If you’re on the hunt for a side dish that absolutely steals the show, this Crispy Air Fryer Yellow Squash Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Imagine golden-brown rounds of tender summer squash, coated in a savory parmesan-panko crust and cooked to irresistible crispness in the air fryer—no greasy mess required! It’s light enough for summer feasts, yet so hearty and packed with flavor you’ll want to serve it all year round. Simple ingredients, quick prep, and a crave-worthy crunch make this dish a repeat request at any table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s celebrate how such a handful of humble ingredients can make a dish this memorable. Each component brings something essential—whether it’s rich umami, bold seasoning, or that craveable crunch—so nothing here is optional!
- Yellow squash: Mild and buttery, the perfect vehicle for a deliciously crispy coating.
- Panko breadcrumbs: These give your squash that ultra-light, shatteringly crisp texture you can’t resist.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty depth that takes this from tasty to addictive.
- Garlic powder: Infuses every bite with cozy, aromatic flavor—no mincing required.
- Paprika: Brings a gentle warmth and lovely color to your crunchy squash.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out all those natural squash flavors.
- Black pepper: A little bit of bite to balance out the richness.
- Eggs: The binding power that helps that gorgeous coating stick tight.
- Cooking spray: Ensures even browning and helps create that irresistible crunch with almost no extra oil.
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Yellow Squash Recipe
Step 1: Slice the Squash
Start by rinsing your yellow squash, then trimming off the ends. Slice each squash into uniformly thick, 1/4-inch rounds. This thickness strikes the perfect balance—thin enough to crisp up, yet thick enough to stay juicy inside.
Step 2: Whisk the Eggs
Crack your eggs into a shallow bowl and give them a good whisk until frothy. This egg bath is what’s going to help your panko and parmesan mixture hug each slice of squash for maximum crispiness.
Step 3: Create the Crispy Coating
In a separate shallow bowl, stir together the panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Give it a quick mix so every piece of squash gets a blend of crunch and flavor.
Step 4: Dredge and Coat
Dip each squash round into the whisked eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated, then straight into your panko-parmesan mixture. Gently press the crumbs onto each side so they stick well, and shake off any excess. Don’t rush this part—it makes all the difference in the final crunch!
Step 5: Prepare the Air Fryer Basket
Grab your air fryer basket and give it a quick spritz with cooking spray. Arrange your coated squash slices in a single layer—overlapping is the enemy of crisp—then lightly mist the tops with more cooking spray for super even browning.
Step 6: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection
Set your air fryer to 400°F and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping each slice halfway through. You’re looking for a deep golden color and a crunchy outside that yields to a steamy, tender center. Don’t be surprised if the aroma lures everyone to the kitchen!
Step 7: Serve and Repeat
Let your squash rounds cool for a minute before removing. If you’re cooking in batches, keep the finished ones warm in a low oven. Repeat until all your squash is spectacularly crispy and ready to serve.
How to Serve Crispy Air Fryer Yellow Squash Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your Crispy Air Fryer Yellow Squash Recipe with a final touch of freshly grated parmesan, a scattering of chopped parsley or chives, or even a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. These little flourishes brighten up the plate and add a pop of color and extra flavor to every bite.
Side Dishes
This squash stunner pairs perfectly with everything from grilled chicken and fish to hearty grain salads. Try serving alongside a vibrant tomato salad, roasted potatoes, or a cool and creamy ranch dip. For a vegetarian feast, build a platter with marinated beans, corn on the cob, and juicy summer tomatoes.
Creative Ways to Present
The possibilities go way beyond the side dish! Stack the crispy rounds on a platter as an appetizer with a tangy marinara sauce for dipping, or tuck them into wraps and sandwiches for extra crunch. You can even top a bowl of creamy polenta or a fresh green salad with your squash for a creative twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Crispy Air Fryer Yellow Squash Recipe on hand, let the rounds cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to three days—they’ll lose a bit of their crisp, but a quick reheat will perk them right up.
Freezing
While freezing isn’t ideal for maximum crunch, you can freeze the cooked squash in a single layer on a sheet pan before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for about one month. Just know the texture will soften after thawing, but the flavor will still shine.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-from-the-fryer crisp, reheat your squash rounds in the air fryer at 375°F for 3-4 minutes, or in a hot oven on a baking sheet until sizzling and crisp. Microwave reheating will make them soft, so stick to dry heat if possible.
FAQs
Can I use zucchini instead of yellow squash?
Absolutely! Zucchini works beautifully in this recipe and offers a slightly different but equally tasty twist. Slice and use exactly as you would yellow squash for perfect results.
What dipping sauces go best with this Crispy Air Fryer Yellow Squash Recipe?
A classic ranch or cool cucumber yogurt sauce is always a hit, but marinara, chipotle mayo, or even a spicy aioli can take your squash from snack to showstopper.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Just swap out the regular panko breadcrumbs for a gluten-free alternative and double-check your parmesan is gluten-free. The result is just as crispy and irresistible.
How do I avoid soggy squash?
Make sure to pat your squash slices dry before breading, don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket, and always give a good spritz of cooking spray for even browning. These steps ensure every round comes out perfectly crisp!
Is this Crispy Air Fryer Yellow Squash Recipe healthy?
This recipe is a lighter alternative to traditional fried squash, thanks to minimal oil and all those nutrient-packed veggies. It makes a delicious, wholesome side or snack you can feel good about enjoying any day of the week.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Crispy Air Fryer Yellow Squash Recipe, you’ll see just how simple, tasty, and downright fun it is to turn everyday veggies into an unforgettable treat. Give it a go, and don’t be surprised when it becomes the most-requested dish at your table!
Print
Crispy Air Fryer Yellow Squash Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy a delicious and crispy yellow squash dish made in the air fryer. These breaded and air-fried squash rounds are a perfect side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
Yellow Squash:
- 2 medium yellow squash, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
Breadcrumb Mixture:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Others:
- 2 large eggs
- cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
- Prepare Coating: Whisk eggs in a shallow bowl. In another bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Coat Squash: Dip each squash slice in the egg mixture, then coat evenly with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Air Fry: Lightly spray the air fryer basket, arrange squash slices in a single layer, and air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from air fryer and serve hot. Repeat with remaining slices as needed.
Notes
- Enhance with cayenne pepper for extra flavor.
- Serve with ranch or marinara for dipping.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free panko.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup cooked squash
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
