Name: Air Fryer Garlic Herb Chicken and Zucchini Bites
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1 inch bite size pieces); 2 medium zucchini (sliced into 0.5 inch thick half moon coins); 1.5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, thyme); 0.75 teaspoon coarse kosher salt; 0.5 teaspoon onion powder; 0.25 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper; 3 tablespoons freshly grated parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon fresh chopped Italian parsley

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken and Zucchini (15 Minute Low Carb Weeknight Skillet)

Tender seasoned chicken breast bites and golden caramelized zucchini coins tossed in garlic herb oil and parmesan cheese in a lightning fast 15 minute air fryer dinner.

By Elena Moretti · Chickeeen Test Kitchen · Updated Sep 30, 2026

The Secret to Non Soggy Zucchini in the Air Fryer

Zucchini contains over 94 percent water by weight. When cooked in a crowded pan, that moisture turns to steam, resulting in limp, waterlogged vegetables. The convection fan of an air fryer circulates dry 380°F to 400°F air across every square inch of zucchini surface, evaporating released surface moisture immediately. Cutting zucchini into substantial half inch coins ensures the exterior caramelizes and blisters before the interior breaks down, yielding a delightful tender crisp bite.

Flavor Variations and Add Ins

Cajun Spice Blast: Swap Italian herbs for two teaspoons of Cajun or Creole seasoning and finish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice.

Mediterranean Style: Add halved cherry tomatoes and pitted kalamata olives during the final 4 minutes of cooking, and sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese upon serving.

Teriyaki Sesame: Toss cooked chicken and zucchini in two tablespoons of low sugar teriyaki sauce and top with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into one inch cubes are delicious in this recipe. Because dark meat has more fat, it stays exceptionally juicy. Cook for the same 14 to 15 minutes until internal temp reaches 175°F.

Should I salt the zucchini in advance to draw out water?
You do not need to pre salt the zucchini if you cook it at high convection air fryer temperatures (380°F to 400°F) in an uncrowded basket. Simply toss in oil and seasoning right before cooking.

The Technique

Mastering Air Fryer Garlic Herb Chicken and Zucchini Bites comes down to precise temperature control and key technique cues.

1Preheat Air Fryer

Set your convection air fryer to 380°F and preheat for 3 minutes.

2Chop Ingredients Evenly

Cut chicken breasts into uniform 1 inch bite size pieces. Slice fresh zucchini into 0.5 inch thick rounds or half moons. Keeping zucchini pieces slightly thicker ensures they stay tender crisp and do not turn mushy while the chicken cooks through.

3Season and Toss

In a large mixing bowl, combine chicken bites, zucchini coins, olive oil, garlic powder, dried Italian seasoning, coarse kosher salt, onion powder, and black pepper. Toss vigorously until every piece is evenly coated in seasoned oil.

4Convection Air Fry

Transfer chicken and zucchini into the preheated air fryer basket in an even layer. Cook at 380°F for 12 minutes, shaking the basket vigorously halfway through to rotate the pieces.

5Crisp and Finish

Increase the air fryer temperature to 400°F and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until chicken develops golden brown blistered edges and zucchini coins show caramelized char.

6Garnish and Rest

Check chicken with an instant read thermometer to confirm 165°F. Toss with grated parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley. Rest 2 minutes and serve immediately.

Practical notes

Substitutions

You can customize seasoning with lemon pepper, cayenne pepper, or Italian herb seasoning.

Storage

Store leftover chicken and zucchini in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat in the air fryer at 360°F for 3 minutes until warmed through and crisp. Microwaving is not recommended as zucchini can release excess water.

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken and Zucchini (15 Minute Low Carb Weeknight Skillet)

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The Secret to Non Soggy Zucchini in the Air Fryer

Flavor Variations and Add Ins

Frequently Asked Questions

The Technique

Essential Benchmarks for Perfect Poultry

Safe Pull Temp

Resting Time Formula

Salt Ratio & Timing

Crispy Skin Science