Summer is just the right time to put all your fresh produce to use, and this Air Fryer Yellow Squash recipe is a must-try if you've got some of that gorgeous yellow squash at hand. With minimal ingredients and practically 5 minutes of prep time, this Air Fryer Summer Squash is one delicious side dish!
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Why This Recipe Works
- My favorite part about this air fryer yellow squash recipe is its cooking method. Air frying is a great way to get food nice and crispy without too much oil, and this Air Fryer summer squash recipe is the perfect example.
- With just a few simple ingredients apart from the squash, this side dish is an ideal choice when you're looking for a low-effort option.
🥘 Ingredients
You'll need just a few simple ingredients to make this easy Air Fryer yellow squash recipe.
- Yellow squash: The star of the dish, chosen for its tender texture and mild flavor.
- Paprika: Lends a warm, spicy undertone to the squash.
- Garlic powder: Adds a savory depth, enhancing the overall taste.
- Seasonings: Salt and pepper adjust the flavor balance.
- Olive oil: Helps to achieve a crispy exterior in the air fryer.
For the complete list of ingredients with measurements and instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
📖 Substitutions & Variations
- You can choose carrots, zucchini, bell peppers, baby corn, onion and other vegetables of your choice to make your Air Fryer Veggies.
- Zucchini’s Plus-One: Don’t let yellow squash party alone—throw in zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or even asparagus for a colorful, crispy veggie medley.
- Cheesy Goodness: Sprinkle with Parmesan or nutritional yeast before air frying for a cheesy, umami-packed crunch. Bonus points if you add a little lemon zest!
- Spicy Kick: Feeling bold? Toss your squash in Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, or a pinch of chili flakes for a fiery upgrade.
- Crispy Coated: For extra crunch, coat your squash in a mix of panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan before air frying. Think squash fries, but fancier.
- Herb-Infused Magic: Mix in fresh basil, rosemary, or thyme after air frying for that fresh-from-the-garden taste (because why not make it taste gourmet?).
🔪 How To Make The Air Fryer Yellow Squash
Once you have all your ingredients ready, here's what you'll need to do to make the summer squash in the Air Fryer.
Step One: Slice the squash to ¼” thick and preheat your air fryer to 400°f.
Step Two: Add squash to a mixing bowl. Toss in oil and spices. Fully coat the squash.
Step Three: Place each slice of squash in the air fryer basket, do not place them on top of one another.
Step Four: Cook each batch at 400°f for 15 minutes. Let cool and serve.
Hint: I used a mix of garlic powder, salt, and pepper along with a dash of paprika to season the Air Fryer yellow squash.
👩🍳 Expert Tips
Ready to give this air fried summer squash a try? You may want to keep these little tips and tricks handy too.
- Breadcrumbs: While air frying is a process that will automatically make your vegetables crispy, you can also choose to go the extra mile and coat them in some breadcrumbs after you toss them in the seasonings and oil.
- Uniform Slices: Remember to arrange the squash slices in a single layer in your Air Fryer basket, and toss them midway through the cooking time so that they're nice and crispy on both sides.
- Mid-Cook Shake: Give your air fryer basket a gentle shake or stir halfway through the cooking time. This helps ensure that all sides of the squash get the same exposure to heat, promoting an evenly browned finish.
💭 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.
Yes, zucchini can be used as a substitute. Both yellow squash and zucchini are types of summer squash and can be prepared using the same method.
To achieve crispier slices, consider cutting the squash into thinner rounds and tossing them in breadcrumbs before air frying. This adds a crunchy texture to the dish.
If you have some leftover air-fried yellow squash, you can allow it to cool down and transfer it to an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
You can also use any other seasonings of your choice. onion powder, cayenne pepper, peri peri seasoning, and ranch seasoning are all great choices.
🧂Serving Suggestions
- Serve as a Side Dish: Pair the crispy air-fried squash 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 crispy squash slices on their own as a healthy snack, or dip them in a tangy yogurt or ranch dressing.
🍽 Related Recipes
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Air Fryer Yellow 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
Nutrition
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