This crispy air fryer yellow squash is a tasty and easy side dish. With a light coating of seasonings, it becomes golden and crunchy without all the oil of frying!
I love how quick it is to make—just slice, season, and pop it in the air fryer. It pairs wonderfully with almost any meal. Plus, it’s a fun way to get kids to eat their veggies! 🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yellow Squash: Fresh yellow squash is key for this recipe. If you can’t find yellow squash, zucchini works just as well. Both have a mild flavor and a similar texture!
Panko Bread Crumbs: Panko gives that extra crunch! If you don’t have panko, regular bread crumbs will work in a pinch, but the texture won’t be as airy. You can also try crushed cornflakes for a gluten-free option.
Parmesan Cheese: I love Parmesan for its nutty flavor. If you’re dairy-free, nutritional yeast adds a cheesy taste. Alternatively, you can use another hard cheese like Pecorino or Romano.
Cooking Spray: I recommend using a good quality cooking spray to help the squash crisp up. If you’re using olive oil, a light drizzle on top will also do the trick.
How Do I Get My Squash Crispy in the Air Fryer?
Getting the squash perfectly crispy is all about the coating and cooking technique:
- **Don’t skip the flour**: It helps the egg stick, creating a better base for the panko.
- **Press the panko well**: Make sure to press the panko onto the slices. This sets a strong, crunchy coating.
- **Single layer is key**: Arrange the squash slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. This ensures even cooking and crisping.
- **Spray lightly**: A light spray of cooking oil before and halfway through cooking adds that golden finish.
- **Check for doneness**: Cooking times may vary based on the air fryer. Keep an eye on them for that perfect golden hue!
Follow these tips, and you’ll have deliciously crunchy air fryer yellow squash every time!
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 bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Optional Dipping Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon ketchup or hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder or smoked paprika
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 8-10 minutes for cooking in the air fryer, plus a few minutes to prepare the dipping sauce if you choose to make it. Total time is around 25 minutes, making this a quick and delicious side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Air Fryer:
Begin by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This should take about 5 minutes, and it’s important for achieving that crispy texture.
2. Prepare Your Breading Station:
Get ready to bread your squash by setting up three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, place the flour. In the second bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. In the third bowl, mix the panko bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
3. Coat the Squash:
Take a slice of yellow squash and dip it into the flour, coating both sides. Be sure to shake off any excess flour. Next, dip the floured slice into the beaten eggs, allowing any extra to drip off. Finally, coat the slice in the panko mixture, pressing lightly so the breading sticks well. Repeat this process for all the squash slices.
4. Air Fry the Squash:
Place the breaded squash slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. To help them crisp up even more, lightly spray the tops with cooking spray or olive oil spray.
5. Cook Until Golden:
Air fry the squash for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time. Keep an eye on them until they turn golden brown and crispy.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Once cooked, remove the squash from the air fryer and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for an added pop of color and flavor. If you’d like to make the optional dipping sauce, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup or hot sauce, and garlic powder or smoked paprika.
7. Enjoy:
Serve your crispy air fryer yellow squash hot, alongside the optional dipping sauce. Enjoy your delicious, crunchy, and healthy snack or side dish!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Different Types of Squash?
Absolutely! While yellow squash is great for this recipe, zucchini is a fantastic substitute. Both can be prepared the same way, providing a similar texture and flavor.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Panko Bread Crumbs?
No worries! If you don’t have panko, regular bread crumbs will work as a substitute, though the texture may not be as crispy. Alternatively, crushed cornflakes can provide a similar crunch!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to restore that crunch.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! To make it gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free panko crumbs.
