This Crispy Air Fryer Yellow Squash is a fun and tasty way to enjoy vegetables! It gets nice and crunchy on the outside while staying soft inside—perfect as a snack or side dish.
Honestly, who doesn’t love a little crunch? I could munch on these all day! Just slice, season, and let the air fryer do its magic—easy peasy and oh so yummy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yellow Squash: The star of the dish! Opt for medium-sized squash for the best texture. If you can’t find yellow squash, zucchini makes a great substitute—just slice and season the same way!
Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are my favorite because they create an extra crunch. Regular breadcrumbs work too; for a gluten-free option, try crushed cornflakes or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Parmesan Cheese: This adds a nice cheesy flavor. If you’re after something lighter, nutritional yeast is a good vegan substitute, bringing a similar umami boost!
Spices: Garlic powder and paprika give warmth and flavor. Feel free to add herbs like Italian seasoning or even a pinch of cayenne for heat if you like a little kick!
How Can I Get My Yellow Squash Extra Crispy?
Getting that delicious crunch is all about the breading and cooking technique. Here’s how to ensure your squash is perfectly crispy:
- Make sure the squash slices are evenly coated in the flour and breadcrumbs; press down slightly to help the coating stick.
- Preheat your air fryer properly—this step is key for crispy results.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Give the slices space so hot air can circulate freely around them.
- Flipping halfway through helps achieve an even golden-brown color on both sides.
- Using cooking spray before and after makes a big difference in achieving that crispy texture.
Crispy Air Fryer Yellow Squash
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Coating:
- 2 medium yellow squash, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation time and 10 minutes to cook in the air fryer, making it ready to serve in just about 25 minutes. A quick, flavorful dish that pairs perfectly with your favorite dipping sauces!
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 your squash get nice and crispy!
2. Set Up Your Breading Station:
Take three shallow bowls and set them up for breading. In the first bowl, place the flour. In the second bowl, beat the eggs until mixed. In the third bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This will create a tasty coating for your squash.
3. Coat the Squash Slices:
For each slice of yellow squash, start by dipping it into the flour, making sure to shake off any extra. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs. Finally, coat the slice well with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing down slightly to help it stick. Repeat this for all the squash slices.
4. Air Fry the Squash:
Place the coated squash slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they’re not overlapping. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray to encourage crispiness.
5. Cook Until Crispy:
Air fry the squash for about 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Keep an eye on them until they’re golden brown and crispy.
6. Final Touches:
Once cooked, remove the squash from the air fryer and garnish with fresh chopped parsley if you like.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your crispy air fryer yellow squash warm alongside your favorite dipping sauces like spicy mayo or ranch dressing. Enjoy this delightful snack or side dish!
FAQ for Crispy Air Fryer Yellow Squash
Can I Use Different Types of Squash?
Absolutely! While yellow squash is fantastic, zucchini is a great alternative. Just slice it the same way and follow the recipe as directed.
What Can I Use Instead of Parmesan Cheese?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free option or want to cut down on calories, nutritional yeast provides a similar flavor. You can also skip the cheese entirely for a lighter version!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover crispy squash in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them back into the air fryer for a few minutes to regain their crunch!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes! You can substitute the eggs with a mixture of 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water (let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens). For the coating, ensure your breadcrumbs are vegan as well!
