Description
This Crispy Air Fryer Yellow Squash recipe offers a deliciously crunchy yet tender vegetable snack or side dish, coated in a flavorful breadcrumb and Parmesan mix, cooked to perfection in the air fryer. Served with a tangy homemade dipping sauce, it’s a quick and healthy way to enjoy yellow squash with minimal oil and maximum crispiness.
Ingredients
Scale
Squash and Coating
- 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)
Dipping Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp smoked paprika or hot sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for crisping the squash quickly and evenly.
- Prepare Your Breading Station: Set up three shallow bowls: in the first, mix the flour with salt and pepper; beat the eggs in the second bowl; and in the third, combine panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Bread the Squash: Dip each yellow squash slice into the flour mixture, coating lightly, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally press into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure each slice is evenly coated for maximum crunch.
- Air Fry the Squash: Arrange the breaded squash slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray to help achieve a golden, crispy finish.
- Cooking Time: Cook the squash for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. The squash is done when golden brown and tender. Adjust timing slightly depending 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 tangy and flavorful dipping sauce.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the crispy squash from the air fryer, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and serve immediately with the dipping sauce for a delicious snack or side dish.
Notes
- For best crispiness, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow even air circulation.
- You can substitute smoked paprika with cayenne pepper for a spicier dipping sauce.
- Use a light oil spray to keep the dish lower in fat while still achieving a crispy texture.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain crispiness.
- Gluten-free panko breadcrumbs can be used to make this recipe gluten-free.
