Squeeze the moisture out of the zucchini first for the crispiest results. Serve with sour cream or a yogurt dip.
Get the recipe: Ninja Foodi Woodfire Zucchini Fritters
5. Air Fryer Zucchini Tots
You need just 7 ingredients for these homemade zucchini tater tots. Shredded zucchini gets shaped into bite-size tots and air fried until crispy. They’re a sneaky way to get kids to eat their veggies.
Get the recipe: Air Fryer Zucchini Tots
6. Easy Air Fryer Hasselback Zucchini
Thinly sliced (but not all the way through) zucchini gets packed with garlic, herbs, and melted cheese. It’s crispy on the edges and tender inside, ready in about 25 minutes. It looks impressive with very little work.
Get the recipe: Easy Air Fryer Hasselback Zucchini
7. Blackstone Griddle Zucchini
Golden, charred zucchini in just 8 minutes on the griddle. It’s tender inside, smoky outside, and pairs with any grilled chicken, steak, or fish. Use medium zucchini and don’t crowd the griddle.
Get the recipe: Blackstone Griddle Zucchini
Easy Zucchini Dinners and Mains
8. Air Fryer Zucchini Pizza Boats
Zucchini halves get filled with pizza sauce, melty mozzarella, and crispy mini pepperoni. They’re low carb and ready in about 20 minutes. In my house, it’s the zucchini recipe the family requests most.
Get the recipe: Air Fryer Zucchini Pizza Boats
9. Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats
Shredded chicken gets tossed in buffalo sauce, piled into zucchini halves, and topped with cheese and a drizzle of ranch. They’re spicy, cheesy, and low carb. Serve them as a light dinner or a hearty side.
Get the recipe: Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats
10. Air Fryer Zucchini Burgers
Shredded zucchini, panko, egg, and Southwestern spices form crispy veggie patties that hold together. They air fry at 375°F for 16 to 18 minutes and are ready in about 20 minutes total. The key is squeezing out the zucchini’s moisture first.
Get the recipe: Air Fryer Zucchini Burgers
11. Air Fryer Bulgogi with Zucchini
Thin slices of beef soak in a soy-garlic-sesame marinade and cook up caramelized in the air fryer, with crisp-tender zucchini on the side. It’s a Korean BBQ-style dinner in about 30 minutes. Serve it over steamed rice.
Get the recipe: Air Fryer Bulgogi with Zucchini
12. Air Fryer Zucchini Casserole
Tender zucchini, onions, eggs, and cheese bake together into a golden, crispy-topped casserole. It’s a great way to use up a big garden harvest. Serve it as a side or a light main course.
Get the recipe: Air Fryer Zucchini Casserole
13. Air Fryer Zucchini Onion Pie
Diced zucchini and onion come together with Bisquick, seasonings, and Parmesan in this savory, quiche-like pie. It’s an old-fashioned favorite made quick in the air fryer. Slice it into wedges for dinner or brunch.
Get the recipe: Air Fryer Zucchini Onion Pie
Zucchini Breads, Muffins, and Bakes
14. Air Fryer Zucchini Bread
This classic loaf gets warm flavor from cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, plus optional walnuts. It bakes in the air fryer in about 30 minutes, so your kitchen stays cool. Oil keeps it moist for days, and it freezes well.
Get the recipe: Air Fryer Zucchini Bread
15. Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread
All the moisture of classic zucchini bread, loaded with melty chocolate chips. It works for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Kids won’t even notice the zucchini.
Get the recipe: Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread
16. Easy Air Fryer Zucchini Muffins
Soft, tender muffins packed with grated zucchini and a touch of cinnamon. Stir in chocolate chips, walnuts, or chopped apples to switch things up. They’re great for lunchboxes and grab-and-go breakfasts.
Get the recipe: Easy Air Fryer Zucchini Muffins
17. Air Fryer Zucchini Pumpkin Quick Bread
Zucchini and pumpkin team up in one moist, cozy loaf with warm spices and walnuts. It bakes at 320°F in 20 to 25 minutes. It’s the perfect bridge recipe from late summer into fall.
Get the recipe: Air Fryer Zucchini Pumpkin Quick Bread
18. Air Fryer Zucchini Bacon Cheddar Scones
Flaky, golden scones loaded with smoky bacon, sharp cheddar, and tender grated zucchini. They’re a savory breakfast or brunch treat. Serve warm with butter.
Get the recipe: Air Fryer Zucchini Bacon Cheddar Scones
Tips for Picking, Prepping, and Storing Zucchini
- Pick medium zucchini. Six to eight inches long is the sweet spot. Giant zucchini are watery and seedy, so save those for bread and muffins.
- Salt and pat dry before air frying. Salt pulls out moisture, which is the secret to crispy chips, fries, and crisps instead of soggy ones.
- Squeeze grated zucchini. For fritters, tots, burgers, and bread, wring out grated zucchini in a clean towel before mixing.
- No need to peel. The skin adds color and helps slices hold their shape.
- Don’t crowd the basket. Cook zucchini in a single layer so the hot air can crisp every piece.
- Store it dry. Keep whole, unwashed zucchini in the crisper drawer for up to a week. Grate and freeze extras in measured bags for future bread and muffins.
Zucchini Recipes FAQ
What is the best way to cook zucchini so it isn’t soggy? Use high heat and dry zucchini. Salt the slices, pat them dry, and air fry at 400°F in a single layer. The Parmesan Crusted Zucchini Crisps and Red Robin Zucchini Fries are great places to start.
How do I get kids to eat zucchini? Try the Zucchini Pizza Boats, Zucchini Tots, Red Robin Zucchini Fries, or Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread. Crispy textures and familiar flavors make zucchini an easy sell.
What can I make with a lot of zucchini? Baked goods use the most per batch. The Zucchini Bread, Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread, and Zucchini Pumpkin Quick Bread all freeze well, and the Zucchini Casserole is a great use for oversized squash.
Can I freeze zucchini? Yes. Grate it, squeeze out the moisture, and freeze it in measured bags for bread, muffins, and fritters. Sliced frozen zucchini turns mushy, so it isn’t ideal for chips or fries.
Are there low-carb zucchini recipes on this list? Yes. The Zucchini Pizza Boats, Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats, Everything Bagel Zucchini Chips, and Hasselback Zucchini are all low-carb friendly.
With this many ways to use it, you’ll never have to wonder what to do with your zucchini harvest again.
