This crispy air fryer yellow squash is a tasty treat! With its golden crunch and tender inside, it’s a great side dish or snack that everyone will enjoy.
You can whip this up in no time and feel like a kitchen superstar! I love to sprinkle it with a bit of seasoning for an extra kick—so easy and oh-so-delicious!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yellow Squash: This is the star of the dish! Look for fresh, firm yellow squash. If you can’t find yellow squash, zucchini makes a great substitute. Use them interchangeably for similar results!
Breadcrumbs: I usually use seasoned breadcrumbs for extra flavor. If you can’t find them, plain breadcrumbs work fine. You can also make them gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour!
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a lovely flavor and helps with the crispiness. If you want a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast can provide a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
Dipping Sauce: The sauce is optional, but I love a quick mayo-ketchup mix! For a lighter option, swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt. You can adjust the spice level with hot sauce to suit your taste.
What Are the Best Techniques for Crispy Air-Fried Squash?
Getting your squash perfectly crispy is all in the preparation! Start by drying the squash slices well; you want to remove any moisture. This helps the coating stick better and leads to a crunchier texture.
- Set up a breading station with flour, eggs, and the breadcrumb mixture. This keeps things organized and makes the process smoother.
- Pats of flour, ensure even coating. Shake off excess flour to prevent clumping.
- After coating with breadcrumbs, press gently to ensure they stick well. These steps will enhance crispiness in the air fryer.
- Maintain a single layer in your air fryer basket. Overcrowding can lead to steaming, not crisping.
Enjoy cooking your crispy yellow squash, and don’t forget the dipping sauce for a little extra fun!
Crispy Air Fryer Yellow Squash
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Squash:
- 2 medium yellow squash, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs (or panko breadcrumbs)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Dipping Sauce (optional):
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon ketchup or chili sauce
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce or smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and approximately 10 minutes to cook. So in about 25 minutes, you’ll have a delicious, crispy snack or side dish ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Air Fryer:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This ensures that your squash gets nice and crispy as soon as you place it in the fryer.
2. Set Up Your Coating Stations:
Prepare three bowls for coating the squash. In the first bowl, add the flour. In the second bowl, beat the eggs until they are smooth and well combined. In the third bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika (if using), salt, and pepper together.
3. Prep the Squash Slices:
Use a paper towel to pat the yellow squash slices dry, which helps remove any excess moisture and ensures a crispier result.
4. Coat the Squash:
Take each squash slice and dip it into the flour first, making sure to shake off any excess. Then, dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any extra egg to drip off. Finally, coat the slice with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently so it adheres well.
5. Air Fry the Squash:
Arrange the coated squash slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray them with cooking spray or olive oil to help them crisp up. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until the slices are golden brown and crispy.
6. Prepare the Dipping Sauce (Optional):
While the squash is cooking, you can make the dipping sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup (or chili sauce), hot sauce (or smoked paprika), garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the squash is done cooking, carefully remove it from the air fryer and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve the crispy yellow squash warm with your dipping sauce on the side.
Enjoy your crispy air fryer yellow squash as a delicious and healthier alternative to fried veggies! It’s perfect for snacking or as a fantastic side dish!
FAQ for Crispy Air Fryer Yellow Squash
Can I Use Other Types of Squash?
Absolutely! Zucchini works wonderfully as a substitute for yellow squash. Both have similar textures and flavors, making them perfect for this recipe.
What Can I Substitute for Breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have breadcrumbs, you can use crushed cornflakes, oats, or even ground almonds for a gluten-free option. Each will give a unique texture but will still create a tasty result!
How Can I Store Leftover Squash?
Store any leftover crispy squash in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for a few minutes to regain that crispiness.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes! To make it vegan, substitute the eggs with a flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water = 1 egg) and opt for a plant-based mayonnaise for the dipping sauce. You can also use chickpea flour as a binding agent in place of eggs.
