How to Roast Zucchini Slices
Learn how to roast zucchini slices for the ultimate easy side dish that pleases picky eaters and vegetable lovers alike. Easy to adjust with lots of different flavors, make affordable and neutral-flavored zucchini in to something new!
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How to avoid soggy roasted zucchini slices
Vegetables have lots of water in them and it’s easy to make something soggy and watery instead of golden and flavorful. To combat this, you can simply slice your zucchini and blot the pieces with a paper towel on both sides.
Some people like to sprinkle their slices with salt and let the zucchini sit for 10 minutes then blot away any liquid that rises to the surface.
I find that neither of those are really necessary if you roast your zucchini with enough space between it and you use a pan with a low edge so the steam can escape easily and isn’t trapped inside the pan.
Using a cookie sheet is much better than pulling out a baking dish with high sides or a deep roasting pan.
Steps for roasting zucchini
Slice as many zucchini as you need in to 1/2″ thick slices. I estimate portions based on my family. We usually eat about 1/2 of a small zucchini each so I cook 2 or 3. You can roast as many as you need as long as they have room on the pan.
Prepare a dry surface for your zucchini slices. I cover my cookie sheet in parchment paper so that it’s non stick and easy to clean up. Lay the slices in an even layer on the sheet with about 1/2-1″ of space between them so air can circulate.
If you layer them too closely they will steam and not get golden brown.
Next drizzle over a bit of high-heat oil. I use avocado but many people choose olive oil, but most will smoke at roasting temperatures. You can use vegetable oil if that’s your choice but we quit using it long ago because of its inflammatory properties.
Finally sprinkle over sea salt and pepper. Just a little on each slice and you can toss them if needed to make sure everything is coated evenly.
You could also do these steps in a bowl if you would prefer, but that’s one more dish to wash!
Kosher salt will also work here just remember the grains are larger and you may need a bit more than when using a fine salt.
Then just place the pan on the middle oven rack for 12-15 minutes and roast until your zucchini slices are tender. You can turn them over halfway through cooking if you’d like to. I don’t.
What to serve with roasted zucchini
Because zucchini is so neutral, it goes with just about any protein from fish to beef. It does need to be served warm so plan accordingly and make it just before you’re ready to serve.
Some recipes you might like to try include:
- Vinegar brined barbecue chicken
- Easy oven roasted shrimp
- Broiled skirt steak
- Apple cider pork chops
- Roasted salmon patties
Ideas to bump up the flavor on your roasted zucchini slices
The sky is really the limit here! Add any herbs, spices or cheese before roasting. Avoid adding fresh garlic or fresh herbs–they burn at high heat when you’re roasting and opt for dried or powdered forms. Some of my favorites are:
- A dusting of parmesan cheese (use a good one, not the powdered stuff)
- Sprinkle the zucchini with red pepper flakes for a little heat
- Add a little garlic or onion powder
- Sprinkle on a half teaspoon of Herbes de Provence or Italian seasoning. It’s one of my favorites!
How to Roast Zucchini Slices
Ingredients
- 3 zucchini medium size
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil vegetable oil is fine
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Line a shallow rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and preheat the oven to 400.
- Slice the ends off the zucchini and slice into 1/2" thick slices.
- Lay in a single layer on the parchment paper with at least 1/2" space between each slice. If you need to use a second baking sheet, do that so everything has enough space.
- Drizzle over the oil and use your hands or a pastry brush to spread it around. The zucchini doesn't need a solid coating of oil on each slice.
- Sprinkle over the salt and pepper. You can toss the zucchini if needed to evenly spread the salt and pepper but it's optional.
- Bake on the center oven rack 12-15 minutes. You can turn the slices over halfway through cooking if you'd like to but it's not required. Usually your zucchini slices will get golden on the bottoms much faster than the tops will.
never said what temperature to roast at ???
It’s there under step one. Preheat to 400.
Can these zucchini slices be successfully cooked in an Air Fryer ….. the kind with baking trays not the basket type?
I don’t know Barbara. I don’t own one. :/ But I lean toward yes, I think it would. –Rachel