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Crispy Air Fryer Yellow Squash Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.1 from 73 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Enjoy a deliciously crispy and healthy snack with this Air Fryer Yellow Squash recipe. Thinly sliced yellow squash is coated in a seasoned breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture, air fried to golden perfection, and served with a creamy, tangy dipping sauce made from mayonnaise and ketchup. Perfect as a quick appetizer, side dish, or even a light snack, this recipe brings out the best in yellow squash with minimal oil and maximum crunch.


Ingredients

For the Crispy Squash

  • 2 medium yellow squashes, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Cooking spray or olive oil spray
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Dipping Sauce

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika or hot sauce (optional)


Instructions

  1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to preheat. This step ensures the squash will cook evenly and develop a crispy exterior.
  2. Prepare the Breading Stations: Arrange three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, mix flour with salt and pepper. Beat the eggs in the second bowl until smooth. In the third bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper for the flavorful coating.
  3. Coat the Squash Slices: Take each yellow squash slice and lightly dredge it in the flour mixture, then dip into the beaten eggs. Finally, press the slice firmly into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring each piece is well coated to achieve maximum crispiness during cooking.
  4. Prepare for Air Frying: Place the breaded squash slices in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding to promote even airflow. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray to help them crisp up beautifully.
  5. Air Fry the Squash: Cook the squash for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. The squash should be golden brown and tender when done. Adjust cooking time slightly depending on your air fryer model.
  6. Prepare the Dipping Sauce: While the squash cooks, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, and smoked paprika or hot sauce in a small bowl. Mix well until smooth to create a flavorful dipping sauce.
  7. Serve and Garnish: Remove the crispy yellow squash slices from the air fryer and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately with the prepared dipping sauce for the best taste and texture.

Notes

  • For even better crispiness, make sure the squash slices are uniformly sliced about 1/4-inch thick.
  • You can substitute Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for a vegan option.
  • Adjust the smoked paprika or hot sauce in the dipping sauce to your preferred spice level.
  • Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed for even cooking.
  • Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in the air fryer for best texture.