This crispy air fryer yellow squash is a tasty and healthy treat! Just slice the squash, season it, and let the air fryer work its magic for a crunchy finish. Yum!
I love how quick and easy this is! It’s like a garden party on a plate. Perfect for snacks or as a side dish with dinner—your friends will want the recipe, trust me!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yellow Squash: This is the star of the dish! Look for firm, bright yellow squash. If they’re not available, zucchini can be a great alternative for a similar texture.
Breadcrumbs: I love using Italian seasoned breadcrumbs for extra flavor. If you have plain breadcrumbs, just mix in some Italian herbs. You can also try gluten-free breadcrumbs if you’re avoiding gluten.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a nice salty kick. You can switch it with Pecorino Romano if you’re looking for something with a sharper flavor.
Dipping Sauce: I recommend chipotle mayo for a nice kick, but ranch is always a crowd-pleaser. Feel free to mix it up with hummus or yogurt dip for something different!
How Do I Get My Yellow Squash Extra Crispy?
Getting that crunchy texture is all about the technique! Here are some simple steps to ensure your squash turns out perfectly crispy:
- First, make sure the squash slices are coated evenly. Dip in flour, then egg, followed by the breadcrumb mix.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; give them space to circulate for crispiness.
- Lightly spray the coated squash with cooking spray to encourage browning.
- Flip them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even golden perfection.
Using these tips will help you achieve that delightful crunch with every bite! Enjoy cooking!
Crispy Air Fryer Yellow Squash
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Squash:
- 2 medium yellow squash, washed and sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs (or plain breadcrumbs with 1 tsp Italian seasoning)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
Optional Garnish and Dipping Sauce:
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Dipping sauce (such as chipotle mayo or ranch)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This crispy air fryer yellow squash recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation time and around 10 minutes of cooking time, for a total of around 25 minutes. It’s super quick and perfect for a healthy snack or side!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This will help ensure your squash cooks evenly and becomes nice and crispy.
2. Set Up Your Breading Station:
Get three shallow bowls ready for breading the squash. In the first bowl, add the flour. In the second bowl, beat the 2 large eggs. In the third bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Bread the Squash Slices:
Take each slice of yellow squash and first dip it into the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, letting any extra drip off. Finally, coat each slice well with the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring it’s nicely covered for that crispy finish.
4. Arrange for Air Frying:
Place the breaded squash slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure not to overcrowd them, as they need space for hot air to circulate. Lightly spray the pieces with cooking spray or olive oil spray to help them crisp up nicely.
5. Air Fry Until Golden:
Air fry the squash at 400°F for about 8-10 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through cooking. Keep an eye on them until they are golden brown and crispy. The time can vary based on your specific air fryer model.
6. Season and Garnish:
Once done, carefully remove the squash from the air fryer. You can give them a light sprinkle of extra salt if you wish. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your crispy yellow squash hot, along with your choice of dipping sauce like chipotle mayo or ranch. These make for a delicious snack or a fantastic side dish with your meal!
Enjoy your crispy, golden air fryer yellow squash as a healthy snack or side!
FAQ for Crispy Air Fryer Yellow Squash
Can I Use Other Vegetables Instead of Yellow Squash?
Absolutely! Zucchini works well as a substitute, and you can also try using eggplant or thinly sliced carrots. Just adjust the cooking time as needed based on the vegetable’s thickness and moisture content.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
You can easily make this dish gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and using gluten-free breadcrumbs. Both alternatives should yield a deliciously crispy result!
Can I Prepare the Squash Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep the squash and breading materials in advance. Keep sliced squash in the refrigerator, covered, and bread them right before air frying for the best texture. It’s best to cook them fresh for maximum crispiness.
How to Store Leftover Air Fryer Yellow Squash?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes at 350°F to regain their crispness, or you can use the microwave, but they may become soft.
