This crispy air fryer yellow squash is a fun and tasty side dish! It’s quick to make and turns out golden and crunchy without much oil. Perfect for a healthy snack or side!
I love how easy this is to prepare. Just slice, season, and let the air fryer do its magic! It’s a great way to sneak in some veggies without fuss—plus, the crunch is just awesome!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yellow Squash: This is the star of the dish! Choose fresh, firm squash for the best texture. If yellow squash isn’t available, zucchini works beautifully as a substitute.
Panko Breadcrumbs: I prefer panko for its extra crunch, but you can use regular breadcrumbs if needed. For a gluten-free version, look for gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Parmesan Cheese: This adds a lovely salty flavor and crispiness. If you want a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast gives a cheesy taste without the dairy.
Eggs: These help the breadcrumbs stick. If you’re vegan or allergic, replace them with a mixture of flaxseeds and water (1 tablespoon flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water equals one egg).
How Do I Get the Crispiest Air Fryer Squash?
To achieve that perfect crunch, pay attention to the breading process. Here are some tips:
- Make sure your squash slices are evenly coated with flour, egg, and breadcrumbs—this creates layers for crispiness.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. This allows the hot air to circulate and crisp every piece evenly.
- Lightly spraying the breaded slices with cooking spray helps them turn golden without using too much oil.
Lastly, keep an eye on them as they cook, as air fryer models can vary, and you want them to be golden brown and crispy without burning!
Crispy Air Fryer Yellow Squash
Ingredients:
- 2 medium yellow squash, sliced into 1/4 inch rounds
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked 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
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce or smoked paprika (adjust to taste)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take you about 15 minutes of prep time and around 10 minutes of cooking time. So, you can have a delicious side dish ready in just 25 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Turn on your air fryer and set it to 400°F (200°C) while you prepare the squash. Let it heat up for about 5 minutes.
2. Set Up the Breading Station:
Grab three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, add the flour and sprinkle a little salt and pepper. In the second bowl, crack the eggs and beat them well. In the third bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Bread the Squash Slices:
Take each yellow squash slice and dip it in the flour first, making sure to shake off any extra flour. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it well in the breadcrumb mixture. Repeat this for all the squash slices until they are all breaded and ready to go!
4. Lightly Spray the Squash:
Use cooking spray or olive oil spray to lightly coat both sides of the breaded squash slices. This will help them get nice and crispy in the air fryer.
5. Air Fry the Squash:
Place the breaded slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Be sure not to overcrowd the basket; you may need to cook them in batches. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for about 8-10 minutes. Flip them halfway through to ensure they cook evenly and get golden brown and crispy.
6. Make the Dipping Sauce:
While the squash is cooking, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, and hot sauce (or smoked paprika) in a small bowl to create the dipping sauce. Adjust seasonings to your taste!
7. Serve & Enjoy:
Once the squash is done cooking, carefully remove them from the air fryer. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color. Serve immediately with the dipping sauce and enjoy your delightful crispy treat!
This crunchy yellow squash is a fantastic side dish that pairs wonderfully with just about any meal. Enjoy the crispy goodness!
FAQ for Crispy Air Fryer Yellow Squash
Can I Use Different Types of Squash?
Yes! While yellow squash provides a lovely flavor and texture, you can easily substitute it with zucchini or even eggplant. Just adjust the cooking time if necessary based on the thickness of your slices.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Simply use gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs in place of regular ones. The recipe will turn out just as crispy and delicious!
How Do I Store Leftover Crispy Squash?
To store leftovers, place them 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 400°F (200°C) for that just-cooked crunch!
Can I Freeze Breaded Squash for Later Use?
Yes, you can freeze the breaded squash! Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to cook, you can air fry them straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
