If you love the sweet, buttery flavor of summer squash with the irresistible crunch of classic fried veggies, you’re about to fall head-over-heels for Crispy Air Fryer Squash! This recipe transforms humble yellow squash into addictive, golden rounds with a delicately seasoned, cheesy coating—absolutely perfect for snacking, sides, or entertaining.
Why You Should Make This Recipe
- Unbeatable Crunch: The air fryer creates a crispy, golden crust with minimal oil, delivering that satisfying crunch in every bite.
- Lighter Than Frying: Skip the deep fryer—this squash is packed with flavor and texture, but much lighter and healthier for everyday enjoyment.
- Simple, Wholesome Ingredients: Basic pantry staples like flour, cornmeal, and Parmesan bring out the best in fresh squash without fuss or hassle.
- Perfect for Sharing: Whether for a summer potluck or a cozy weeknight dinner, these crispy rounds always disappear fast (so you might want to make a double batch!).
Ingredients & Substitutions
The beauty of Crispy Air Fryer Squash lies in its simplicity—each ingredient is there for a reason, working together to spotlight the squash’s delicate sweetness while adding irresistible flavor, color, and crunch. Here’s what you’ll need (and a tip or two for substitutions):
- Yellow Squash: Bright, tender, and slightly sweet; choose medium-to-large squash and slice evenly for uniform cooking.
- All-Purpose Flour: Helps the coating stick; you can use gluten-free flour if you want to make this recipe gluten free.
- Almond Milk: Adds just enough moisture for breading; any unsweetened milk or dairy milk will work beautifully.
- Cornstarch: Creates extra crispiness; if you’re out, swap for arrowroot or potato starch.
- Yellow Cornmeal: Delivers that classic Southern crunch and rich golden color—don’t skip this!
- Parmesan Cheese: Melts slightly as it cooks, infusing the coating with a nutty, salty depth.
- Garlic Salt: Essential for that savory kick; regular salt and a pinch of garlic powder can substitute in a pinch.
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Squash
Step 1: Prep the Squash
Start by washing and drying your yellow squash, then slicing them into 1/4-inch rounds—no need to peel! Sprinkle the slices with a little salt and pepper, which seasons the squash and helps draw out excess moisture for a crisper finish.
Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station
Grab three shallow bowls: one with flour, a second with almond milk whisked together with cornstarch (this makes a light, sticky coating), and a third blending the cornmeal, Parmesan cheese, and garlic salt. Lining these up makes the breading process super easy—and less messy!
Step 3: Bread the Squash
Dredge each squash round in flour, dip in the milk mixture, then firmly press into the cornmeal-Parmesan blend, making sure each piece is well coated on both sides. Let any excess drip off to keep things crispy, not soggy.
Step 4: Air Fry to Golden Perfection
Arrange the breaded squash in a single layer in your air fryer basket—don’t crowd them! Give them a light mist with olive oil spray, set your air fryer to 400°F, and cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway so both sides get beautifully golden and crunchy. Let cool just a minute or two before diving in—the crunch is unbeatable!
How to Serve Crispy Air Fryer Squash
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra Parmesan, a handful of chopped fresh basil, or even a pinch of smoked paprika will make your Crispy Air Fryer Squash feel (and taste) extra special—especially if you’re serving to guests. A squeeze of lemon brightens things up, too!
Side Dishes
Crispy Air Fryer Squash pairs beautifully with simple grilled meats, a hearty summer salad, or tossed alongside a platter of other air-fried veggies. They also make a scrumptious appetizer with your favorite creamy dip—think ranch or garlic aioli.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful appetizer, slide two or three squash rounds onto small skewers and serve drizzled with tangy yogurt sauce. Or, stack them on a wooden board with dips, olives, and sliced tomatoes for a vibrant summer snack board worthy of any gathering!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow have leftovers (a rare occurrence in my kitchen!), place your cooled Crispy Air Fryer Squash in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 2 days—they’ll stay tasty, but may lose a bit of that fresh-from-the-fryer crunch.
Freezing
While freshly made is always best, you can freeze fully cooked squash rounds. Lay them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat straight from frozen in the air fryer to revive their crispiness as much as possible!
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat Crispy Air Fryer Squash in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes, flipping once. This restores much of their crunch, unlike microwaving, which can make them soggy.
FAQs
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Can I use zucchini instead of yellow squash?
Absolutely! Zucchini works perfectly here and delivers the same crispy results—just slice into even rounds and follow the recipe as written. It’s a fun way to use up an overflowing summer garden, too.
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How do I keep Crispy Air Fryer Squash from getting soggy?
Be sure to slice your squash evenly, avoid overcrowding the basket, and let any excess coating drip off before air frying. Spraying or brushing with a bit of oil also helps lock in that crispy exterior!
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What dipping sauces pair well with this dish?
Classic ranch, creamy garlic aioli, spicy sriracha mayo, or even a cool herbed yogurt dip all complement the mild, sweet flavor of Crispy Air Fryer Squash beautifully. Try a few and see what you love most!
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Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes! Just work in batches to keep the squash in a single layer in the air fryer—this ensures each round crisps up perfectly. Keep finished batches warm in a low oven while you cook the rest.
Final Thoughts
Ready to taste your new favorite veggie side? Crispy Air Fryer Squash is simple, fresh, and downright irresistible—perfect for any occasion. I genuinely can’t wait for you to give this recipe a try and enjoy every crunchy, golden bite!
Print
Crispy Air Fryer Squash Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Air Frying
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Enjoy a delightful and crunchy dish with this recipe for Crispy Air Fryer Squash. The squash is coated in a flavorful mixture and air-fried to crispy perfection.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 6 large yellow squash, sliced into 1/4 rounds
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup almond milk
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 3/4 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
Instructions
- Slice the Squash: Cut the yellow squash into 1/4-inch rounds and season with salt and pepper.
- Prepare Breading Stations: Set up three bowls with flour, milk and cornstarch mixture, and cornmeal, cheese, and seasonings.
- Bread the Squash: Dip each squash slice into the flour, then the milk mixture, and finally the cornmeal mixture. Shake off excess.
- Air Fry: Place the breaded squash in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring space between each slice. Spray with olive oil.
- Cook: Air fry at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Remove and let cool before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
