This crispy air-fried yellow squash is a tasty treat that makes veggies fun! With its golden-brown surface and soft inside, it’s a great way to enjoy a healthy snack.
I love how quick this recipe is! Just slice, season, and let the air fryer do its magic. Pair it with a dip and watch them disappear from the plate! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yellow Squash: Fresh, medium-sized yellow squash is key for tenderness and flavor. If you can’t find yellow squash, zucchini works great too. You can also mix both for a colorful dish!
Breadcrumbs: Seasoned breadcrumbs add flavor and crunch. If you’re gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes. I like to mix in some panko with regular breadcrumbs for an extra crispy texture!
Parmesan Cheese: This adds a nice nutty flavor. If you or someone is dairy-free, feel free to skip this or use a dairy-free cheese alternative. Nutritional yeast can also provide a cheesy taste without dairy.
Dipping Sauce: The sauce can be adjusted to your taste. Swap mayo for yogurt or vegan mayo for a lighter option. For a flavorful twist, add garlic or chipotle for a bit of zing!
How Do I Get My Air Fried Squash Extra Crispy?
To achieve that delightful crispiness, a few important steps make all the difference. First, be sure to slice the squash evenly—you want consistent thickness for even cooking. Patting the squash dry is equally essential to remove excess moisture, which can prevent crisping.
- Set up an assembly line for coating: flour, egg, breadcrumbs.
- Let excess flour and egg drip off before breading. This helps the breadcrumbs stick better.
- Always preheat your air fryer! This ensures immediate contact for crisping.
- Avoid overcrowding the basket. Cook in batches if necessary to allow hot air to circulate freely around each piece.
- Don’t forget to flip halfway through cooking for an even golden color.
With these tips, you’ll enjoy a crunchy, delicious treat that everyone will love!
How to Make Crispy Air Fried 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 (you can use Italian seasoning or add dried oregano, basil, and garlic powder)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Cooking spray or oil mister
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Dipping Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1-2 tbsp ketchup or chili sauce
- 1/2 tsp paprika or smoked paprika
- Optional: a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce for a kick
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll need around 10 minutes for preparation and about 10-12 minutes for cooking in the air fryer, plus a few minutes to whip up the dipping sauce!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Squash:
Start by washing the yellow squash thoroughly. Then, slice the squash into rounds about 1/4-inch thick. Pat the slices dry with paper towels to remove any extra moisture; this helps them get crispy in the air fryer!
2. Set Up Breading Stations:
Now it’s time to create your breading stations! In a shallow bowl, add the flour. In a second bowl, crack the two large eggs and whisk them together. In a third bowl, combine the seasoned breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese (if using), salt, and black pepper.
3. Bread the Squash Slices:
Take each squash round and dip it first into the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, making sure it’s fully coated. Finally, roll it in the breadcrumb mixture until it’s well covered. Place all the coated slices on a plate ready for air frying.
4. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for about 3-5 minutes. This step helps get a lovely crisp on the squash as soon as it goes in!
5. Air Fry the Squash:
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or use an oil mister. Place the coated squash slices in the basket in a single layer without overlapping. Air fry them for about 10-12 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
6. Make the Dipping Sauce:
While your squash is cooking, you can prepare the dipping sauce. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, paprika, and cayenne or hot sauce if you’d like some heat. Mix until it’s smooth and well combined.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the squash is done cooking, transfer the crispy yellow squash to a serving plate. Sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color. Serve with the dipping sauce on the side and enjoy your delicious, crunchy treat!
This crispy air-fried yellow squash makes for a perfect snack or a delightful side dish with minimal oil and tons of flavor!
FAQ for Crispy Air Fried Yellow Squash
Can I Use Other Vegetables Instead of Yellow Squash?
Absolutely! Zucchini, eggplant, or even sliced bell peppers can work well with this recipe. Just be mindful of the cooking time; thinner veggies may require less time in the air fryer!
How Do I Store Leftover Crispy Squash?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to bring back the crispiness!
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can make this dish gluten-free! Use gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes as a substitute. They will still provide a nice crunch!
What Can I Serve with the Air Fried Yellow Squash?
This crispy squash is delicious on its own, but you can pair it with ranch dressing, marinara sauce, or even a yogurt-based dip. It also goes well as a side with grilled meats or salads!
