Description
This Crispy Air Fryer Yellow Squash recipe offers a deliciously crunchy, golden-brown snack or side dish made by breading fresh yellow squash slices and cooking them to perfection in an air fryer. The dish is accompanied by a tangy homemade dipping sauce, making it a healthy and flavorful option ready in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Squash and Breading
- 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
Dipping Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp smoked paprika or hot sauce (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) to ensure the squash cooks evenly and develops a crispy exterior from the start.
- Prepare Your Breading Station: Set up three shallow bowls: combine flour, salt, and pepper in the first; beat the eggs in the second until well mixed; and mix panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in the third.
- Bread the Squash: Dip each yellow squash slice first into the flour mixture, coating lightly, then into the beaten eggs, and finally press firmly into the breadcrumb mixture to ensure an even and crispy coating.
- Air Fry the Squash: Arrange the breaded squash slices in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, avoiding overlapping. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray to enhance crispiness.
- Cook the Squash: Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time, until the squash rounds turn golden brown and tender. Adjust time as necessary based on your air fryer model.
- Make the Dipping Sauce: While the squash cooks, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, and smoked paprika or hot sauce in a small bowl until smooth to create a flavorful dipping sauce.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove the crispy squash from the air fryer, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve warm along with the prepared dipping sauce.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, make sure the squash slices are patted dry before breading.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow for even cooking and crisping.
- You can customize the dipping sauce by adding a dash of lemon juice or fresh herbs.
- This recipe is best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in the air fryer for a few minutes.
- Use gluten-free panko and flour for a gluten-free variation.
