Name: Crispy Air Fryer Yellow Squash Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 medium yellow squash, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (regular or panko); 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 large egg; Nonstick cooking spray or olive oil spray

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If you’re looking for a quick, colorful, and utterly irresistible way to enjoy summer’s bounty, this Crispy Air Fryer Yellow Squash Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Imagine tender squash rounds coated in a savory Parmesan-breadcrumb crust, air fried until perfectly golden and satisfyingly crunchy. It’s a dish that’s as easy to pull together as it is fun to eat, whether you’re serving it as a snack, a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or a veggie-packed side. Let’s dive into this delicious adventure together!

Crispy Air Fryer Yellow Squash Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a key role, from the fresh squash that brings a pop of color and subtle sweetness, to the blend of seasonings that add depth and a hint of spice. Here’s what you’ll need, along with tips for making every component shine:

Yellow Squash: Pick two medium squash that are firm and bright yellow for the freshest flavor and best texture.
Bread crumbs (regular or panko): Panko gives you an extra crispy coating, but classic breadcrumbs work beautifully too.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a savory, salty kick and helps the coating turn deliciously golden.
Garlic powder: Infuses the squash with a gentle, aromatic flavor.
Paprika: Lends a warm color and subtle smokiness to every bite.
Salt: Brings out the natural sweetness of the squash and balances the flavors.
Black pepper: Adds just the right touch of mild heat.
Large egg: Acts as the glue to hold that crispy coating firmly in place.
Nonstick cooking spray or olive oil spray: Ensures even browning and keeps the squash from sticking to the air fryer basket.

How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Yellow Squash Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for 3 to 5 minutes. Starting with a hot fryer is key for getting that irresistibly crisp exterior right from the first batch.

Step 2: Prepare the Dredging Stations

Crack the egg into a shallow bowl and whisk it until it’s completely blended. In a separate shallow bowl, stir together your breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This simple setup will streamline the coating process and keep things tidy.

Step 3: Coat the Squash Slices

Dip each 1/4-inch squash round first into the egg, making sure it’s well coated. Then press it gently into the breadcrumb mixture, turning to cover both sides and pressing lightly so the coating adheres. You want every slice to be evenly covered for maximum crunch.

Step 4: Arrange in the Air Fryer

Lay the coated squash slices in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Don’t crowd them—work in batches if needed. Lightly spritz the tops with nonstick spray or olive oil to help with browning and crispiness.

Step 5: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection

Air fry at 400°F for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping the squash halfway through. Keep an eye on them during the last couple of minutes; you’re looking for that glorious golden color and a shatteringly crisp crust. Serve them warm for the ultimate experience!

How to Serve Crispy Air Fryer Yellow Squash Recipe

Garnishes

For a bright finish, sprinkle the hot squash with a little extra Parmesan or a handful of freshly chopped parsley. A squeeze of lemon over the top can really wake up the flavors too, making each bite even more vibrant.

Side Dishes

This crunchy squash makes a fantastic side for anything from grilled chicken to a juicy burger. Try it alongside a fresh summer salad or pair with grilled corn for a totally seasonal feast. It also plays well with hearty mains like baked fish or roasted tofu.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn the Crispy Air Fryer Yellow Squash Recipe into a fun appetizer platter with a trio of dips—think ranch, marinara, or a garlicky yogurt sauce. For parties, skewer the rounds onto toothpicks for easy, poppable bites that guests will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have extras, let the squash cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay tasty for up to 3 days, though the coating is crispiest on day one.

Freezing

For longer storage, arrange the cooked squash slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They’ll keep for up to 2 months—just know they may lose a little crunch after reheating.

Reheating

To revive that crispy magic, reheat the squash in the air fryer at 375°F for 3 to 5 minutes, or until heated through and crisp. Avoid microwaving, as it tends to make the coating soggy.

FAQs

Can I use zucchini instead of yellow squash?

Absolutely! Zucchini works wonderfully in this recipe and can be swapped in using the same method. Just make sure your slices are the same thickness for even cooking.

What kind of breadcrumbs are best?

Panko breadcrumbs will give you the crunchiest crust, but regular breadcrumbs yield a classic coating. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs—they crisp up nicely too.

Can I make Crispy Air Fryer Yellow Squash Recipe vegan?

Yes! Replace the egg with a flax egg or your favorite unsweetened plant-based milk, and use a vegan Parmesan substitute. The results are still deliciously crispy.

How do I keep the coating from falling off?

Press the breadcrumb mixture firmly onto the egg-coated squash and avoid over-handling the slices. Spraying the tops with oil also helps the crust adhere and brown evenly.

Why is my squash soggy instead of crispy?

This usually happens if the slices are too thick or the basket is overcrowded. Stick to 1/4-inch slices and cook in a single layer so air can circulate for the best results with this Crispy Air Fryer Yellow Squash Recipe.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am to give this Crispy Air Fryer Yellow Squash Recipe a try. It’s a simple way to celebrate fresh veggies with big flavor and crunch, perfect for any night of the week. Let this recipe bring a little more joy (and color!) to your table—happy cooking!

Crispy Air Fryer Yellow Squash Recipe

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4.7 from 22 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Crispy Air Fryer Yellow Squash recipe delivers a healthy, delicious snack or side dish with perfectly golden and crunchy squash rounds. Using simple ingredients like yellow squash, Parmesan, and a flavorful breadcrumb coating, this easy-to-make recipe is cooked quickly in an air fryer for a lighter alternative to frying. Ideal for a quick appetizer or vegetable side, it’s packed with flavor and texture.

Ingredients

Scale

Squash and Coating

2 medium yellow squash, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (regular or panko)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Others

1 large egg
Nonstick cooking spray or olive oil spray

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Instructions

Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes to ensure even, hot cooking when you add the squash slices.
Prepare Egg Wash: In a shallow bowl, whisk the large egg until smooth. This will help the breadcrumb mixture adhere to the squash slices.
Mix Coating: In a separate bowl, combine breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute the seasonings.
Coat Squash Slices: Dip each yellow squash round into the egg wash, then immediately coat with the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently so the coating sticks well on both sides.
Arrange in Air Fryer: Place the coated squash slices in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Avoid overlapping to ensure crispiness. You may need to work in batches depending on your air fryer size.
Spray with Oil: Lightly spray the tops of the squash slices with nonstick cooking spray or olive oil spray to help browning and crisp texture.
Air Fry: Cook the squash at 400°F for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking for even crispness. The squash should be golden brown and crispy when done.
Serve: Remove from the air fryer and serve warm. Perfect as a healthy snack, appetizer, or side dish to any meal.