Zucchini is a popular vegetable during the summer months, and for good reason! This tasty summer squash is so versatile that you can use it for everything from salads and sandwiches, to zucchini fries, zucchini bread, and even as an alternative to pasta noodles by using a spiralizer.
Let's get into how to cut zucchini step-by-step, so you can get started making your favorite recipes easily - including our tasty Air Fryer Zucchini! You will need a stable cutting board, a sharp knife, and a clean hand towel or paper towels.
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How to Wash Zucchini
The first step you should take before cutting zucchini is washing it. Although vegetables purchased at your local farmers market or grocery store might have already been washed, it is always best to give them another rinse.
To wash zucchini, simply rinse it under cool water and dry it off with a clean hand towel or paper towel. Easy!
Do I need to peel zucchini?
No, there is no need to peel zucchini, even if you're making zucchini noodles. While you can peel it using a vegetable peeler if you prefer the texture of it without the skin, zucchini is often eaten with the skin on, and is very tasty that way.
Trimming Zucchini
Step two is trimming the ends of the zucchini. Do this by placing the whole zucchini on a sturdy cutting board. Using a sharp chef's knife, cut off both the base and the stem end.
Cutting Zucchini into Zucchini Spears
After trimming off the ends, hold the zucchini steady with one hand. Using your knife, carefully cut the zucchini in half lengthwise from top to bottom.
Then, take one half and cut it in half lengthwise again. Repeat the same with the other half so that you have four long pieces (zucchini spears).
Dicing Zucchini
Finally, it's time to dice the zucchini. Line up the four pieces side-by-side. Using your knife, cut them into small chunks about 1-inch wide. Try to cut each piece into the same size so they cook evenly.
Can I cut zucchini other ways?
Absolutely. Here are some other ways you could cut your zucchini, depending on what type of recipe you're planning on making. We'll give you some ideas for how you can use up all that fresh zucchini, too!
- Using a mandoline, cut the zucchini into thin slices. You can do this long-ways or cut the zucchini into medallions. No matter which way you choose to cut it, be careful handling the mandoline.
- You can also use a sharp knife to cut the zucchini into slices. For long slices of zucchini, hold the zucchini steady with one hand, then cut lengthwise into thin slices. Your knife should be nice and sharp to ensure safe, even cuts. A dull knife is not suitable for cutting zucchini, as it could easily slip and hurt you.
- Use a box grater to make shredded zucchini. Shredding zucchini is great for making vegetable pancakes, pastas, and cheesy casseroles.
- Use a Y-shaped vegetable peeler to cut the zucchini into ribbons. These thin strips can be used similarly to grated zucchini, in salads, casseroles, vegetable pancakes, and pastas.
- Cut the zucchini into matchsticks similarly to how we cut our Air Fryer Homemade Fries. These little zucchini planks are perfect for making irresistible, tender fries.
What to Serve with Zucchini
Watch the Video
How should cut zucchini be stored?
For best results, line an airtight container with paper towels, then add the cut zucchini. Zucchini can absorb excess moisture, so the paper towel will extend its lifespan in the refrigerator. Zucchini can last anywhere from 3-5 days after being cut and stored in the fridge.
More Guides You Might Like
- How to Dice Potatoes: A Step-by-Step Guide
- How to Cut Sweet Potatoes into Cubes
- How to Slice Bell Peppers: A Step-by-Step Guide
- How to Dice an Onion (with Video)
How to Cut Zucchini
Equipment
- 1 Sharp Knife
- 1 Cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 zucchini
Instructions
- Wash zucchini by giving it a rinse under cool water and drying it off with a clean hand towel or paper towel. There is no need to peel zucchini.1 zucchini
- Trim the ends of the zucchini by placing it on a sturdy cutting board and cutting off both the base and stem ends.
- After trimming the zucchini, hold it steady with one hand, then carefully cut it in half lengthwise from top to bottom.
- Then, take one of those halves, and cut it in half lengthwise again. Repeat with the wother half so you have four long pieces.
- Line the four pieces up side-by-side and use your knife to cut them into small chunks about 1-inch wide. Try to cut each piece into the same size so they cook evenly.
- Use in your favorite recipes, like our air fryer zucchini! Enjoy!
Notes
- Using a mandoline, cut the zucchini into thin slices. You can do this long-ways or cut the zucchini into medallions. No matter which way you choose to cut it, be careful handling the mandoline.
- You can also use a sharp knife to cut the zucchini into slices. For long slices of zucchini, hold the zucchini steady with one hand, then cut lengthwise into thin slices. Your knife should be nice and sharp to ensure safe, even cuts. A dull knife is not suitable for cutting zucchini, as it could easily slip and hurt you.
- Use a box grater to make shredded zucchini. Shredding zucchini is great for making vegetable pancakes, pastas, and cheesy casseroles.
- Use a Y-shaped vegetable peeler to cut the zucchini into ribbons. These thin strips can be used similarly to grated zucchini, in salads, casseroles, vegetable pancakes, and pastas.
- Cut the zucchini into matchsticks similarly to how we cut our Air Fryer Homemade Fries. These little zucchini planks are perfect for making irresistible, tender fries.
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