This crispy air fryer yellow squash is a fun and healthy side dish! With its golden, crunchy outside and tender inside, it’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yellow Squash: Fresh, medium yellow squash is the star of this dish. If you can’t find yellow squash, zucchini is a great alternative for a similar texture and flavor.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko gives a crispy texture that’s hard to beat. If you’re gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead. For a lower-carb option, crushed almonds or pork rinds can also work well.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a nice salty flavor. You can substitute with any hard cheese, like Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a vegan version.
Eggs: Eggs help the breadcrumbs stick. If you’re vegan or egg-free, try using a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water), or a bit of unsweetened applesauce as a binder.
How Do I Get My Squash Extra Crispy?
Getting that perfect crunch is all about proper breading and the air frying technique. First, ensure you slice your squash evenly so they cook at the same rate. Here’s how to maximize crispiness:
- After dipping each slice in flour, be sure to shake off the excess—this prevents a thick, soggy coating.
- Press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the squash; this helps them stick and become crispy.
- Don’t overcrowd your air fryer basket. Giving them space allows the hot air to circulate, creating that crunchy texture.
- Lightly spray the slices with oil before frying to help brown the coating.
Follow these tips, and your squash will turn out delightfully crispy every time!
Crispy Air Fryer Yellow Squash
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 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)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 10-12 minutes to cook in the air fryer. Overall, you’ll be enjoying your crispy yellow squash in about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This ensures it’s nice and hot when you add the squash, helping them to get that perfect crisp!
2. Set Up Your Breading Station:
In three shallow bowls, get everything ready. In the first bowl, place the flour. In the second bowl, beat the eggs. In the third bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
3. Bread the Squash:
Take a slice of squash and dip it into the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dunk it into the beaten eggs, letting any extra drip off, and finally coat it in the breadcrumb mixture. Press down gently to make sure the crumbs stick well.
4. Arrange in the Air Fryer:
Place the breaded squash slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure not to overcrowd them; give them space for air circulation. Lightly spray the top of the slices with cooking spray or olive oil spray to boost that crunchy effect.
5. Cooking Time!
Air fry the squash for about 10-12 minutes. Flip the slices halfway through cooking to ensure they brown evenly on both sides. Keep an eye on them towards the end—they should be golden brown and crispy!
6. Garnish and Serve:
Once they’re done, carefully remove the squash from the air fryer. Sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color. Serve them right away with your favorite dipping sauce, like spicy mayo or ranch dressing for a tasty treat!
Enjoy your crispy, flavorful air fryer yellow squash! It’s a delicious way to enjoy your veggies!
Can I Use Different Types of Squash?
Absolutely! While yellow squash is perfect for this recipe, zucchini makes an excellent substitute. You can also try using a mix of both for added flavor and texture!
What Can I Use Instead of Panko Breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs will work fine, though they may not provide quite the same level of crunch. Alternatively, crushed crackers or cornflakes can add great texture as well!
How Do I Store Leftover Air Fryer Yellow Squash?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes at 350°F (175°C) to regain their crispiness.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs. This ensures that everyone can enjoy this delicious dish!
