Thomas Keller’s Roasted Zucchini recipe is a viral sensation – and my Air Fryer version is a game changer! This easy air fried zucchini recipe will become your summer obsession.
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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.
Air Fryer Zucchini Grocery List
Here’s what you will need to make this recipe, apart from the Air Fryer of course!
FOR THE ZUCCHINI
- 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.
FOR THE SAUCE
I played around a little with the sauce – Thomas Keller uses a sauce vierge made with olive oil, lemon juice, tomatoes, shallots and parsley. For my simplified version you will need:
- 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 Thomas Keller’s Roasted Zucchini in your Air Fryer
Full measurements and instructions can be found on the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page. Please take a look at the steps and video before attempting this recipe!
PREP THE ZUCCHINI
Top and tail the zucchini then slice in half lengthwise. Use a sharp knife to lightly score the flesh in a crosshatch pattern.
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
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.
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
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for three minutes. Pat the zucchini dry and drizzle with olive oil.
Place in the air fryer basket (or in a rack) scored side down and cook for 15 minutes.
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.
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 #supergoldenbakes and make my day! I have also just launched my TikTok channel and would love to meet you there 🙂
Thomas Keller’s Viral Roasted Zucchini in your Air Fryer!
Equipment & Tools
Ingredients
For the Zucchini
- 4 zucchini (courgettes)
- salt Kosher salt / smoked sea salt, as needed
- 2 tbsp olive oil or as needed
For the Tomato Sauce
- 1 shallot very finely diced
- 1 cup (230g) cherry tomatoes
- 1 garlic clove minced (optional)
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice or sherry vinegar
- 1 tbsp baby capers
- 1 tbsp flat leaf parsley finely diced
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
Prep the zucchini
- Top and tail the zucchini then slice in half lengthwise. Use a sharp knife to lightly score the flesh in a crosshatch pattern.4 zucchini (courgettes), salt, 2 tbsp olive oil
- 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 to allow for moisture to release, while you prepare the sauce.
Make the Tomato Sauce
- Place the shallot, finely chopped tomatoes, garlic, lemon juice and olive oil in a small bowl. Sprinkle with salt and allow the sauce to rest, draining excess moisture before using.1 shallot, 1 cup (230g) cherry tomatoes, 1 garlic clove, ½ tsp salt, 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Stir in the capers, parsley and olive oil just before serving. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.1 tbsp baby capers, 1 tbsp flat leaf parsley, 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Air Fry the zucchini
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for three minutes. Pat the zucchini dry and drizzle with olive oil. Place in the air fryer basket (or a rack) scored side down and cook for 15 minutes.
- 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!
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