Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for Air Fryer Crispy Squash, perfect as a side dish or snack. The air fryer makes the squash golden and crispy without the need for deep frying!
Ingredients:
- 2 medium yellow squash or zucchini, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Panko for extra crunch)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon water
- Olive oil spray
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Squash:
- Slice the squash into thin rounds (about 1/4 inch thick) and pat dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.
2. Prepare the Breading:
- In a shallow bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika (if using), salt, and black pepper.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and water.
3. Coat the Squash:
- Dip each squash slice into the egg wash, then press it into the breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides evenly. Shake off any excess breadcrumbs.
4. Air Fry the Squash:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray. Arrange the breaded squash slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd them (work in batches if necessary).
- Spray the tops of the squash with a light coat of olive oil spray.
5. Cook the Squash:
- Air fry the squash at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the squash is golden brown and crispy. If they need more crisping, cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
6. Serve:
- Remove the crispy squash from the air fryer and serve immediately. They are perfect on their own, or you can serve them with a dipping sauce like ranch or marinara.
Tips:
- Extra Crunch: Use Panko breadcrumbs for extra crispy squash.
- Variations: Add your favorite herbs like dried oregano, thyme, or basil to the breadcrumb mixture for extra flavor.
- Storage: Store any leftover crispy squash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes to maintain crispiness.
Enjoy these Air Fryer Crispy Squash as a tasty and healthy side or snack!
