This crispy air-fried yellow squash is a tasty and easy side dish! With a light coating of breadcrumbs, it’s golden, crunchy, and just perfect for any meal.
If you haven’t tried air frying your veggies, you’re in for a treat! They’re delicious and give you that crunch without too much oil. I could snack on these all day! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yellow Squash: The star of this dish! Fresh, firm yellow squash works best. If yellow squash isn’t available, zucchini is a great substitute.
Breadcrumbs: I recommend using Panko for an extra crispy texture. If gluten-free is a requirement, try almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs instead!
Parmesan Cheese: This adds a great flavor boost. Feel free to substitute with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option or use pecorino romano for a stronger flavor.
Seasonings: Garlic and onion powder amplify the taste wonderfully. You can tweak with your favorites like Italian herbs or paprika for additional flair!
How Can I Get My Squash Extra Crispy?
Getting that perfect crisp while using an air fryer is simple but requires a little prep. Start by slicing your squash evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate. After slicing, pat them dry with a paper towel to remove moisture. This helps the coating stick well!
- Use a light coating of flour, as it helps the egg and breadcrumbs adhere better.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; this allows air to circulate around each slice for maximum crispiness.
- Always spray the tops lightly with oil before cooking to encourage a golden brown finish.
Following these tips will guarantee crispy, crunchy results every time!
Crispy Air Fried Yellow Squash Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Squash:
- 3 medium yellow squash, sliced into 1/4 inch thick rounds
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs (Panko works well for extra crispiness)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for a mild smoky flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
For the Dipping Sauce (optional):
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp hot sauce (like sriracha or cayenne), adjust to taste
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 10-12 minutes for cooking in the air fryer. So, in total, you’re looking at around 30 minutes from start to finish! Perfect for a quick side dish or snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Squash:
Start by washing and slicing the yellow squash into 1/4 inch thick rounds. Make sure to pat them dry with paper towels to get rid of any excess moisture. This helps achieve that crispy texture we all love!
2. Set Up the Breading Station:
Grab three shallow bowls and set them up for breading:
- Bowl 1: Mix flour with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Bowl 2: Beat the eggs until they’re smooth.
- Bowl 3: Combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Bread the Squash:
Take each squash slice and dip it in the flour first. Shake off any excess flour, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to make sure the breadcrumbs stick.
4. Prepare for Cooking:
Place the coated squash slices on a wire rack or a plate while you finish the rest. This helps them stay crispy!
5. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This ensures even cooking and crispiness.
6. Air Fry the Squash:
Spray the air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray. Arrange the breaded squash slices in a single layer without overcrowding. You might need to do this in batches! Lightly spray the tops of the slices with cooking spray.
7. Cooking Time:
Air fry for about 10-12 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through until they become golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t overcook.
8. Serve:
Once done, transfer the crispy yellow squash to a serving platter and garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color!
9. Prepare the Dipping Sauce:
For the dipping sauce, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, hot sauce, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a small bowl until smooth.
10. Enjoy!
Serve the crispy air-fried yellow squash warm alongside the dipping sauce. Enjoy this crunchy, healthier alternative to fried squash as an appetizer or side dish!
Happy cooking! 🥳
FAQ for Crispy Air Fried Yellow Squash
Can I Use Other Types of Squash?
Absolutely! Zucchini is a great substitute for yellow squash in this recipe. You can also use other firm vegetables like eggplant or green beans for a different take!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes at 350°F (175°C) to restore their crispiness.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Almond flour or coconut flour could also work for the coating.
What’s the Best Way to Serve Crispy Yellow Squash?
These crispy squash slices are fantastic on their own or with the suggested dipping sauce. They make a perfect side dish, appetizer, or even a fun snack! Try serving them alongside grilled meats or a fresh salad!
