Looking for a lighter, low-carb alternative to pasta that still hits the spot? These easy air fryer zucchini noodles are quick to make, full of flavor, and perfect for a simple, healthy meal.

Air fryer zucchini noodles cooked until tender and lightly crisp, served in a bowl as a low-carb pasta alternative.
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If pasta night needs a lighter upgrade, these easy air fryer zucchini noodles are the answer.

They’re quick, simple, and cook up perfectly tender with a slight crisp, making them a great base for your favorite sauces or a fresh, healthy side dish.

Fresh zucchini noodles cooked in the air fryer, lightly crisp and served as a healthy low-carb pasta alternative.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

  • Low-carb and healthy: A lighter swap for traditional pasta.
  • Quick to make: Ready in minutes with minimal prep.
  • Simple ingredients: No complicated shopping list required.
  • Versatile: Pair with sauces, proteins, or enjoy as a side.
  • Great texture: Tender with a slight crisp from the air fryer.

Ingredients Needed

Ingredients needed for Easy Air Fryer Zucchini Noodles Recipe on kitchen table.
  • Squash: Zucchini or Summer Squash
  • Olive Oil: You can also use any high heat oil
  • Seasonings: Salt and Black Pepper

Recipe Variations

  • Garlic Parmesan Zoodles: Toss with minced garlic and grated Parmesan before air frying.
  • Italian Style: Add Italian seasoning, cherry tomatoes, and a sprinkle of mozzarella.
  • Spicy Zoodles: Mix in red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for heat.
  • Lemon Herb: Finish with fresh lemon juice, parsley, and a little zest.
  • Creamy Alfredo: Toss with a light Alfredo sauce or cream sauce after cooking.
  • Pesto Zoodles: Stir in your favorite pesto for a quick, flavorful upgrade.
  • Asian-Inspired: Add soy sauce, sesame oil, and sesame seeds.

How To Make Easy Air Fryer Zucchini Noodles Recipe

Zucchini being spiralized into noodles and patted dry on a towel to remove excess moisture.

Step One: Cut the ends off of the zucchini, and dispose of them. Then place (this will depend on the spiral cutter you have) the zucchini on the spiral, and prepare as your machine tells you to. Then place the noodles onto a dish towel and blot out as much water as possible. You will notice it’s more than one would think.

Zucchini noodles resting on a towel, releasing excess water.

Step Two: Let the zucchini noodles sit for around 40 minutes to allow excess water to drain.

Step Three: Toss the zucchini noodles in a small bowl with two tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Arrange them in your air fryer basket and set air fryer temperature to 350 degrees F and set cook time for 5-7 minutes until tender, adding a few extra minutes if you prefer a crispier texture.

Plate of cooked zucchini noodles with homemade eggplant parmesan.

Easy Air Fryer Zucchini Noodles Recipe Tips

  • Blot the Moisture: Zucchini holds a lot of water, so after spiralizing, place the noodles on a dish towel and press out as much liquid as possible to prevent soggy noodles.
  • Single Layer Cooking: Spread noodles in a single layer in the air fryer basket for even cooking—crowding can make them steam instead of crisp.
  • Adjust Time for Texture: Cook 7 minutes for tender noodles, or a few extra minutes for a lightly crispy finish.
  • Flavor Boost: Toss the noodles with your favorite seasonings, garlic powder, or grated Parmesan for extra flavor before air frying.
  • Serve Immediately: Air-fried zucchini noodles are best enjoyed right away—they can lose their crispness if left sitting too long.
Air fryer zucchini noodles seasoned with olive oil, salt, and pepper, cooked to tender perfection in a basket.

Storing, Freezing and Reheating Instructions

  • Storing: Place cooled noodles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
  • Freezing: Zucchini noodles don’t freeze well—they’ll release too much water and become mushy, so it’s best to enjoy them fresh.
  • Reheating: Warm gently in the air fryer at 325°F for 2–3 minutes or in a skillet over medium heat, just until heated through—avoid microwaving, which can make them soggy.
Air fryer basket filled with zucchini noodles tossed in olive oil, seasoned with salt and pepper, ready to cook.

Easy Air Fryer Zucchini Noodles Recipe Faqs

Can I use regular zucchini instead of summer squash? Yes! Both zucchini and summer squash work perfectly in this recipe. The texture and cook time are very similar.

Do I need to salt the noodles beforehand? Salting helps draw out excess water, preventing soggy noodles. You can skip it if you prefer a quicker prep, but the noodles may release more water while cooking.

Can I make these ahead of time? You can spiralize and lightly salt the noodles a few hours ahead. Keep them in the fridge and blot dry before air frying.

How do I store leftovers? Store cooked zucchini noodles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat briefly in the air fryer or microwave.

Can I freeze zucchini noodles? Freezing isn’t recommended because zucchini releases a lot of water and can become mushy upon thawing.

Can I add other seasonings? Absolutely! Garlic powder, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, or Parmesan all pair well with zucchini noodles.

How do I make them extra crispy? After air frying the noodles for 7 minutes, add 2–3 more minutes at the same temperature. Don’t overcrowd the basket to allow even crisping.

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"Air fryer zucchini noodles cooked until tender and lightly crisp, served in a bowl as a low-carb pasta alternative."

Easy Air Fryer Zucchini Noodles Recipe

3.43 from 19 votes
Author: Laurie Fleming
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 7 minutes
40 minutes
Total Time: 57 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
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Description

Quick and healthy Easy Air Fryer Zucchini Noodles recipe. Tender, flavorful, and perfect as a low-carb side or main dish in minutes.

Ingredients 

  • 2 small zucchini
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  • Cut the ends off of the 2 small zucchini and dispose of them.
  • Then place (this will depend on the spiral cutter you have) the zucchini on the spiral, and prepare as your machine tells you to.
  • Then place the noodles onto a dish towel and blot out as much water as you can get out, you will notice it’s more than one would think.
  • Leave for about 40 minutes, until most of the water has been removed.
  • Then in a small bowl, add the noodles, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon black pepper.
  • Spread in your air fryer basket or air fryer tray.
  • Set the cook time for 5-7 minutes at air fryer temperature of 350 degrees F, (air fryer setting) this will get them nice and tender. If you want them crispy add a few minutes to the time.

Equipment

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 73kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 1gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 586mgPotassium: 161mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 121IUVitamin C: 11mgCalcium: 12mgIron: 0.3mg

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