Vegan Air Fried Zucchini Recipe

This vegan air fried zucchini recipe is simple, quick, and packed with flavor. It features a delicious coating that gives the zucchini a cheesy, garlicky taste without any dairy. Here’s how to prepare it:

Ingredients

• 2 medium zucchinis (approximately 1 lb or 453 grams), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (or potato starch)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast (for a cheesy flavor)
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or aquafaba for an oil-free version)
• Optional: Black pepper and chili flakes for added spice

Instructions

Prepare the Zucchini:

• Trim the ends of the zucchinis and cut them into approximately ¾ inch chunky pieces.

Mix the Coating:

• In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Mix well.

Coat the Zucchini:

• Place the zucchini pieces in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil (or aquafaba) and toss to coat.
• Sprinkle the cornstarch mixture over the zucchini and toss again until well coated.

Air Fry:

• Preheat your air fryer to 370°F (190°C).
• Transfer the coated zucchini to the air fryer basket in a single layer (overlapping slightly is okay).
• Air fry for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket every 3-4 minutes to ensure even cooking, until the zucchini is tender but not mushy.

Serve:

• Once cooked, serve immediately as a snack or side dish. You can enjoy it plain or with your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips

• For added crunch, consider using panko breadcrumbs instead of cornstarch for coating.
• Adjust seasonings according to your taste preferences; adding more spices can enhance flavor.
• This dish pairs well with salads, pasta dishes, or as a standalone snack.

Other Vegetables to Use

You can substitute zucchini with a variety of vegetables that work well in an air fryer. Consider these options:

• Bell Peppers (any color)
• Broccoli
• Cauliflower
• Carrots
• Mushrooms
• Asparagus
• Brussels Sprouts
• Eggplant

These vegetables can be seasoned similarly to zucchini and will cook well in the air fryer 

Substituting Cornstarch

If you need to substitute cornstarch, consider using:

• Arrowroot Powder: A great gluten-free alternative.
• Potato Starch: Works similarly and adds crispiness.
• Tapioca Starch: Another gluten-free option that can provide a nice crunch.

These alternatives can help achieve a crispy texture without using cornstarch 

Making Zucchini Extra Crispy

To enhance the crispiness of your air-fried zucchini:

• Use Less Oil: Too much oil can make them soggy; just a light coating is sufficient.
• Increase Cooking Temperature: Cooking at a higher temperature (around 400°F) can help achieve a crispier texture.
• Preheat the Air Fryer: Ensuring the air fryer is hot before adding the zucchini helps in achieving that crispy finish.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Cook in batches if necessary to allow hot air to circulate around each piece.

Storing Leftover Air-Fried Zucchini

To store leftover air-fried zucchini:

1. Allow the zucchini to cool completely.
2. Place them in an airtight container.
3. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

For best results, reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore their crispiness before serving again 

Gluten-Free Coating Options

If you’re looking for gluten-free options for the coating:

• Gluten-Free Breadcrumbs: Use certified gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular ones.
• Almond Flour or Chickpea Flour: These can be used as a base for coating and will add flavor and crunch.
• Ground Flaxseed: Mixed with water, it can create a binding effect similar to eggs, while also being gluten-free.

These alternatives will help maintain the crispy texture while accommodating gluten-free.

Enjoy your deliciously crispy vegan air fried zucchini!