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Crispy air fryer zucchini slices golden brown and lightly seasoned on a plate

Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Slices Without Flour (Naturally Low-Carb)

5 from 1 vote
Author: Laurie Fleming
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 14 minutes
10 minutes
Total Time: 29 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings

Description

A naturally low-carb, gluten-free side dish with truly crispy edges — no breading, no flour, no eggs. Ready in 15 minutes.

Ingredients 

  • 2 medium zucchini, about 1 lb total
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt, plus extra for the salting step
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika, optional
  • lemon wedge, optional, for serving

Instructions

  • Slice the zucchini. Cut both zucchini into rounds about ¼-inch thick, keeping the slices as uniform as possible.
  • Salt and rest. Lay the slices in a single layer on a clean towel. Sprinkle with salt and let sit for 10 minutes. Moisture will bead up on the surface.
  • Pat dry thoroughly. Use a fresh towel to press all the moisture off both sides of every slice. This is the most important step.
  • Season. Transfer the dried slices to a bowl. Add olive oil, ½ teaspoon salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika if using. Toss until evenly coated.
  • Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (about 3 minutes).
  • Cook in a single layer. Arrange the zucchini in the basket without overlapping. Air fry for 8 minutes, flip, and cook another 4–6 minutes until edges are golden brown and crisp. Work in batches if needed.
  • Serve immediately with a squeeze of fresh lemon if desired.

Equipment

  • Air Fryer, Air Fryer Basket or Air Fryer Oven
  • Cooking Spray
  • Parchment Paper, optional

Notes

Notes

  • Don't skip the salting step — it's the key to crispy, not soggy, results.
  • High heat matters. 350°F will steam the zucchini; 400°F crisps it.
  • Single layer only. Crowding the basket guarantees soggy zucchini.
  • Eat within 10 minutes for best texture. Crispness fades quickly.
  • Storage: Refrigerate leftovers up to 2 days, reheat in the air fryer at 400°F for 3–4 minutes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 50kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 1gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 299mgPotassium: 265mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 258IUVitamin C: 18mgCalcium: 17mgIron: 0.4mg