Get ready for a tasty treat with crispy air-fried yellow squash! This dish is light, healthy, and oh-so-simple to make. Just slice the squash, season it, and let the air fryer do the magic!
If you’re like me, you’ll love how crunchy and delicious this veggie turns out. It’s a perfect snack or side dish that makes eating your greens fun. Plus, you can enjoy it guilt-free! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yellow Squash: This is the star of the dish! Choose medium-sized yellow squash for the best crunch. If squash isn’t available, zucchini can be a great substitute as it has a similar texture.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko gives that extra crunch. If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs work too, but they might not be as crispy. You can even use crushed cornflakes or gluten-free breadcrumbs for a different twist!
Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan adds a cheesy flavor boost. Try using grated Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste, or omit it if you’re dairy-free. Nutritional yeast can be a good vegan substitute for a cheesy essence.
Eggs: Eggs help the breadcrumbs stick. If you want a vegan option, consider using a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) or some aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas).
How Do I Get My Squash Extra Crispy?
The key to getting that perfect, crispy texture lies in a few important steps. Make sure the squash slices are evenly coated and not overcrowded in the air fryer. Follow these steps for the best results:
- Ensure the slices are dry before breading. Pat them with a paper towel if they seem moist.
- After coating with eggs, make sure to press the breadcrumbs onto the squash firmly to help them stick.
- Arrange the slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Give them some space to allow hot air to circulate freely.
- Lightly spray the breaded squash with oil before cooking. This helps them crisp up nicely!
Crispy Air Fried Yellow Squash
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Squash:
- 2 medium yellow squash, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or dried oregano/basil mix)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 large eggs
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Dipping Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice or vinegar
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 10 minutes of cooking time. So, in just 25 minutes, you’ll have a deliciously crispy snack or side dish!
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 get everything nice and crispy!
2. Prepare the Egg Wash:
In a shallow bowl, whisk the 2 large eggs until they’re well beaten. This will help the breadcrumbs stick to the squash perfectly.
3. Mix the Breadcrumb Coating:
In another bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix it well so the flavors blend together!
4. Coat the Squash:
Now, take each yellow squash slice and dip it first into the beaten eggs. Make sure it’s fully coated. Then, dredge it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to get that coating to stick on.
5. Arrange in the Air Fryer:
Place the coated squash slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If you have a lot, you may need to cook them in batches. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray for extra crispiness!
6. Air Fry to Perfection:
Air fry the squash for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking, until they’re golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them; air fryers can vary!
7. Prepare the Dipping Sauce:
While the squash is cooking, mix all the dipping sauce ingredients in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust the hot sauce to your preferred spice level!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once done, carefully remove the squash from the air fryer and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve them hot with your creamy dipping sauce on the side.
Enjoy your deliciously crispy air fried yellow squash—perfect as a snack or a side dish!
FAQ for Crispy Air Fried Yellow Squash
Can I Use Other Vegetables Instead of Yellow Squash?
Absolutely! Zucchini works great as a substitute since it has a similar texture. You can also try using eggplant or even button mushrooms for a fun variation!
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. Many brands offer excellent alternatives that will still give you that desired crunch!
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Panko Breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have panko, you can use regular breadcrumbs. For extra crunch, try crushed cornflakes or a blend of ground nuts like almonds or pecans instead!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover crispy squash in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer or oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until crispy again.
