Short Answer:

To prevent zucchini from becoming soggy in an air fryer, slice it evenly and avoid overcrowding the basket. Pat the zucchini dry before adding oil and seasoning to remove excess moisture.

Cooking at 180–200°C (350–400°F) for 8–12 minutes and shaking or flipping halfway through ensures the zucchini cooks evenly with slightly crispy edges while keeping the interior tender and flavorful. Proper preparation and airflow help maintain texture.

Detailed Explanation:

Preventing Soggy Zucchini

Zucchini has a high water content, which can lead to sogginess if not prepared correctly. To minimize moisture, wash the zucchini and pat it dry thoroughly with a clean towel before cooking. Excess water on the surface can create steam, which prevents crisping and results in a soft, soggy texture.

Even Slicing and Size
Cut zucchini into uniform slices, sticks, or half-moons. Consistent sizing ensures that all pieces cook at the same rate, preventing some from overcooking and becoming mushy while others remain undercooked. Smaller pieces can cook too quickly, while larger pieces may not crisp properly, so even sizing is crucial.

Coating and Seasoning
Lightly toss the zucchini with a small amount of oil. Oil helps the surface crisp and promotes golden edges. Overcoating or using too much oil can lead to greasy, soft zucchini, so just enough to coat the surface is ideal. Seasoning with salt, pepper, garlic powder, or herbs can be added at this stage to enhance flavor without affecting texture.

Air Fryer Arrangement
Place the zucchini in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between pieces. Overcrowding reduces airflow, causing trapped steam that leads to sogginess. For larger batches, cook in multiple rounds to ensure each piece has enough space to crisp evenly. Preheating the air fryer can also improve airflow and consistent cooking.

Cooking Temperature and Time
Cook zucchini at 180–200°C (350–400°F) for 8–12 minutes. Thinner pieces may cook faster, so check during the last few minutes to prevent overcooking. Shaking or flipping the zucchini halfway through ensures even exposure to hot air, allowing all pieces to develop slightly crispy edges while retaining a tender interior.

Additional Tips
Avoid adding wet marinades before air frying, as they can create steam and prevent crisping. If desired, season or dress zucchini after cooking to maintain texture. Using parchment paper or silicone liners designed for air fryers can also help prevent sticking while preserving airflow.

Conclusion

Preventing zucchini from becoming soggy requires proper preparation, including drying, uniform slicing, and light oil coating. Cooking in a single layer at 180–200°C for 8–12 minutes with occasional shaking ensures even browning and slightly crispy edges. Following these steps produces flavorful, tender, and visually appealing zucchini while maintaining an ideal texture.