This crispy air fryer yellow squash is a tasty and healthy treat! Just slice up some fresh yellow squash, coat it lightly, and let the air fryer work its magic for a crunchy finish.
Perfect as a side dish or a snack, it’s so easy that even I can whip it up! Plus, who doesn’t love that satisfying crunch? You’ll want to make this again and again! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yellow Squash: Fresh yellow squash is the star! You can also use zucchini if you prefer. Both veggies are similar in texture and taste but have their unique flavors.
Breadcrumbs: I love using seasoned breadcrumbs for flavor, but panko is a fantastic choice too! For a gluten-free option, try crushed cornflakes or gluten-free breadcrumbs to keep it crispy without gluten.
Parmesan Cheese: This adds amazing flavor, but if you’re looking for a non-dairy alternative, nutritional yeast works well. It gives a cheesy taste without the dairy.
How Do I Get My Squash Extra Crispy?
To get those squash slices perfectly crispy, the preparation is crucial. Start by drying the slices well; moisture can make them soggy. Here’s a simple method to ensure crunchiness:
- Use a light hand when coating in flour and egg; excess will weigh down the breadcrumbs.
- Make sure to preheat your air fryer for optimal crispiness. A hot air fryer creates a nice golden exterior.
- Space the squash well in the basket. If you overcrowd them, they will steam instead of crisp up.
- Flipping halfway through allows even cooking and browning on both sides.
These steps will ensure you enjoy a delicious crunch in every bite!
Crispy Air Fryer 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
- 3/4 cup seasoned breadcrumbs (or panko breadcrumbs seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for extra flavor and crispiness)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Cooking spray (olive oil or avocado oil spray)
For the Dipping Sauce (Optional):
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon ketchup or chili sauce
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce or smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This simple recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 10-12 minutes to cook in the air fryer. You’ll get delicious, crispy squash in less than 30 minutes total time. That’s quick and easy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your 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 when they start cooking.
2. Set Up Your Dipping Stations:
Prepare three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, add the all-purpose flour. In the second bowl, whisk the eggs until they are well combined. In the third bowl, mix the seasoned breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Prepare the Squash:
Take each yellow squash slice and pat it dry with a paper towel. This helps remove any extra moisture, so they’re crispy.
4. Bread the Squash:
Now it’s time to coat the squash! Take a slice and first dip it in the flour, making sure to cover both sides lightly. Then, dip it in the egg mixture, letting any excess drip off. Finally, coat it with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently so they stick well. Repeat this for all slices!
5. Arrange in the Air Fryer:
Place the coated squash slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Be sure not to overcrowd; they need space to get air and crisp up. Lightly spray the top of the slices with cooking spray for added crispiness.
6. Cook to Perfection:
Cook the squash in the preheated air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes. Flip halfway through cooking so both sides can become golden brown and crispy.
7. Mix the Dipping Sauce:
While the squash is cooking, combine all of the dipping sauce ingredients in a small bowl and mix until smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
8. Enjoy Your Crispy Treat:
Once the squash is beautifully crispy, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. They’ll be hot!
9. Serve:
Serve the crispy yellow squash immediately with your delicious dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy this delightful snack or side dish!
Bon appétit! You’re all set to impress with this crispy air fryer yellow squash recipe.
FAQ for Crispy Air Fryer Yellow Squash
Can I Use Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with zucchini, eggplant, or even broccoli florets. Just slice them appropriately and follow the same breading process.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make this dish gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes for the coating. Enjoy the crunch without the gluten!
Can I Prep the Squash Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can bread the squash slices up to a day in advance. Store them in a single layer in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, they can go straight into the air fryer!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover crispy yellow squash in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer for a few minutes until crispy again, or use an oven to maintain that crunch!
Feel free to reach out if you have more questions or need tips while making your crispy air fryer yellow squash!
