Air Fryer Courgette Baba Ganoush is a simple vegetable dip made with courgettes (zucchini) with tahini, garlic and lemon juice. This variation on the classic Middle Eastern dip replaces the traditional aubergine (eggplant) with courgettes for a delicious alternative.
What is Baba Ganoush?
Baba Ganoush is a dip that is usually made with roasted aubergine (eggplant), tahini (sesame paste), lemon and garlic. It can be served as an appetiser, part of a mezze sharing platter or as a side dish with a main meal. Baba Ganoush is a popular dish in the Middle East and Eastern Mediterranean countries.
Why should I make Air Fryer Courgette Baba Ganoush?
This delicious dip is the ideal summer dip or appetiser. While I love the original aubergine recipe, I always have lots of courgettes from my garden in summer and they are brilliant for carrying delicious flavours.
What is an Air Fryer?
An air fryer is a bit like a mini oven. However, the element is only at the top of the air fryer and it uses a powerful fan to circulate the heat. This combination of intense heat and circulation means that food crisps up quickly.
Air fryers were originally sold for their ability to create ‘fried’ food with less fat. However, the air fryer has developed and more people are recognising the potential to cook and bake all kinds of foods in this way.
What kind of air fryer should I use to roast courgettes?
You will need the kind of air fryer that has temperature control as well as a timer, you can also use an air fryer with a paddle for this recipe. Any air fryer brand should do the job very well.
I have two air fryers, one is the type with a pull-out square drawer and the other an oven type. Both need to be pre-heated before use and both air fryers roast courgettes well. If you have a different kind of air fryer you may need to adjust the timing or temperature by a minute or two either way.
Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?
Yes, you can either roast the courgettes in the oven or cook them on a griddle pan on the stovetop. Information about alternative cooking methods is in the notes on the recipe card at the end of this article.
What ingredients do I need to make Air Fryer Courgette Baba Ganoush?
Here are the ingredients you will need to make the recipe:
- Courgettes (zucchini)
- Olive oil
- Tahini
- Lemon juice
- Ground cumin
- Garlic
- Salt
- Parsley
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 of green and yellow, and some varieties are round rather than long. Any courgette variety is suitable for this recipe.
What is the difference between courgettes and zucchini?
They are the same vegetable, 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.
How do I prepare courgettes for Baba Ganoush?
Simply wash the courgettes, cut off the ends and split lengthways. Then cut lengthways again until you have spears that are 1 1/2 cm (1/2 in) thick. Then cut them into into batons that are 5 cm (2 in) long. You can cut the courgettes into slices or thicker batons but they will take longer to cook.
What is tahini?
Tahini is made by grinding sesame seeds to a fine paste and is used in middle-eastern recipes. This is a similar method to that used for making peanut butter. Sometimes the oil in tahini floats to the top of the jar, so make sure you stir it thoroughly before using.
What equipment do I need to make Courgette Baba Ganoush?
Most of the equipment you need to make this delicious dip are standard kitchen equipment but you will need the following:
- Air Fryer
- Sharp knife
- Chopping board
- Measuring spoons
- Lemon squeezer
- Mortar and Pestle
- Food Processor
Can I make this dip without a food processor?
It is possible to make Baba Ganoush without a food processor. You can use a stick blender or if you don’t have any kind of chopper or blender, then finely chop the roasted courgettes with sharp knife. And then pound them in a mortar and pestle or in a bowl with the end of a rolling pin or a wooden spoon. Then mix in the remaining ingredients.
Do I need to use a mortar and pestle to crush the garlic?
I like to use a mortar and pestle and grind the garlic clove with a teaspoon of salt because I think it makes a smoother paste that mixes consistently through the dip However, you can use a garlic crusher or a microplane grater to create the same kind of smooth paste. You can also crush the garlic with salt and the flat blade of a knife on a chopping board.
How long can I keep Air Fryer Courgette Baba Ganoush in the fridge?
You can keep Baba Ganoush in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days.
Can I freeze Air Fryer Courgette Baba Ganoush?
You can freeze Courgette Baba Ganoush although it may separate once it has been defrosted. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge and stir thoroughly before serving.
Can I increase the quantities?
Yes, you can increase the quantities to make more dip for a party or other large group.
Vegetarian
Air Fryer Courgette Baba Ganoush is suitable for vegetarians.
Gluten Free
This recipe is suitable for a GF diet. Please check that the tahini is made solely from sesame seeds without any additives.
For more information regarding any dietary information provided on this website, please refer to my Nutritional Disclaimer.
How should I serve Air Fryer Courgette Baba Ganoush?
Serve Courgette Baba Ganoush in the same way that you would serve hummus, so with pitta bread or other flatbreads, crackers, or crusty bread. It comes into its own as part of a Mezze Platter with other dips, falafel, tabbouleh, labne (yogurt cheese) and a selection of vegetables such as carrot batons, cucumber and pepper strips.
More Mezze Recipes
More Courgette (Zucchini) Recipes
Find all my Courgette Recipes in the Courgette Archive.
Air Fryer Courgette Baba Ganoush (Zucchini)
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Sharp knife
- chopping board
- Measuring spoons
- Lemon squeezer optional
- Mortar and Pestle optional
- Food Processor
Ingredients
- 400 g (2½ cups) courgettes/zuchini approximate 3 medium
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp tahini
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 tsp salt
For Garnish
- 1 tsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cut the 400g (2 ½ cups) courgettes/zucchini into batons approximately 1½ cm (½ in) thick and 5cm (2 in) long.
- Put the courgette batons in a dish and drizzle over 1 tbsp of olive oil. Mix to cover the batons with the oil.
- Pre heat the air fryer (if required) and roast the courgette batons for 15 minutes at 180 C (350 F)
- Crush 1 clove of garlic with 1 tsp sea salt in a mortar and pestle or with the back of a knife on a board.
- Put the roasted courgettes in a food processor with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp tahini, 1 tbsp lemon juice, ½ tsp cumin and crushed garlic.
- Process until smooth. Check the seasoning and adjust as required.
- Spoon the dip into a bowl, drizzle over 1 tsp of olive oil and garnish with parsley. Serve with warmed flatbreads and fresh vegetable crudites.
Karen says
I love baba ganoush with aubergine so had to give this new take with courgette a try. I loved it and it’ll be a great way to use up the abundance of courgettes I’ll have growing over the summer in my garden.
Janice Pattie says
It’s great to hear that you enjoyed the baba ganoush. It’s going to be on my menu a lot this summer.
Sisley says
I’d never made this before and I can’t believe how easy it was. Love that it can be done in the air fryer.
Janice Pattie says
We really love it, and it’s so easy to make.
Cat says
I’m quite fussy when it comes to courgettes but this baba ganoush was so tasty! I’ll definitely be making it again and again.
Janice Pattie says
Thanks, I’m happy to hear that you enjoyed it.
Chloe says
i just came into a lot of free courgettes and this is the first thing I tried – really liked it, actually I think i preferred it to actual Baba ganoush!
Janice Pattie says
That’s interesting, I think I prefer it too!