Air Fryer Courgettes Asian Style

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.

Why make Air Fryer Courgettes Asian Style?

Courgettes (zucchini) are absolute flavour sponges! They soak up all the flavours that you combine with them. In this case it’s the delicious umami tastes of Asian cuisine which permeate the courgettes after they are marinated. This is also a quick and easy recipe to make and the Air Fryer makes light work of turning the raw vegetables into a wonderful roasted vegetable side dish.

What ingredients do I need to make Air Fryer Courgettes Asian Style?

• Courgette (zucchini)
• Light soy sauce
• Shaoxing wine
• Fresh root ginger
• Garlic
• Sesame oil
• Honey

To Serve

• Toasted sesame seeds
• Sweet chilli sauce

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 or green and yellow, and there are also varieties that are round. Any courgette variety is suitable for this recipe.

What is the difference between courgette 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 is the difference between light soy sauce and dark soy sauce?

Soy sauce is an essential ingredient in Chinese cooking. It is made from a fermented mixture of soybeans, flour and water. You need both light and dark soy sauce in this recipe.

Light Soy Sauce

As you would expect Light soy sauce is lighter in colour but it is full of flavour and saltier than dark soy sauce. Light soy sauce is one most used in cooking Chinese recipes.

Dark Soy Sauce

Dark Soy Sauce is aged longer than light soy sauce and is almost black. This sauce is also thicker and makes a good dipping sauce. It is also very good in stews where the more robust flavour holds up in longer cooking.

What is Shaoxing Wine?

Shaoxing is a Chinese cooking wine that is made from rice specifically for cooking. It comes from the city of Shaoxing which is famous for its rice wine and it is an ingredient that is well worth keeping in your larder along with soy sauce.

What can I substitute for Shaoxing Wine?

If you have difficulty finding Shaoxing wine then you can use the following as substitutes:

• Dry Sherry
• Mirin (Japanese cooking wine)
• Cooking Sake (Japanese rice wine)

What is fresh root ginger?

Fresh root ginger is a rhizome which is a thick underground stem that sprouts roots and shoots. It adds spice and freshness to the Air Fryer Courgettes.

What can I substitute for fresh ginger?

You can use the ‘lazy’ ginger from a jar. It keeps well in the fridge if you don’t use ginger often. However, it is worth noting that you can freeze fresh ginger and grate it straight from the freezer. It doesn’t take up much space and gives you the nearest aromatic flavour to a fresh root.

Why should I toast sesame seeds?

I toast sesame seeds in a dry frying pan to bring out the oils and a nutty flavour. Find out more about sesame seeds and how to toast them in this useful guide.

Can I make Air Fryer Courgettes Asian Style ahead of serving?

This dish is best served straight from the air fryer to the table. You can prepare everything and leave the sliced courgettes in the marinade in the fridge until just before serving. You can reheat the courgettes but they take such a short time to cook that it really isn’t worthwhile.

Can I freeze Air Fryer Courgettes Asian Style?

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.

Vegetarian

This recipe contains no meat products and is suitable for vegetarians.

Gluten Free

Use GF soy sauce and please check all other packaged ingredients to ensure that they are suitable for your dietary requirements.

For more information regarding any dietary information provided on this website, please refer to my Nutritional Disclaimer.

How should I serve Air Fryer Courgettes Asian Style?

These Air Fryer Courgettes are delicious to serve with all kinds of different food. Here are some ideas to try:

• Serve with simply grilled chicken, pork escalopes or steak.
• This courgette side dish is also perfect to accompany Air Fry Salmon Fillets.
• Try Air Fryer Courgettes Asian Style as a side dish with Slow Cooker Kung Pao Chicken, Sticky Sweet Chilli Chicken or Slow Cooker Beef in Black Bean Sauce.

More Courgette Recipes

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.

Courgette Relish is a sweet, crunchy, pickled relish that is ideal to liven up your salads, sandwiches, and burgers.  It’s the perfect way to preserve a glut of courgettes from the garden or bargain buys at the supermarket.

Courgette and Feta Tart is a tasty savoury tart that is a great way to use summer vegetables. It is filled with roasted courgettes (zucchini), cubes of feta cheese and flavoured with fresh basil. Ideal to serve with a crisp green salad on a summer day.

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