This crispy air fried yellow squash is a simple and tasty side dish! Just slice the squash, season it, and let the air fryer do its magic for a crunchy finish.
I love how quick and easy this recipe is! It’s a great way to enjoy veggies and perfect for snacking or serving with dinner. Plus, less oil means I can enjoy more! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yellow Squash: This recipe is best with fresh yellow squash. If you’re out of yellow squash, zucchini makes a great substitute! Both have a similar texture and flavor when cooked.
Breadcrumbs: I love using seasoned breadcrumbs for extra flavor, but panko works well for added crunch. If you’re gluten-free, opt for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes for a unique twist.
Parmesan Cheese: While optional, adding Parmesan gives great depth to the flavor. Nutritional yeast can replace it for a dairy-free alternative. Just remember it won’t melt, but it still adds a nice cheesy flavor!
Eggs: If you want a vegan version, try using a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) or unsweetened applesauce. They work well for binding without eggs!
How Do You Get That Perfect Crispy Texture?
Getting the squash crispy is key. Here’s how to ensure a great texture:
- Make sure to coat the squash evenly in flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs for the best crunch.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer! Keeping the slices in a single layer allows hot air to circulate and crisp them up properly.
- Lightly spraying the coated squash with cooking spray helps them brown up nicely while reducing the oil you’d use in traditional frying.
- Flipping them halfway through cooking promotes even cooking on both sides.
With these tips, you’ll nail the crispy factor every time! Enjoy!
Crispy Air Fried Yellow Squash Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 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 (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Dipping Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Time Needed:
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 8-10 minutes to cook in the air fryer. So, you can have this crispy treat ready to enjoy within about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This helps ensure your squash gets nice and crispy!
2. Set Up Your Breading Station:
Prepare three shallow bowls for breading. In the first bowl, add the flour. In the second bowl, beat the eggs until they’re smooth. In the third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese (if using), garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well so all the flavors are combined.
3. Coat the Squash:
Take each slice of yellow squash and first dip it into the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally, coat it well in the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure each piece is evenly covered for a nice crunch!
4. Prepare for Air Frying:
Arrange the coated squash slices in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Make sure they’re not overlapping—this way, they’ll cook evenly. Lightly spray both sides of the squash with cooking spray or olive oil spray to enhance the crispiness.
5. Air Fry the Squash:
Air fry the squash for 8-10 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through the cooking time. Keep an eye on them until they’re golden brown and crispy—yum!
6. Make the Dipping Sauce:
While your squash is cooking, mix together the mayo, ketchup, hot sauce, garlic powder, and smoked paprika in a small bowl. Stir well until all the ingredients are fully combined.
7. Serve and Garnish:
Once your crispy yellow squash is ready, carefully remove it from the air fryer and transfer it to a serving plate. Garnish with some chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color.
8. Enjoy!
Serve the crispy yellow squash hot with your delicious dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy every bite!
Get ready to dig into this crispy and flavorful air-fried yellow squash that’s perfect for snacking or as a side dish!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Different Types of Squash?
Absolutely! While this recipe is designed for yellow squash, zucchini or even sliced eggplant would work well. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the slices.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes to get them crispy again. Alternatively, you can use the microwave, though they may lose some crispiness.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes! To make a vegan version, you can replace the eggs with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) or use unsweetened applesauce for binding. Make sure to use plant-based mayonnaise for the dipping sauce as well.
What Can I Serve with Crispy Air Fried Yellow Squash?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of options! Serve it alongside grilled meats, as part of a veggie platter, or even on top of a salad for added crunch. You can also enjoy it as a snack with the dipping sauce!
