Flavourful and gorgeous, these Italian style Zucchine alla Scapece in the air fryer taste exactly like the traditional deep fried version only with half of the calories!
Air Fryer Zucchine alla Scapece is a brilliant way to bring a taste of Italy to your kitchen without the need for heavy frying. It's light, zesty, and utterly addictive. If you love Italian recipes with a healthy vegan twist, this dish will quickly become a favourite.
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What Does "Scapece" Mean
Zucchine alla scapece are a classic from Sothern Italy. It is a accidentally vegan dish typical from the Neapolitan region.
The term "scapece" derives from the Spanish term escabece which indicates the procedure for preserving food in vinegar, largely used in Spain, Portugal and Italy.
It is in fact vinegar the key and irreplaceable ingredient of this recipe, while courgettes (or zucchini, depending on where you are from) are the main ingredient of the dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🌱 100% Plant-Based & Vegan
- 🕒 Ready in Under 30 Minutes
- 💚 Healthier with Less Oil
- 🥒 Perfect Way to Use Up Courgettes
- 🍋 Packed with Bold Mediterranean Flavours
Ingredients
A few, humble components of this super easy yet packed with flavour side dish that I'd very much recommend you not to substitute or omit are:
- courgettes (zucchini)
- vinegar
- mint
- garlic
- extra virgin olive oil
- salt (and pepper)
How to make Zucchine alla Scapece in the air fryer
STEP 1 - Prepare the zucchini
All we need to do is to slice medium sized zucchini into same size pieces, place them to a 3 Liter Pyrex bowl and toss in vegetable or olive oil (depending on the taste). This step will mimic deep frying, which is what the traditional recipe calls for.
STEP 2 - Air Fry
After have nicely coated the zucchini slices into oil, we have to add them in a few batches in the air fryer basket and bake at 200°C (390°F) for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket half way through.
Collect the air fried courgettes in a bowl and move onto preparing the marinade.
STEP 3 - Prepare the Marinade and Combine
For our easy marinade we have to combine in a small bowl: extra virgin olive oil (you can omit it for a lighter version), white vine vinegar (can be substitute with red wine vinegar or balsamic for some interesting variations), minced fresh garlic, chopped mint leaves, plus salt and pepper (if you like it).
Whisk the marinade/vinaigrette until well combined, then pour it over the zucchini and toss to evenly coat the veggies.
I'd recommend to allow the flavours to marinate for at least a couple of hours before serving.
STEP 4 - Enjoy
These air fried zucchine alla scapece are amazing at room temperature or even cold, and they are even better the day after after they soak up all the gorgeous flavours of the marinade.
Hope you'll enjoy this traditional accidentally vegan side!
Serving Suggestions
- With crusty sourdough or focaccia
- As part of a summer mezze or antipasto platter
- Topped on a grain bowl or vegan potato salad
- Alongside grilled tofu or seitan
For other delicious recipes with courgettes (zucchini) don't miss:
- Courgette Pesto Pasta
- Courgette and Potato Bake
- Courgette and Potato Cakes
- Vegan Courgette Parmigiana
- Sea Flavoured Courgette and Blossom Pasta
- Simple Courgette and Blossom Bake
- Fluffy Courgette Stuffed Brioche Bread
- Courgette Baked Frittata
- Courgette and Smoked Paprika Pastry Rolls
- Vegan Ratatouille Pizza Bites
- Mediterranean Veggies
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavour intensifies the longer it marinates!
Recipe
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