Air Fryer Courgettes with Garlic and Lime (zucchini) is a simple side dish with so much flavour. The courgettes are roasted with garlic and onions in your air fryer and dressed with fresh lime juice giving them a fresh and zingy flavour.
Why make Air Fryer Courgettes with Garlic and Lime?
Courgettes (zucchini) are brilliant at soaking up all the flavours that you combine with them. I’m always looking for different ways to serve this versatile vegetable, especially when I get a huge glut from my garden! With this quick and easy recipe, your Air Fryer makes short work of turning the raw vegetables into a wonderful roasted vegetable side dish.
Why make Courgettes with Garlic and Lime in your air fryer?
Air fryers excel at roasting vegetables. The high temperature and fan action locks in the flavours and caramelises the natural sugars in the courgettes and onions.
Can I make this recipe in my oven?
Yes, you can roast the courgettes in your oven. You will need to pre-heat the oven and it may take a little longer to roast the vegetables. I have included oven instructions in the recipe card at the end of this article. Use your oven if you want to make a large quantity of Air Fryer Courgettes with Garlic and Lime.
What ingredients do I need to make Air Fryer Courgettes with Garlic and Lime?
This is a really simple recipe that uses only a few ingredients. Here is what you need:
- courgettes (zucchini)
- onion
- oil
- garlic granules
- lime juice
- salt
- pepper
- chives (optional)
A full list of the ingredients and the required quantities is found in the recipe card at the end of this article.
What are courgettes?
Courgettes are a member of the same plant family as squash, cucumber and melon. They are usually long and green but there are many different varieties. You can find courgettes in lots of different shades of green and yellow, and there are also varieties that are round. Any courgette variety is suitable for this recipe.
What is the difference between courgettes and zucchini?
The only difference is in the language. Courgette is a French word and zucchini is an Italian word. In the UK they are usually called courgettes and in the US and many other countries, they’re called zucchini.
Can I grow my own courgettes?
It is very easy to grow courgettes. I grow them in my garden, and they do well in large pots too. Once the plants get established, they produce an abundance of fresh green fruits. I often have to give away courgettes as they are a very productive plant!
What kind of onions should I use?
I use red onions because they are a little more sweet and roast really nicely. You can use brown, yellow or white onions.
What kind of oil should I use to cook Air Fryer Courgettes with Garlic and Lime?
Use a bland vegetable oil such as rapeseed oil (canola) or sunflower oil. These oils also have a high smoke point which is best for roasting at high temperatures.
Why should I use garlic granules?
I use garlic granules for two reasons, firstly because they are very convenient and secondly, because they don’t burn at high temperatures. You can use fresh crushed garlic if you prefer.
Do I need to use fresh lime juice?
You can use fresh lime juice or bottled lime juice, both will give you acidity and a good flavour.
Can I substitute lemon juice for lime?
You can use lemon juice if you don’t have any lime juice. The flavour of lemon juice is sharper so I suggest you use two teaspoons rather than the full tablespoon of juice.

What is an Air Fryer?
An air fryer is a bit like a mini oven and has the potential to cook and bake all kinds of foods. Air fryers were originally sold for their ability to create ‘fried’ food with less fat. The heating element is at the top of the air fryer and it uses a powerful fan to circulate the heat. This combination of intense heat and circulation means that food crisps up quickly.
What kind of Air Fryer do I need to make Air Fryer Courgettes with Garlic and Lime?
I have two different air fryers, a single-drawer air fryer and a larger air fryer that has shelves like an oven. You can make Courgettes with Garlic and Lime in most air fryers. I have not tested the recipe in the type of air fryer that has a rotating paddle but I have it on good authority that the courgettes may be broken up by the paddle so this is probably not the best type to use.
How many people will this recipe serve?
This recipe will serve four people as a side dish.
Can I increase the quantities?
Yes, you can increase the quantities. The only thing that will restrict the quantity is the size of your air fryer. You can also cook the courgettes in batches.
Can I make the Air Fryer Courgettes with Garlic and Lime ahead of time?
This recipe is best made and then eaten as soon as it’s ready. You can prepare the vegetables in advance and store them in a sealed container, then you will be ready to cook when you are ready.
Can I freeze this recipe?
This recipe is not suitable for freezing. Courgettes have a very high water content and although you can freeze them, they do lose a lot of texture and are more suitable for soups and stews.
Gluten Free
This recipe is gluten free.
Vegetarian
This is a meat-free recipe and is suitable for vegetarians.
For more information regarding any dietary information provided on this website, please refer to my Nutritional Disclaimer.
How should I serve Air Fryer Courgettes with Garlic and Lime?
You can serve the courgettes as a side dish with many different main courses. Here are a few suggestions:
- Serve with simply grilled chicken, pork escalopes or steak.
- It pairs well with my Sticky Marmalade Chicken recipe as the lime cuts through the sweet glaze.
- Air Fryer Courgettes are a great accompaniment to fish including this Mackerel with Madeiran Special Sauce or Foil Baked Scottish Salmon with herbs.
- Try the courgettes with lamb chops or steaks. We like it with Peppered Lamb with Apple & Mint Glaze.
More Air Fryer Courgette Recipes
Air Fryer Courgettes Asian Style is a simple air fryer side dish of courgettes (zucchini) packed with Asian flavours. It’s a fresh light dish that is so delicious especially served with a sprinkling of toasted sesame seeds and sweet chilli sauce.

Air Fryer Creamy Courgette Bake is an incredibly delicious way to serve courgettes (zucchini). It’s a rich and indulgent side dish with a cheesy topping that is simple to make in an air fryer or in your oven.
More Courgette Recipes
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Air Fryer Courgettes with Garlic and Lime
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 500 grams courgettes (zucchini)
- 1 red onion
- 1 tsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp garlic granules
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Wash the 500 g (1 lb) courgettes (zucchini) and slice into even slices about ½ cm (⅕ in) thick.
- Peel the red onion. Cut in half and slice into half moons about the same thickness as the courgettes.
- Place the vegetables onto a plate or into a wide dish. Either spray with about 1 tsp of oil or, if you don't have a spray, put the oil over the vegetables and mix thoroughly to coat them.
- Sprinkle over the garlic granules.
- Empty the vegetables into the basket of your air fryer and cook for 10 minutes at 200C (400F). Shake the basket and then return to the air fryer for a further 5 minutes or until the courgettes are golden brown.
- Empty the roasted vegetables into a bowl and stir in the 2 tbsp lime juice.
- Sprinkle over the ½ tsp of salt and ¼tsp of freshly ground pepper.
- Serve as a side dish with roast or grilled meat or halloumi.
Chloe says
You know I have to try your courgette recipes the moment they come out, especially after the success of the courgette bake recipe. This was no less of a success although I found that I didn’t have any lime juice in the house so I had to use lemon. I’ll make sure to replenish my stock for next time as this was delicious.
Lesley says
What a delicious way to cook courgettes, the flavours of garlic and lime were delicious. This is a great recipe for the courgettes I have growing in my garden.
Cat Sach says
I’m a bit fussy when it comes to courgettes, I like them to either be really soft in a curry or crisp. Cooking them in the air fryer was absolutely perfect for me. They were a great texture and the flavours were so tasty!