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–+ servings
Thomas Keller pan-roasted zucchini spears.

3 Easy Roasted Zucchini Recipes

Learn three foolproof ways to roast zucchini spears — pan-roasted, oven-roasted, and air-fried — for tender, golden, and perfectly seasoned results.
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean
Keyword: Air fried zucchini, Pan fried zucchini, Roasted zucchini
Difficulty: Moderate
Servings: 4
Calories: 335kcal

Ingredients

FOR THE ROASTED ZUCCHINI

  • 1 pound zucchini medium, cut into spears
  • 2 tbsp olive oil extra virgin
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp pepper black crushed
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest
  • 2 tbsp mint roughly chopped

FOR THE WHIPPED RICOTTA

  • 2 cup ricotta
  • 1 tbsp olive oil extra virgin
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp mint roughly chopped

Instructions

FOR THE PAN ROASTED METHOD

  • Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
  •   Trim ends, then cut zucchini lengthwise into ½-inch spears.
  •    Score the cut sides lightly with a shallow crosshatch — helps absorb flavor.
  •  Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high until shimmering.
  •  Place spears cut-side down; sear 10-15 mins until deep golden.
  •  Flip, season with salt & pepper, then transfer skillet to oven.
  •  Roast 10-15 mins, until spears are tender but hold their shape. Broil for the last 5 minutes to intensify the charring.

FOR THE WHIPPED RICOTTA

  • Whip 2 cups of ricotta with 1 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil and add some mint, lemon juice and lemon zest. 
  • Spread thee ricotta over a plate, arrabge the zucchini spears ands sprinkle with more mint and lemon zest.

Notes

Method 2 — Simple Oven-Roasted Zucchini Spears (Classic & Reliable)
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Toss zucchini spears with oil, garlic powder, oregano, salt & pepper.
  3. Arrange in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  4. Roast 18–20 mins, flipping halfway, until edges are golden and slightly crisp.
Method 3 — Quick Air Fryer Zucchini Spears (Fast & Crispy)
Instructions
  1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Toss spears with oil, Parmesan, seasoning, salt & pepper.
  3. Arrange spears in a single layer — work in batches if needed.
  4. Air fry 10–12 mins, shaking halfway, until zucchini is golden and crisp.
 

Nutrition

Calories: 335kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 27g | Sodium: 696mg | Potassium: 467mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 943IU | Vitamin C: 28mg | Calcium: 291mg | Iron: 1mg
Have you tried to make it?Mention @Italian_Kitchen_Confessions or tag #Italian_Kitchen_Confessions!