Air Fryer Roasted Zucchini

Sometimes you stumble across a recipe that lives up to all the TikTok hype – and then some! Chef Thomas Keller’s Oven Roasted Zucchini IS that recipe and I know that you will LOVE it too.

This is my version of the viral Thomas Keller zucchini recipe, adapted for the Air Fryer. It uses just a handful of ingredients, tastes AMAZING and is super easy to recreate, making the best of summer vegetables. And did I mention it is also healthy, thrifty and vegan?

Why This Recipe Works

Roasting the zucchini transforms from a rather bland vegetable into a tender, creamy, sweet and slightly smoky taste bomb that contrasts beautifully with the saltiness of the fresh tomato sauce.

I have made this recipe so many times recently and I swear I will never tire of it! It is the best summer side dish.

Here’s What You’ll Need

Here’s what you will need to make this recipe, apart from the Air Fryer of course!

• Zucchini (a.k.a courgettes): our star vegetable! Luckily zucchini is plentiful this time of year and even easy to grow yourself.
• Salt – salting the zucchini draws out the moisture and adds flavor. I used smoked Maldon salt here.
• Olive oil – use a good quality extra virgin olive oil.
• Fresh tomatoes – I used cherry tomatoes. Any tomatoes can be used, as long as they taste good!
• Shallot and minced garlic
• Olive oil and lemon juice
• Baby capers (also called Nonpareils) are optional but delicious!
• Fresh parsley, basil, chives or your fave fresh herbs

How to Make Air Fryer Roasted Zucchini

Prep the Zucchini

1. Top and tail the  zucchini then slice in half lengthwise. Use a sharp knife to lightly score the flesh in a crosshatch pattern.
2. Generously sprinkle salt over the scored side and place the zucchini cut side down on a paper towel. Rest for 15-20 minutes or so, while you prepare the sauce.

Make the Tomato Sauce

1. Place the shallot, finely chopped tomatoes, minced garlic, lemon juice in a small bowl. Sprinkle with salt and allow the sauce to rest, draining excess moisture before using.
2. Stir in the capers and parsley at the end. Add olive oil, have a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Air Fry the Zucchini

1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for three minutes. Pat the zucchini dry and drizzle with olive oil.
2. Place in the air fryer basket (or in a rack) scored side down and cook for 15 minutes.

1. Use tongs to gently flip them over and cook for a further 10 minutes, or until the zucchini is soft is slightly charred in places. I found cooking for 20-30 minutes is about right – but your Air Fryer model may differ from mine.

Assemble and Serve

Place the zucchini on a platter (be careful when plating as they can fall apart). Spoon the sauce over them and drizzle with olive oil. Serve immediately!

Recipe Tips

Chef Keller’s recipe for roasted zucchini is perfect for adapting to include your favorite ingredients. While it is vegan as written it pairs wonderfully with cheese. Consider adding some crumbled feta or goat’s cheese or serve it with fresh burrata and toasted sourdough.

This air fryer roasted zucchini is delicious served warm as an appetizer or a side dish.
Leftovers will keep for a day or two in the fridge and taste delicious mixed into an orzo or couscous salad.

• Greek Zucchini Pie (Kolokithopita)
• Easy Tzatziki Recipe – Greek Yogurt and Cucumber Dip
• Spinach, Coconut and Zucchini Soup
• Greek Zucchini Balls – Kolokithokeftedes
• Traditional Greek Salad (Horiatiki Salata)

HAVE YOU MADE MY AIR FRYER ROASTED ZUCCHINI RECIPE? Please leave a rating, post a photo on my Facebook page, share it on Instagram with @supergolden88 and the tag #Nusde and make my day! I have also just launched my TikTok channel and would love to meet you there 🙂