This Crispy Air Fryer Yellow Squash is a real treat! With a light coating and a crispy finish, it’s a tasty way to enjoy your veggies without the fuss of frying.
You can whip this up in no time, and it makes a fun side dish or snack. I love pairing it with a good dip, and let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a little crunch in their life? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yellow Squash: Fresh yellow squash is essential for this recipe. If you can’t find yellow squash, zucchini works as a great substitute. It has a similar flavor and texture.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko gives an extra crunch, but if you don’t have it, regular breadcrumbs can be used. Just be aware they may not be as crispy.
Parmesan Cheese: This adds nice flavor, but feel free to use vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version. Or simply leave it out if you prefer.
Cooking Spray: I recommend using an olive oil spray, but any cooking spray will do. You can also lightly brush some oil if you want a healthier option.
How Do I Get My Squash Extra Crispy?
The secret to crispy air-fried yellow squash is in the coating and cooking method. First, ensure the squash slices are well-coated for that crunch. Here’s how:
- Start by slicing your yellow squash into even rounds; this helps them cook uniformly.
- When coating, make sure to shake off excess flour and egg before dipping into the breadcrumbs. This helps the coating stick better.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; give each slice space to cook, or they may steam instead of crisp.
- Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray before air frying to help them brown nicely.
- Flip halfway through cooking to ensure both sides get that golden, crispy texture.
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
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Dipping Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp smoked paprika or chili powder
- 1 tsp lemon juice or vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time and around 10 minutes of cooking time. So, in just about 25 minutes, you can have a delicious, crispy snack ready to enjoy!
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 helps ensure that your squash will cook evenly and get that lovely crispiness we’re after!
2. Set Up the Breading Station:
While the air fryer is heating up, prepare three shallow dishes. Fill one with flour, the second with beaten eggs, and in the third, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This will help build delicious layers of flavor and crunch!
3. Coat the Squash:
Take a slice of yellow squash and dip it into the flour. Make sure to shake off any excess flour, then dip it into the beaten eggs. Finally, coat the squash in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to make sure it sticks well. Repeat this for all the squash slices.
4. Air Fry the Squash:
Carefully place the coated squash slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Be sure they don’t overlap for even cooking. Give the tops a light spray with cooking spray to promote golden crispiness.
5. Cook to Perfection:
Air fry the squash for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. Keep an eye out for them getting crisp and golden brown—that’s when they’re ready!
6. Make the Dipping Sauce:
As the squash cooks, mix all the dipping sauce ingredients together in a small bowl until smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning if you like; a little extra ketchup or lemon juice can brighten the flavors!
7. Final Touches:
When the squash is done cooking, carefully remove it from the air fryer and transfer it to a plate. Sprinkle some chopped parsley on top for a fresh pop of color.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Enjoy the crispy air fryer yellow squash warm, served with the dipping sauce on the side. This makes for an irresistible snack or delicious side dish!
Happy munching on this crispy, flavorful treat that’s a whole lot healthier than deep-fried goodies!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Other Types of Squash?
Absolutely! While yellow squash is delightful, zucchini is also a great option. Just slice it in a similar thickness and follow the same coating and cooking process.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use the air fryer to restore that crispy texture—just pop them back in for a few minutes at 400°F (200°C).
Can I Make the Dipping Sauce in Advance?
Yes! The dipping sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for about a week. Just give it a good stir before serving to re-mix the ingredients!
What Can I Serve with This Dish?
This crispy yellow squash pairs well with a variety of dishes! It makes a great side for grilled meats, a topping for salads, or a tasty snack at gatherings. You can also serve it with other dips like ranch or tzatziki for added flavor.
