Name: Crispy Air Fryer Yellow Squash Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 medium yellow squash, sliced into ¼-inch rounds; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 large eggs; ½ cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; olive oil spray

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If you’re searching for the ultimate crunchy, golden veggie side, Crispy Air Fryer Yellow Squash is about to become your new obsession. Imagine tender bites of sun-bright squash coated in a savory, cheesy crust—every mouthful perfectly crisp thanks to the magic of air frying. This crowd-pleasing recipe delivers maximum texture with minimal oil, bringing together a handful of pantry basics and turning them into much more than the sum of their parts. Whether you’re a seasoned air fryer fan or brand new to the game, you’ll be blown away by how easy it is to whip these up, then wonder how you ever got through summer without them.

Crispy Air Fryer Yellow Squash Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe has its essential role—building flavor, boosting crunch, and creating irresistible color. Don’t let the short list fool you: with just a few basics, you’ll get that unbeatable contrast between a crisp shell and melt-in-your-mouth squash center.

Yellow squash: Look for two medium squash—fresh, firm, and bright—for the best color and texture in every slice.
Panko breadcrumbs: Their light, airy shape is the not-so-secret to that signature crunch on Crispy Air Fryer Yellow Squash.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Savory and a touch salty, Parmesan melds beautifully with panko for flavor-packed coating.
Eggs: Beaten eggs act as the “glue” that makes everything stick and creates a sturdy, even crust.
All-purpose flour: A light coating helps seasonings and breadcrumbs cling to each tender slice.
Garlic powder: Brings gentle warmth and depth without overpowering the other flavors.
Onion powder: A little goes a long way, boosting the savory aroma and richness.
Paprika: Adds subtle smokiness and a beautiful golden tone after air frying.
Salt: Highlights the natural sweetness of the squash and balances out the cheese.
Black pepper: Just enough for a gentle kick; freshly ground gives the best flavor.
Olive oil spray: A light mist ensures even browning without excess oil.

How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Yellow Squash

Step 1: Prep the Squash

Start by giving your yellow squash a quick wash and pat dry—no one wants soggy slices. Cut the squash into ¼-inch rounds; keeping each slice even means every bite will cook up uniformly crispy.

Step 2: Set Up Your Dredging Station

Grab three shallow bowls. In the first, whisk your flour with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. The second bowl gets your beaten eggs—they’ll help everything stick. The third bowl combines panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan, which brings the ultimate crunch and that lovely cheesy finish.

Step 3: Coat the Squash

Take each squash slice and give it a light dredge in the seasoned flour, shake off the excess, then dunk it into the egg, and finally press it into the panko-Parmesan mixture. This triple-layered approach locks in flavor and gives you that restaurant-worthy texture we all crave in Crispy Air Fryer Yellow Squash.

Step 4: Arrange and Spray

Line your coated squash rounds in a single, uncrowded layer in your air fryer basket. For the best crunch, don’t let the slices overlap! Hit them with a quick mist of olive oil spray, which helps everything brown evenly without any greasy spots.

Step 5: Air Fry to Perfection

Air fry at 400°F for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’re looking for a golden color and a crunchy, satisfying exterior. If needed, cook in batches so each round gets perfectly crispy. Serve your Crispy Air Fryer Yellow Squash immediately for best results—these beauties are at their most irresistible when hot and fresh out of the basket.

How to Serve Crispy Air Fryer Yellow Squash

Garnishes

Take things up a notch with a quick sprinkle of fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil—these add a burst of color and freshness. A little extra grated Parmesan or a squeeze of lemon can brighten up your Crispy Air Fryer Yellow Squash even more.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs effortlessly with summer staples: think grilled chicken, juicy burgers, or even classic baked beans. For a lighter meal, toss them next to a vibrant green salad and a dollop of your favorite ranch or marinara sauce as a dip.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t just pile them onto a plate—try stacking the rounds artfully with toothpicks for party platters, or layer them over a bed of arugula for a chic appetizer. Crispy Air Fryer Yellow Squash is also perfect tucked into wraps, pitas, or as a base for veggie sliders.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Have some extra? Let the squash cool completely, then transfer into an airtight container. The coating will lose a little of its crunch in the fridge, but the flavors stay bold and delicious for up to 3 days.

Freezing

For longer-term storage, freeze the cooked squash in a single layer until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’re best enjoyed within a month for optimal taste and texture, and you can re-crisp them straight from the freezer in your air fryer.

Reheating

To bring back the crunch, pop leftovers back into the air fryer at 375°F for 3–5 minutes. This revives the crispy outside so your Crispy Air Fryer Yellow Squash tastes just as fresh as batch one.

FAQs

Can I use zucchini instead of yellow squash?

Absolutely! Zucchini works just as well and will yield similar results in both flavor and texture. Feel free to use what’s in season or on hand for easy swaps.

What dips go best with Crispy Air Fryer Yellow Squash?

Classic ranch is always a hit, while marinara offers a zesty, Italian-style twist. Try sriracha mayo or a yogurt-based dip if you want a spicier or tangier option.

Can I make Crispy Air Fryer Yellow Squash gluten-free?

You can easily swap in gluten-free flour and gluten-free panko to make this recipe safe for gluten sensitivities. Make sure the Parmesan and any dips you choose are also gluten-free.

Why isn’t my squash getting crispy?

Overcrowding the air fryer basket can trap steam and soften the coating. Always cook in batches if necessary, give each piece some space, and don’t forget the olive oil spray for the best crunch.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Crispy Air Fryer Yellow Squash is at its best right after air frying, but you can prep the breaded slices ahead of time, refrigerate them for a few hours, and air fry just before serving for max convenience and crunch.

Final Thoughts

No matter how you serve them up, there’s just something irresistible about Crispy Air Fryer Yellow Squash—a dish that’s sunny, satisfying, and surprisingly simple. Give this recipe a try and discover just how easy it is to add a little crunch to your table, bite after bite!

Crispy Air Fryer Yellow Squash Recipe

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4.5 from 9 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Enjoy the crispy goodness of these Air Fryer Yellow Squash rounds, coated with a flavorful Parmesan breadcrumb mixture. A perfect side dish or snack that’s easy to make and healthier than traditional fried squash.

Ingredients

Scale

Yellow Squash:

2 medium yellow squash, sliced into ¼-inch rounds

Breadcrumb Coating:

1 cup panko breadcrumbs
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Batter:

2 large eggs
½ cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Others:

olive oil spray

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Instructions

Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
Prepare Coating Station: Set up three bowls with the flour mixture, beaten eggs, and breadcrumb mixture.
Coat Squash Slices: Dredge squash in seasoned flour, dip in egg, then coat with breadcrumbs.
Air Fry: Place coated slices in the air fryer, spray with olive oil, and air fry for 8-10 minutes until golden and crispy.
Serve: Repeat with remaining squash slices and serve warm.