Air Fryer General Tso Zucchini Recipe

Learn how to make crispy air fryer General Tso zucchini with this quick and easy recipe. Perfect vegetarian twist on the classic dish that's ready in under 30 minutes. How to cook restaurant-style General Tso sauce at home.

Prep

15 mins

Cook

12 mins

Serve

Kcal

125

Carbs: 22g, Protein: 4g, Fat: 2g

125

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">3 large zucchini, cut into 2cm batons</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">60g plain flour</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">60g cornflour</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp garlic powder</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp onion powder</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 tsp black pepper</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">180ml sparkling water</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">60ml soy sauce</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">60ml rice vinegar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">45ml honey</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp tomato ketchup</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp cornflour for sauce</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 cloves garlic, minced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp fresh ginger, grated</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 tsp red pepper flakes</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 spring onions, sliced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp sesame seeds</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Cooking spray</li></ul>

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Start by preheating your air fryer to 200°C for 3 minutes. While it's heating, cut your zucchini into uniform batons about 2cm thick and 7cm long - this ensures even cooking. Pat them completely dry with kitchen paper, as any excess moisture will prevent that lovely crispy coating we're after.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the plain flour, cornflour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Gradually pour in the sparkling water while whisking constantly to create a smooth batter - it should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but not too thick that it clumps.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Working in batches, dip each zucchini baton into the batter, allowing any excess to drip off. Place the coated zucchini pieces in a single layer in your air fryer basket, making sure they don't touch each other. Lightly spray with cooking spray for that extra golden finish.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Air fry for 6 minutes, then carefully shake the basket and flip each piece using tongs. Spray again with cooking spray and continue cooking for another 5-6 minutes until golden brown and crispy. The coating should sound hollow when tapped with tongs.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>While the zucchini is cooking, prepare your General Tso sauce. In a small saucepan, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and tomato ketchup. In a separate small bowl, mix the cornflour with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry - this will thicken our sauce beautifully.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Place the saucepan over medium heat and add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, then pour in the sauce mixture. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Add the cornflour slurry to the simmering sauce and whisk vigorously for another minute until the sauce thickens to a glossy, coating consistency. It should coat the back of a spoon nicely. Remove from heat immediately to prevent overcooking.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Once your zucchini is perfectly crispy, transfer it to a large serving bowl. Pour the warm General Tso sauce over the zucchini and gently toss using tongs to ensure every piece is beautifully coated. Garnish with sliced spring onions and sesame seeds, then serve immediately while hot and crispy.</li></ol>

FAQ for

Air Fryer General Tso Zucchini Recipe

Can I make this zucchini recipe without an air fryer?

Yes! Bake at 425°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. You can also shallow fry in oil for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy.

How do I prevent my air fryer zucchini from getting soggy?

Pat zucchini completely dry before coating, don't overcrowd the basket, and serve immediately after tossing with sauce. The sparkling water batter also helps create extra crispiness.

What's the best way to cut zucchini for air frying?

Cut into uniform 2cm thick batons about 7cm long for even cooking. Avoid cutting too thin as they'll become mushy, or too thick as they won't cook through properly in the air fryer.

Can I make General Tso sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! The sauce keeps in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat gently and whisk in a splash of water if it thickens too much. Make double batches for easy weeknight meals.

How long does air fried zucchini stay crispy?

Air fried zucchini is best served immediately for maximum crispiness. It will stay reasonably crispy for about 30 minutes, but the coating will soften as it sits with the sauce.

The calorie count is an approximation and can vary based on exact measurements and specific ingredients used. Always consult nutritional information if strict adherence to calorie counts is required. This recipe is inspired by the flavours of this restaurant's dishes and has been independently developed for home cooking. It is not an exact match to the proprietary recipe used by the restaurant. This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the restaurant.


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    "carbohydrateContent": "22 g",
    "proteinContent": "4 g",
    "fatContent": "2 g",
    "saturatedFatContent": "0.3 g",
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    "sodiumContent": "780 mg",
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    "3 large zucchini, cut into 2cm batons",
    "60g plain flour",
    "60g cornflour",
    "1 tsp garlic powder",
    "1 tsp onion powder",
    "1/2 tsp salt",
    "1/4 tsp black pepper",
    "180ml sparkling water",
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      "text": "Preheat air fryer to 200°C for 3 minutes. Cut zucchini into uniform batons about 2cm thick and 7cm long. Pat completely dry with kitchen paper."
    },
    {
      "@type": "HowToStep",
      "name": "Make batter",
      "text": "In a large mixing bowl, whisk together plain flour, cornflour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Gradually add sparkling water while whisking to create smooth batter."
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    {
      "@type": "HowToStep",
      "name": "Coat zucchini",
      "text": "Dip each zucchini baton into batter, allowing excess to drip off. Place in single layer in air fryer basket without touching. Spray with cooking spray."
    },
    {
      "@type": "HowToStep",
      "name": "First cook",
      "text": "Air fry for 6 minutes, then shake basket and flip each piece. Spray again and continue cooking for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and crispy."
    },
    {
      "@type": "HowToStep",
      "name": "Make sauce base",
      "text": "In small saucepan, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and tomato ketchup. In separate bowl, mix cornflour with 2 tablespoons water to create slurry."
    },
    {
      "@type": "HowToStep",
      "name": "Cook sauce",
      "text": "Heat saucepan over medium heat, add minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes. Cook 30 seconds until fragrant, then add sauce mixture and simmer 2 minutes."
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      "@type": "HowToStep",
      "name": "Thicken sauce",
      "text": "Add cornflour slurry to simmering sauce and whisk vigorously for 1 minute until sauce thickens to glossy coating consistency. Remove from heat immediately."
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    {
      "@type": "HowToStep",
      "name": "Serve",
      "text": "Transfer crispy zucchini to serving bowl, pour warm General Tso sauce over and toss gently. Garnish with sliced spring onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately while hot."
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      "@type": "Review",
      "author": "Sarah Chen",
      "datePublished": "2024-12-22",
      "reviewBody": "This recipe is absolutely incredible! The zucchini gets so crispy on the outside while staying tender inside. My family couldn't believe it was healthier than regular General Tso's.",
      "name": "Restaurant Quality at Home",
      "reviewRating": {
        "@type": "Rating",
        "ratingValue": "5"
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "Review",
      "author": "Miguel Rodriguez",
      "datePublished": "2024-12-25",
      "reviewBody": "Perfect weeknight dinner! Kids absolutely loved this and didn't even realize they were eating zucchini. The sauce is spot on - sweet, tangy, and just the right amount of spice.",
      "name": "Kid-Approved Healthy Meal",
      "reviewRating": {
        "@type": "Rating",
        "ratingValue": "5"
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "Review",
      "author": "Fatima Al-Zahra",
      "datePublished": "2024-12-28",
      "reviewBody": "Made this for my vegetarian friends and they were blown away. The air fryer technique works perfectly - crispy coating every time. Already planning to make it again this week!",
      "name": "Perfect for Vegetarians",
      "reviewRating": {
        "@type": "Rating",
        "ratingValue": "5"
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "Review",
      "author": "James McKenzie",
      "datePublished": "2025-01-02",
      "reviewBody": "Better than any takeout I've had! The sauce recipe is a keeper - I've been using it for other dishes too. Air fryer makes the zucchini incredibly crispy without all the oil.",
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September 2, 2025

Air Fryer General Tso Zucchini Recipe

Learn how to make crispy air fryer General Tso zucchini with this quick and easy recipe. Perfect vegetarian twist on the classic dish that's ready in under 30 minutes. How to cook restaurant-style General Tso sauce at home.

Prep

Cook

Serve

Kcal

Carbs: 22g, Protein: 4g, Fat: 2g

Ingredients

Directions

Can I make this zucchini recipe without an air fryer?

How do I prevent my air fryer zucchini from getting soggy?

What's the best way to cut zucchini for air frying?

Can I make General Tso sauce ahead of time?

How long does air fried zucchini stay crispy?