Air fryer Marinated Zucchine alla Scapece. A classic recipe from the south of Italy, in the specific from the Campania Region. Thinly sliced zucchini are first fried, or in our case, air fried, then marinated in a mixture made of water, white wine vinegar, garlic, salt, and mint. Fantastic addition to an antipasto platter, to sandwiches, or as a side dish.
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Zucchini season
We like to eat seasonal as much as we can. In the Summer, we love the abundance of produce we can get from farmers markets or family/friends garden. Zucchini or courgettes are a big part of Italian cuisine. We incorporate them in our recipes a lot: pasta, pizza, meatballs, tart, just to mention a few.
'Zucchine alla Scapece'
It seems like the Italian name "Scapece" derives from the Spanish word “Escabeche”, one of the oldest food preservation techniques that sees a marinade made with vinegar.
This dish is mostly found in the area of Naples, in the Region of Campania, although it is widespread all over Italy. Thin slices of zucchini are first fried then marinated with vinegar, salt, garlic, and mint.
Air fryer Marinated Zucchine alla Scapece
Just to be clear, we have nothing against frying, in moderation. For example, in the summer, we have our fair share of fried zucchini blossoms. But in this case, we thought that using an air fryer would not compromise the outcome of this dish. And in fact, the zucchini came out with a beautiful crispiness.
Preparation
- Wash and slice the zucchini with a mandolin, not too thin, about 3 mm.
- Toss the sliced zucchini in a bowl with one tablespoon of evo oil then place in the air fryer basket and bake at 400° F for about 15 minutes. Do not overcrowd the basket, you can do this in two batches.
- In the meantime, in a small saucepan place 1 ½ tablespoons of white wine vinegar, 1 ½ tablespoons of water and a garlic clove, minced. Bring to a boil and boil for about a minute. Turn off heat and let cool slightly.
- When zucchini are ready, place them in a bowl, add some salt, the water/vinegar mixture, a few mint leaves and toss well.
- Let sit for at least 1-2 hours, they get even more flavorful the day after.
How to serve these Air fryer Marinated Zucchine alla Scapece
In brief, this is a typical side dish that pairs well with fish or white meats. You can serve it as an appetizer, and it's also a great addition to sandwiches. "Zucchine alla Scapece" are wonderful in texture and flavor. The slight acidity of the vinegar balances beautifully the sweetness of the zucchini, and that mint adds wonderful note to the mix. I love the caramelization that happens on the edges and surface of the zucchini, which gives it a great play in texture!
Enjoy!
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Air fryer Marinated Zucchine alla Scapece
Air fryer Marinated Zucchine alla Scapece. A classic recipe from the south of Italy, in the specific from the Campania Region. Thinly sliced zucchini are first fried, or in our case, air fried, then marinated in a mixture made of water, white wine vinegar, garlic, salt, and mint. Fantastic addition to an antipasto platter, to sandwiches, or as a side dish.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 3-4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 4 medium zucchini (about 500 g)
- 1 tablespoon evo oil
- 1 ½ tablespoons water
- 1 ½ tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 small garlic, slivered
- salt
- a few mint leaves
Instructions
- Wash and slice the zucchini with a mandolin, not too thin, about 3 mm.
- Toss the sliced zucchini in a bowl with one tablespoon of evo oil then place in the air fryer basket and bake at 400°F for about 15 minutes. You can do this in two batches.
- In the meantime, in a small saucepan place 1 ½ tablespoons of white wine vinegar, 1 ½ tablespoons of water and a garlic clove, minced. Bring to a boil and boil for about a minute. Turn off heat and let cool.
- When zucchini are ready, place them in a bowl, add some salt, the water/vinegar mixture, a few mint leaves and toss well.
- Let sit for at least 1-2 hours, they get even more flavorful the day after.
Notes
Store leftover in the fridge for up to 4 of days.
If you want to fry them in oil, instead of using the air fryer, after you've sliced the zucchini, pat them dry with a towel, or let them dry out for 1 hour in the sun. Then proceed to fry. This way they will not get soggy or retain too much oil.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side dish
- Method: Air fryer
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegan
Keywords: zucchini, white wine vinegar, salt, mint, evo oil, air fryer, vegan, healthy, summer, italian, classic
I love baking and kneading dough because it takes me to a happy place in my soul.
Gloria says
I love all the delicious ways we can enjoy zucchini. This is a great side dish for so many proteins. I love my air fryer....so much better than a deep fryer.
★★★★★
It is truly a great side dish! Thank you!
Kathryn says
These were SOOOO good and I love how they are crispy and healthy! I would rather eat these over chips. Can't wait to have these again for a snack.
★★★★★
Thanks! They are nice and crispy, and yes, good for you 😉 .
Ann says
This sounds delicious! Love the idea of air frying zucchini! I have so much zucchini in my garden, this will be a great way to use it up!
★★★★★
A great way to use up some zucchini. They're very delicious!
Natalie says
I added your marinated zucchinis to our sandwiches. They tasted amazing, loved it, thanks!
★★★★★
Thanks! They make a great compliment to sandwiches, happy you tried.
Bernice says
Ah! My Italian friend was recently telling me about how traditional Italians pickle vegetables using this method...baking, then marinating. It's so tasty and once you try it, you'll want to pickle everything like this.
Thanks Bernice! They are not really pickled, the vinegar is more subtle. I find them unique, and very tasty, yes!
Veronika says
These were amazing! I like the use of an air fryer rather than the traditional frying of the zucchini to make it healthier. The dish still had a ton of flavor and we really enjoyed it!
★★★★★
Hi Veronika, so happy you enjoyed this lovely Italian side dish, your so right about the healthy factor. We loved it, we even put it in a panino the next day!
Thanks for trying this!
Jacqueline Debono says
We love zucchini alla scapece!! I've never used the airfryer for the zucchini but looks like a brilliant idea. On my to try list!
★★★★★
Debbie says
This Air fryer Marinated Zucchini alla Scapece was the perfect way to use my summer zucchini. This was the recipe I didn't even know I needed in my life. I loved the freshness that little bit of mint added.
★★★★★
Sean says
These were soooo good. I made them and ate half before serving them to my friends so I had to make more.
Hayley Dhanecha says
I love how easy this is to make in air fryer! I love all the flavors and it was the perfect side to our dinner.
★★★★★