This crispy air-fried yellow squash is a tasty treat! It’s light, crunchy, and perfect for snacking or as a side dish. Best of all, it cooks quickly in the air fryer.
Honestly, you might find yourself munching on these crunchy bites all day. They disappear fast in my house—it’s like magic! 😄 I love serving them with a squeeze of lemon for a zesty kick!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yellow Squash: This is the star of the dish! Choose firm and bright yellow squash. If you can’t find yellow squash, zucchini works well too. Just slice them the same way!
Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko gives an airy crunch. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes for that same crispy coating.
Parmesan Cheese: This adds a delicious salty flavor. If you’re dairy-free, nutritional yeast can be a great substitute, giving a cheesy taste without the dairy.
Eggs: Eggs help the breadcrumbs stick. For a vegan option, try using a mixture of ground flaxseed with water, or a store-bought egg replacer.
How Do You Get the Perfect Crispiness?
To achieve that irresistible crunch, a few key techniques come into play. First, pat the yellow squash dry; this helps the coating stick without making it soggy.
- Make sure to coat the squash well in the egg and breadcrumbs, pressing the breadcrumbs onto the squash for better adherence.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; give the squash slices space to circulate and cook evenly.
- Remember to spray with oil! A light spray helps to achieve that golden, crispy look.
These tips will help you get the perfect crispy air-fried yellow squash every time!
Crispy Air Fried Yellow Squash
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Squash:
- 2 medium yellow squash, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
For the Coating:
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Cooking:
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
For Garnishing:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Dipping sauce of choice (e.g., spicy mayo or ranch)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to cook in the air fryer. In total, you’ll need around 25 minutes to enjoy this crispy delight!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Squash:
Start by washing the yellow squash under cool water. Slice each squash into even 1/4-inch thick rounds. This helps ensure they cook evenly. Pat the slices dry with paper towels to get rid of any excess moisture, which will help them crisp up perfectly.
2. Make the Egg Batter:
In a shallow bowl, crack the eggs and beat them until smooth. This will help the breadcrumbs stick better to the squash slices.
3. Mix the Coating:
In another shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well so that the spices are evenly distributed through the breadcrumbs.
4. Coat the Squash:
Take each squash slice and dip it first into the beaten eggs. Allow any excess egg to drip off, then coat it thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure to press lightly onto the breadcrumbs to ensure they’re stuck well.
5. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for about 5 minutes. This step helps achieve that crispiness!
6. Arrange the Squash in the Air Fryer:
Carefully place the coated squash slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. It’s important not to overcrowd the basket, so cook in batches if necessary for the best results.
7. Spray for Crispiness:
Lightly spray the tops of the squash with cooking spray or olive oil spray. This helps them get that beautiful, golden-brown color.
8. Air Fry the Squash:
Cook the squash for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. Keep an eye on them—you’re looking for a crispy, golden-brown finish!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Once they’re done, remove the crispy squash from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving plate. If you like, garnish with chopped parsley for a pop of color.
10. Grab Your Dipping Sauce:
Serve the delicious crispy air-fried yellow squash immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, like spicy mayo or ranch. Enjoy the crunch with every bite!
Now you’re ready to enjoy your crispy, flavorful air-fried yellow squash! They make a tasty snack or a delightful side dish for any meal!
FAQ About Crispy Air Fried Yellow Squash
Can I Use Other Types of Squash?
Absolutely! While yellow squash is perfect for this recipe, zucchini makes a great alternative. Just slice it in the same way and follow the recipe as is!
What If I Don’t Have Panko Breadcrumbs?
No worries! You can substitute regular breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes, or even ground almonds for a gluten-free option. Just keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly.
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
For a dairy-free version, simply skip the Parmesan cheese and use nutritional yeast to get a similar cheesy flavor without the dairy. It works wonderfully in the coating!
Can I Store Leftovers?
Yes! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain their crispiness!
