17 Zucchini Sides and Mains That Work and Taste Delicious

Zucchini is one of those ingredients that works in just about every form, sliced, spiralized, grilled, baked, or blitzed into something new. It cooks quickly, takes on flavor well, and can just as easily be a side dish as it can be the base of a full meal. This list includes air fryer snacks, grilled sides, casseroles, quiches, salads, and more, all designed to keep zucchini interesting without much prep. Whether you’ve got a garden full of it or just picked some up on sale, these recipes make it easy to put zucchini to work in a bunch of different ways.

Grain Free Beef and Zucchini Casserole

This casserole layers seasoned ground beef, zucchini slices, and cheese into a filling meal that skips the pasta. It bakes into something hearty and satisfying without feeling too heavy. Leftovers hold up well. Good for meal prep or a weeknight dinner.
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Crispy Baked Zucchini in Oven

These zucchini rounds get breaded and baked until golden and crunchy. No frying needed, just a hot oven and a wire rack for airflow. Dip in ranch, marinara, or eat plain. They make a great snack or side that feels like more than just vegetables.
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Air Fryer Zucchini Fries

Zucchini sticks get coated in a crispy breading and air fried until golden. Serve with ketchup, garlic mayo, or ranch. They’re a fun way to use up extra zucchini. Lighter than traditional fries but still satisfying.
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Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters

Grated zucchini gets mixed with egg, flour, and seasoning, then formed into patties and crisped in the air fryer. They come out golden with soft centers and crunchy edges. Serve with a dipping sauce or yogurt. A great way to use up a lot of zucchini at once.
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Fresh Zucchini Salad

Thin ribbons or rounds of raw zucchini are tossed with olive oil, lemon, and herbs. It’s crisp, refreshing, and perfect for warm weather. Add parmesan or nuts for texture. A nice change from leafy greens.
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Frozen Zucchini

This one walks through how to freeze zucchini the right way, whether sliced, shredded, or blanched. It helps keep extra produce from going to waste. Good to know if your garden harvest gets out of hand. Once prepped, it’s easy to add to soups, stews, or stir fries later.
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Air Fryer Zucchini Parmesan

Slices of zucchini are coated in cheese and seasoning, then crisped up in the air fryer until golden. It’s a quick, flavorful side that gives you that roasted taste without the oven. Great with marinara for dipping or served on the side of pasta. Crunchy on the outside, tender inside.
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Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Zucchini

Zucchini spears get wrapped in bacon and cooked until the edges are crisp and the centers stay soft. The fat from the bacon adds flavor while the air fryer keeps it from getting greasy. Serve as a snack, appetizer, or low-carb side. A crowd-pleaser with barely any cleanup.
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Charred Zucchini Salad

Zucchini gets seared until blistered, then tossed with dressing, herbs, and other vegetables. The char adds depth while keeping the texture firm. Serve warm or at room temp. A side dish that feels a little elevated.
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Easy Zucchini Quiche

Shredded zucchini bakes into a creamy, egg-filled base with cheese and herbs. It’s soft in the center with just enough texture. Serve warm or cold. Works as breakfast, brunch, or dinner with a simple salad.
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Grilled Zucchini Stack

Layers of grilled zucchini, tomato, and cheese get stacked and finished with fresh herbs or balsamic. It’s colorful, simple, and full of flavor. Works as a starter, side, or light lunch. Tastes best while still warm but holds up well chilled too.
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Air Fryer Zucchini

Basic but reliable, this recipe uses sliced zucchini with simple seasoning and a bit of oil to make a quick side. The air fryer gives the pieces a slight crisp while keeping the inside tender. Good on its own or tossed into a salad or bowl. Done in under 15 minutes.
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Air Fryer Zucchini and Squash

Zucchini and yellow squash cook together in the air fryer for a quick, colorful vegetable mix. A little oil, salt, and garlic are all you need. The edges caramelize slightly while the centers stay soft. Great as a fast side for grilled meats or pasta.
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Grilled Zucchini and Squash

These thin slices get brushed with oil and grilled until slightly charred and soft. You can season them simply or add fresh herbs after grilling. They work with almost anything off the grill. A summer go-to for backyard meals.
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Air Fryer Zucchini Chips

Thin slices of zucchini are seasoned and air fried into crisp, salty chips. You can change up the spices to match your meal or your mood. They’re a lighter option than potato chips but still hit the spot. Best eaten fresh while they’re still warm and crispy.
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Bruschetta Stuffed Zucchini

Zucchini halves get scooped and filled with a fresh tomato-basil mixture, then baked until soft and slightly juicy. It’s a lighter take on traditional bruschetta with all the same flavors. A good summer side or vegetarian main. Best served warm but still good at room temp.
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Delicious Chinese Zucchini Stir Fry: With Chicken

Zucchini cooks fast in a hot pan with garlic, soy sauce, and tender slices of chicken. Everything gets coated in a light, glossy sauce that’s ready in minutes. Serve over rice or noodles. It’s simple but full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Delicious Chinese Zucchini Stir Fry: With Chicken