This crispy air fryer yellow squash is a tasty side dish that’s both healthy and easy to make! Just slice the squash, season it, and let the air fryer work its magic.
Whenever I make this, my family can’t resist sneaking bites before it even hits the table! Plus, it takes just a few minutes, which is perfect for busy nights.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yellow Squash: Fresh yellow squash is perfect for this recipe, with its mild flavor and great texture. If you can’t find yellow squash, zucchini makes a good substitute and will yield similar results.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These breadcrumbs give a lovely crunch. If you want a gluten-free option, you can use gluten-free panko or crushed cornflakes instead for that crispy texture.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated parmesan adds flavor and helps the coating crisp up. In a pinch, you can swap in a different hard cheese, like Pecorino Romano, or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free alternative.
Spices: Garlic and onion powders bring great flavor. You can get creative by using Italian seasoning or adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat if you like it spicy!
How Do I Make the Perfect Crispy Coating?
Getting that perfect crispy coating relies on the breading process. Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure to pat the squash slices dry; excess moisture can prevent crisping.
- Carefully dredge each slice in flour first, shaking off any excess to avoid clumping.
- Coat in egg to bind the breadcrumbs, then press each piece into the seasoned panko mixture firmly.
- Leave some space in the air fryer basket for hot air to circulate. If crowded, they won’t crisp up as nicely.
Remember to spray the tops lightly with oil before frying—they’ll turn golden and crunchy in no time!
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Yellow Squash
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Squash:
- 2 medium yellow squash, sliced into ½ inch thick rounds
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Cooking spray (olive oil or avocado oil spray)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Optional Dipping Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce or smoked paprika (for a smoky flavor)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This entire recipe takes approximately 15 minutes of prep time plus about 10 minutes of cooking time. In total, you can expect about 25 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick and delicious side dish!
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 will help the squash crisp up nicely as soon as it’s in the basket.
2. Prepare the Breading Stations:
Grab three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, put your flour. In the second bowl, beat the eggs until they’re well mixed. In the third bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This will create your flavor-packed coating!
3. Prepare the Squash Slices:
Take your yellow squash slices and pat them dry with paper towels. This step is important! Removing extra moisture ensures that they get extra crispy while cooking.
4. Dredging the Squash:
Now it’s time to coat the squash! Dip each slice in the flour first, making sure to shake off any excess. Next, dip it in the beaten eggs, allowing any extra egg to drip off. Finally, press each slice into the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, ensuring it’s evenly coated—this will give it a delicious crunch!
5. Air Fry the Squash:
Place the coated squash slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. It’s important not to overcrowd them; if needed, cook in batches. Spray the top lightly with your cooking spray to boost that crispy texture.
6. Cooking Time:
Air fry the squash for about 8-10 minutes. Halfway through, flip the slices to ensure an even golden brown and crispy texture. Keep an eye on them towards the end to avoid overcooking.
7. Make the Dipping Sauce:
While the squash is cooking, you can whip together the dipping sauce. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, and hot sauce or smoked paprika. Mix well and set it aside.
8. Finish Up:
Once the squash is golden and crispy, remove it from the air fryer and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. This adds a nice touch of color and flavor!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the crispy yellow squash immediately, alongside your tasty dipping sauce. Enjoy this delightful crispy side dish!
This recipe is perfect for dinner parties, family meals, or just a snack! You’ll love how easy and delicious it is!
FAQ for Crispy Air Fryer Yellow Squash Recipe
Can I Use Different Vegetables in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute yellow squash with zucchini, eggplant, or even thinly sliced bell peppers. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the slices!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Place any leftover crispy squash in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, use the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to restore the crispiness.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes! To make this dish vegan, substitute the eggs with a mixture of 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal and 2.5 tablespoons of water (let it sit for a few minutes to thicken). You can also use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for added flavor!
What If I Don’t Have Panko Breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs will work in a pinch, but for maximum crispiness, you can also use crushed cornflakes or even crushed crackers as an alternative.
