This Crispy Air Fryer Yellow Squash is a tasty treat! With just a sprinkle of seasoning, you’ll get golden, crunchy slices that are hard to resist.
Using the air fryer gives it a light and crispy finish. I love serving it as a snack or a side dish—perfect for when I’m in a hurry but still want something delicious.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yellow Squash: Fresh yellow squash is key for this recipe. If you can’t find them, zucchini is a good substitute. It has a similar texture and cooks in the same way.
Breadcrumbs: I recommend using seasoned breadcrumbs for added flavor. If you’re looking for something gluten-free, use crushed cornflakes or gluten-free breadcrumbs instead.
Parmesan Cheese: While optional, adding Parmesan elevates the taste. If you need a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast is a great alternative that gives a cheesy flavor without dairy.
Eggs: If you want to make this dish vegan, substitute the eggs with a flaxseed mixture (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water, let it sit for a few minutes) or use a plant-based egg replacer.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Crispiness in Air Fryer Squash?
Getting that crispy texture in an air fryer requires a few small yet effective techniques:
- Make sure to coat each slice evenly—this ensures the breading sticks well and gets crispy.
- Don’t crowd the air fryer basket. Give the slices room to circulate the hot air for even cooking.
- Lightly spray the breaded squash with cooking spray or olive oil before cooking. This helps it crisp up beautifully.
- Flip the slices halfway for an even crisp on both sides. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning; every air fryer is different.
Crispy Air Fryer Yellow Squash Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 medium yellow squash
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs (or panko)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for extra flavor)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep time and around 10 minutes for cooking. In total, you’re looking at about 25 minutes to get this delicious dish ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Squash:
Start by washing the yellow squash thoroughly. Cut the squash into slices about 1/4-inch thick. This size is perfect for getting that crunchy outside and soft inside.
2. Set Up the Breading Station:
You’ll create a simple breading station with three bowls. In the first bowl, place the flour. In the second bowl, beat the eggs until nicely mixed. In the third bowl, mix the seasoned breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper together.
3. Bread the Squash Slices:
Now, it’s time to coat your squash! Dip each slice into the flour first, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any extra egg to drip off. Finally, coat the squash slice with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure it sticks well.
4. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes. This helps achieve that perfect crispy texture.
5. Arrange and Spray:
Place the breaded squash slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not overlapping! Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray or olive oil spray to enhance crispiness.
6. Cook to Perfection:
Cook in the air fryer for 8-10 minutes. Halfway through, flip the slices over to ensure they cook evenly. You’re looking for a golden brown color and a crispy texture!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooked, remove the squash from the air fryer. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, like spicy mayo or ranch, and enjoy your crispy, golden air fryer yellow squash!
FAQ for Crispy Air Fryer Yellow Squash
Can I Use Other Vegetables Instead of Yellow Squash?
Absolutely! You can easily substitute yellow squash with zucchini, eggplant, or even bell peppers. Just make sure to cut them into similar-sized slices for even cooking.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make the recipe gluten-free, simply replace all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes instead of regular breadcrumbs for the coating.
Can These Be Made Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can bread the squash slices a few hours in advance and keep them covered in the fridge. Just cook them immediately before serving for the best texture. You can also store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days, but they might lose some crispiness when reheated.
What’s the Best Way to Reheat Leftovers?
The best way to reheat leftover crispy squash is to use the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes. This will help restore some of the original crispiness that may have been lost in the fridge. Alternatively, you can use an oven for similar results!
