This crispy air fried yellow squash is a tasty way to enjoy your veggies! With a light crunch and a sprinkle of seasoning, it’s simple and fun to make in your air fryer.
I love pairing it with dip for a quick snack or as a side dish. Plus, who can resist that nice golden color? It’s almost too pretty to eat… almost! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yellow Squash: Look for firm, bright yellow squashes. They have a mild flavor and a nice texture when cooked. If you can’t find yellow squash, zucchini is a great substitute!
Breadcrumbs: Using seasoned breadcrumbs adds flavor, but you can substitute with plain breadcrumbs or crush up some crackers for a unique twist. Panko gives a crunchier texture, so I highly recommend it!
Parmesan Cheese: This is optional, but it adds a wonderful salty depth. Grated cheese alternatives like nutritional yeast can work if you’re dairy-free.
Eggs: If you’re avoiding eggs, you can replace them with a mixture of ground flaxseed and water (1 tablespoon of flaxseed to 2.5 tablespoons of water). This will help the coating stick.
How Do You Achieve a Perfectly Crispy Texture in an Air Fryer?
Getting that golden, crispy texture in your air fryer is all about the right prep and cooking technique. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat your air fryer for best results. This helps to kickstart the cooking process!
- Coat the squash evenly. Double dip by rolling in flour, then dipping in egg, and finally covering completely with breadcrumbs.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket. Air needs to circulate for even cooking. If necessary, cook in batches.
- Spray lightly with cooking oil. This promotes browning and crunchiness!
- Flip halfway through cooking for even browning on both sides.
With these tips, your yellow squash will come out perfectly crispy every time! Enjoy the crunchy goodness!
Crispy Air Fried Yellow Squash
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Yellow 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 (or panko breadcrumbs)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Dipping Sauce (optional):
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1-2 tablespoons ketchup or chili sauce
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce or smoked paprika (to taste)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time and an additional 10-12 minutes to cook in the air fryer. You can have crispy air fried yellow squash ready in about 30 minutes, including preparation and cooking!
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 ensures that your squash cooks evenly and gets nice and crispy.
2. Prepare the Breading Stations:
While the air fryer is heating, set up three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, add the flour. In the second bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. In the third bowl, mix together the seasoned breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese (if you’re using it), garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Coat the Squash:
Take each slice of yellow squash and dip it into the flour, shaking off any extra. Next, dunk it into the beaten eggs, and finally, coat it with the breadcrumb mixture. Press the breadcrumbs gently onto the squash so they stick well.
4. Arrange in the Air Fryer:
Place the coated squash slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If you have a lot, it’s better to cook them in batches rather than stacking them. This helps to get them super crispy!
5. Spray for Crispiness:
Give the coated squash slices a light spray of cooking spray or olive oil spray. This will help them crisp up nicely.
6. Air Fry:
Set the air fryer to cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes. Make sure to flip the squash halfway through the cooking time for even browning. Keep an eye on them; they should turn golden and crispy!
7. Make the Dipping Sauce:
While the squash cooks, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, and hot sauce (or smoked paprika) in a small bowl. Adjust the spice level to your liking!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the squash is done, carefully remove it from the air fryer and place it on a serving plate. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color.
9. Dive In!
Enjoy your crunchy, golden crispy air fried yellow squash with the delicious dipping sauce on the side. Perfect for snacking or as a tasty side dish!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Other Types of Squash?
Absolutely! Zucchini is a great substitute if you can’t find yellow squash. The cooking time will remain similar, but you might want to adjust based on the thickness of the slices.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make this dish gluten-free, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers can also work well!
Can Leftovers be Stored?
Yes! Store any leftover crispy squash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain their crispiness!
What Can I Serve with Air Fried Yellow Squash?
This dish pairs wonderfully with various dips like ranch, garlic aioli, or even a light vinaigrette. They’re also delicious as a side for grilled meats or as part of a veggie platter!
