Courgettes (zucchini) cooking times
How long to cook courgettes: 4–6 min pan-fried, 20–25 min in the oven at 200°C (180°C fan), 8–12 min in an air fryer at 200°C and 3–4 min per side under the grill. Every way to cook it is below, with the temperature and how to tell it’s done.
How long to cook courgettes
Times are for 2 medium courgettes (about 400 g), for 4.
| Method | Time | Heat | How |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pan-fry Slices | 4–6 min | over a medium-high heat | Fry slices in a little oil or butter in one layer, turning once. |
| Oven Chunks | 20–25 min | 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6 | Chunks tossed in oil. |
| Air fryer | 8–12 min | 200°C (400°F) | Slices or chunks tossed in a teaspoon of oil; shake halfway. |
| Grill Strips | 3–4 min per side | under a hot grill | Lengthways strips brushed with oil. |
| Barbecue Strips | 3–4 min per side | over direct heat | Lengthways strips brushed with oil. |
| Steam Slices | 4–5 min | over simmering water | Slices. |
| Microwave Slices | 3–4 min | on full power, covered | Slices, with no added water. |
| Deep-fry Batons | 2–3 min | oil at 180°C (350°F) | Thin batons dusted in flour or batter (courgette fries). |
Before you start
Trim the ends and cut into 1 cm slices, half-moons or chunks, or lengthways strips for the grill. Don’t boil them: they go watery.
How to tell it’s done
Golden outside and just tender, not mushy.
Questions
How long to pan-fry courgettes?
Slices: 4–6 min over a medium-high heat. Fry slices in a little oil or butter in one layer, turning once.
How long to cook courgettes in the oven?
Chunks: 20–25 min at 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6. Chunks tossed in oil.
How long to cook courgettes in an air fryer?
8–12 min at 200°C (400°F). Slices or chunks tossed in a teaspoon of oil; shake halfway.
How long to grill courgettes?
Strips: 3–4 min per side under a hot grill. Lengthways strips brushed with oil.
How long to barbecue courgettes?
Strips: 3–4 min per side over direct heat. Lengthways strips brushed with oil.
How long to steam courgettes?
Slices: 4–5 min over simmering water. Slices.
How long to microwave courgettes?
Slices: 3–4 min on full power, covered. Slices, with no added water.
How long to deep-fry courgettes?
Batons: 2–3 min in oil at 180°C (350°F). Thin batons dusted in flour or batter (courgette fries).
Times are a guide for typical home portions: ovens, air fryers, microwaves and the size of what you’re cooking all vary. Check meat, poultry and fish with a thermometer before serving. Safe temperatures follow USDA and UK Food Standards Agency guidance, last checked 11 November 2026.