Need a quick way to cook up that garden haul? These air fryer yellow squash slices are crispy, healthy, and ready in under 20 minutes with just a handful of ingredients!
When your backyard garden or weekend market run gives you more squash than you know what to do with, this recipe is your summer savior. It's the easiest way to use fresh squash in the air fryer and turns a humble veggie into something golden, flavorful, and completely snackable.
These air fryer squash slices are roughly 50 kcal per serving, making this a low-calorie, high-flavor side dish—a great pick for clean eating and low-carb diets. Be sure to check out our healthy Crispy Air Fryer Avocado Fries or simple and fast Harissa Sweet Potato recipes too!
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💖 Why This Recipe Works
- Quick & crispy: Using the air fryer means you get lightly browned, tender squash in no time.
- Naturally healthy: Low carb, low calorie, and perfect for a clean summer side dish.
- Big flavor, minimal effort: A few simple spices bring out the best in every bite of squash.
⭐ Star Ingredients
You'll need a few basic ingredients to make these air fryer squash slices.
- Yellow Squash: Sweet, mild, and soft when roasted—this summer squash holds up beautifully in the air fryer. I go for ¼-inch rounds for the best texture.
- Paprika & Garlic Powder: These simple pantry spices add tons of flavor without any fuss. Paprika brings a warm, smoky note, while garlic powder gives that familiar savory boost.
- Olive Oil: Just a small drizzle helps the seasoning stick and gives that golden roasted finish.
For the complete list of ingredients with measurements and instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
📖 Substitutions & Variations
- Zucchini’s Plus-One: Combine yellow squash in the air fryer with zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or red onion for a colorful veggie medley.
- Cheesy Goodness: Sprinkle with Parmesan or nutritional yeast before cooking for extra flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add chili flakes, Cajun seasoning, or peri peri spice for a fiery edge.
- Crispy Coated: Toss slices in panko and grated Parmesan to make squash “chips.”
- Herb-Infused Magic: Finish with rosemary, thyme, or fresh parsley right after air frying.
- Make it a Bowl: Add cooled summer squash slices to a grain bowl with quinoa, arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette.
Craving more veggie sides? Try my Air Fryer Cauliflower With Teriyaki Sauce or Air Fryer Baked Potato.
🔪 How To Make Air Fryer Yellow Squash
- Step 1: Slice the squash to ¼” thick and preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
- Step 2: Add squash to a mixing bowl. Toss in oil and spices. Fully coat the squash.
- Step 3: Place each slice of squash in the air fryer basket; do not place them on top of one another.
- Step 4: Cook each batch at 400°F for 15 minutes.
💡Pro Tip: If you love extra crispiness, try slicing the squash thinner and cooking for just 8–10 minutes instead. Thinner cuts cook faster and get golden edges with less time.
👩🍳 Expert Tips
- Dry squash before seasoning for the best texture—no soggy slices here.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket or you’ll end up steaming instead of crisping.
- Breadcrumb bonus: For extra crunch, coat air fryer squash slices in seasoned breadcrumbs after tossing with oil.
- Shake or rotate halfway: Air circulation is key! Shaking the basket or flipping the slices at the halfway point (around 8 minutes) helps cook the squash evenly on all sides.
💭 FAQs
No, there's no need to peel yellow squash before cooking. The skin is tender and edible, contributing to the dish's color and nutritional value.
Aim for slices about ½ inch thick. This thickness allows the squash to cook evenly, achieving a tender interior with a slightly crispy exterior.
15 minutes is the sweet spot. Flip halfway through for even browning.
Absolutely. Zucchini and yellow summer squash are interchangeable and roast beautifully together.
Try ranch seasoning, onion powder, Italian herbs, or even curry powder for a fun twist.
Let squash slices cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 370°F for 3–5 minutes to bring back the crisp.
💖 Serving Suggestions
Wondering what to serve with your air fryer squash slices:
- Serve as a Side Dish: Pair the air fryer with grilled meats like chicken or steak for a balanced, low-effort meal.
- Top with Parmesan: After air frying, sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a deliciously savory finish.
- Combine with Other Veggies: Serve alongside other roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or carrots to create a colorful, nutritious veggie platter.
- As a Snack: Enjoy these air fryer squash slices on their own as a healthy snack, or dip them in a tangy yogurt or ranch dressing.
🍽 Try More Fantastic Air Fryer Sides
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Air Fryer Summer Squash
Ingredients
- 2 Yellow Squash
- ½ teaspoon Paprika
- ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
- ¼ teaspoon Pepper
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°f.
- Slice the squash to ¼” thick.
- Add squash to a mixing bowl. Toss in oil and spices. Fully coat the squash.
- Place each slice of squash in the air fryer basket, do not place them on top of one another.
- Cook each batch at 400°f for 15 minutes. Let cool and serve.
Notes
- Dry squash before seasoning for the best texture—no soggy slices here.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket or you’ll end up steaming instead of crisping.
- Breadcrumb bonus: For extra crunch, coat air fryer squash slices in seasoned breadcrumbs after tossing with oil.
- Shake or rotate halfway: Air circulation is key! Shaking the basket or flipping the slices at the halfway point (around 8 minutes) helps cook the squash evenly on all sides.
Nutrition
This Air Fryer Yellow Squash is a quick and tasty side dish! I love how the simple seasoning brings out the natural flavors, and the air fryer gives it that perfect crisp. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of Parmesan or a dash of Cajun spice for an extra kick. Let me know how you season yours!