This crispy air fryer yellow squash is a fun way to enjoy a veggie! It’s lightly seasoned and cooked until golden, making it a crunchy treat that pairs well with anything.
I love how quick and easy this recipe is—just slice the squash, toss it with some seasoning, and let the air fryer do its magic! Perfect for a snack or side dish!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yellow Squash: This dish relies on fresh yellow squash for its texture and flavor. Feel free to use zucchini if you’re looking for a different taste!
All-Purpose Flour: The flour helps the coating stick. If you’re gluten-free, substitute with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend.
Breadcrumbs: Seasoned bread crumbs give great flavor and crunch. If you want a lighter option, use panko bread crumbs. For a gluten-free version, look for gluten-free bread crumbs or crushed cornflakes!
Parmesan Cheese: Adding Parmesan elevates the flavor! If you’re dairy-free, nutritional yeast can be a great substitute for a cheesy taste.
Dipping Sauce: This recipe includes a dipping sauce that uses mayonnaise or Greek yogurt. You can replace these with vegan mayo or a dairy-free yogurt if needed!
How Do I Get the Squash Extra Crispy?
Getting that perfect crispy texture in your air fryer yellow squash is all about the breading process. Here’s how you can achieve it:
- Make sure your squash slices are evenly coated in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs. This layer is key for crispiness.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Air needs to flow around each piece to make them crisp.
- Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray before cooking. This helps the breadcrumbs brown nicely.
- Flip the slices halfway through cooking to ensure even crisping on both sides!
With these tips, you’ll have deliciously crispy yellow squash to enjoy!
Crispy Air Fryer Yellow Squash
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Squash:
- 2 medium yellow squash
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup seasoned bread crumbs (or panko for extra crispiness)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for added flavor)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 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 or Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons ketchup or hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 10 minutes to cook, making it a quick and satisfying dish. You can whip it up in less than 30 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep Your Squash:
Start by washing the yellow squash thoroughly. Then, cut them into rounds that are about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Try to keep the pieces uniform in size so they cook evenly.
2. Set Up the Breading Station:
In three shallow bowls, create your breading assembly line. In the first bowl, place the all-purpose flour. In the second bowl, beat the two eggs until mixed. In the third bowl, combine the seasoned bread crumbs with grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Bread the Squash:
Take each slice of squash and dip it first into the flour, making sure to shake off any excess. Next, dip it into the egg, allowing any extra to drip off before coating the slice in the bread crumb mixture. Press gently to ensure an even coating. Repeat this until all the squash slices are breaded.
4. Preheat the Air Fryer:
While you’re breading the squash, it’s a good idea to preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes. This ensures a nice crispy finish!
5. Arrange and Cook the Squash:
Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the breaded squash slices in the basket in a single layer without overlapping. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray or olive oil spray for extra crunch.
Air fry the squash for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
6. Make the Dipping Sauce:
While the squash is cooking, mix all the dipping sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Give it a good stir and set it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the squash is done cooking, carefully remove them from the air fryer. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a bright finish. Serve immediately with the dipping sauce on the side for an extra tasty treat!
Enjoy your crisp, flavorful air fryer yellow squash with this easy recipe!
FAQ About Crispy Air Fryer Yellow Squash
Can I Use Frozen Yellow Squash for This Recipe?
It’s best to use fresh yellow squash for this recipe for the best texture and flavor. However, if you only have frozen squash, make sure to thaw it completely and drain excess moisture before breading to achieve a crispy result.
How to Store Leftover Crispy Squash?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the air fryer or a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes to regain their crispiness.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free bread crumbs or crushed cornflakes in place of regular bread crumbs.
What Should I Serve With Air Fryer Yellow Squash?
This crispy squash is delicious on its own, but it pairs well with a variety of dishes! Serve it alongside grilled meats, in salads, or as part of a veggie platter with dips. It also makes a great appetizer or side dish at gatherings!
