This crispy, healthy fried squash in air fryer is perfectly seasoned and uses minimal oil. Ready in no time, these zucchini and squash in air fryer are a go-to for a quick weeknight side dish.
This easy side dish has become a definite favorite in our home! It's one of those simple recipes that's perfect for any season and a great side dish for accompanying different kinds of main dishes.
Looking for more easy side dish recipes? Try our Rosemary Hasselback Potatoes or Air Fryer Okra recipes.
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Why You'll Love This Air Fryer Squash Recipe
Quick and Simple: This easy summer side dish comes together in less time than traditional methods of cooking.
Healthier Option: Using the air fryer with just a light coating of extra virgin olive oil creates a healthy side dish that's perfect for the whole family.
Garden-Fresh: A great recipe for using the abundance of summer squash from your backyard garden or grocery store.
Recipe Ingredients
You’ll need the following ingredients to make this squash and zucchini in air fryer recipe.
Ingredient Notes
Summer Squash Varieties: Yellow squash and zucchini squash offer mild, sweet flavors. These simple ingredients make the perfect side dish. You can even experiment with patty pan squash or winter squashes.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Alternative oils work well too, making this one of the best recipes for customization.
Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: Both add aromatic depth and provide savory notes to this easy recipe.
Italian Seasoning: Gives the squash Mediterranean flavor.
Salt and Black Pepper: Enhances the natural flavors of the squash.
How To make Fried Squash in Air Fryer Step-By-Step
Check out these step-by-step instructions with images. Just so you know, you'll find all the details and exact ingredients of this recipe on the printable recipe card below!
Step 1. Prep the Squash
Wash the yellow squash and zucchini thoroughly. Cut them into ½-inch rounds to ensure uniform cooking time.
Step 2. Season the Squash Pieces
Place the squash slices in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, then add onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss well with your hands or a silicone spatula until all pieces are evenly coated.
Step 3. Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes on high heat.
Step 4. Cook the Squash
Arrange the slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Air fry for 12-15 minutes at 375°F (190°C), flipping halfway through.
Step 5. Check for Doneness
The squash is done when the edges are golden brown, and the pieces are soft when pierced with a fork. If needed, cook them for 2–3 more minutes.
Step 6. Serve and Enjoy
Transfer them to a serving dish.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
Pat Squash Pieces Dry: Pat squash pieces dry before seasoning to help them crisp up nicely.
Use Cooking Spray: Lightly spray the squash with cooking spray for extra crispiness.
Add Parmesan Cheese: Add parmesan cheese during the last few minutes of cooking for a golden, cheesy crust.
Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle the squash with fresh herbs right before serving for an extra burst of flavor.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator Storage
Store leftover squash in an airtight container for optimal freshness.
You can refrigerate the air fried squash and zucchini for 3-4 days
Freezer Storage
Freezing is not recommended because the texture will become too soft.
Reheating Instructions
The best way to reheat your air fryer summer squash is in the air fryer at 350°F for about 2-3 minutes.
Stovetop: EDIT Reheat in a nonstick skillet over medium heat with a little oil, flipping for 3-5 minutes until warm and crispy.
Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate, cover loosely, and heat on medium power in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
Additions and Substitutions
Substitutions
Bacon: Turkey bacon, ham, or omit for vegetarian (use unsalted butter for roux)
Heavy cream: Half-and-half or evaporated milk
Whole milk: 2% milk or non-dairy milk like coconut milk
Russet potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes or red potatoes
Cheddar cheese: Gruyere, Gouda, or mixed cheese blend
Better Than Bouillon: Regular bouillon cubes or additional stock
Sour cream: Greek yogurt or crème fraîche
All-purpose flour: Cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend
For stove top cooking, a large saucepan works well
Your Questions Answered
Yes! This method works well with similar vegetables like asparagus, eggplant, bell peppers, or carrots. Adjust the cooking times based on the vegetable's thickness and density. Root vegetables may need longer cooking times.
Yes, store them in an airtight container and reheat in the air fryer.
Don't overcrowd the basket, pat them dry before seasoning, and use cooking spray instead of too much oil.
Certainly! Coat them with seasoned breadcrumbs or panko coating before air frying for extra crunch.
Serve it hot as a side dish with grilled meats, fish, or as part of a vegetable medley. Garnish it with fresh herbs or grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Absolutely! Try mixing it with air fryer asparagus or other favorite recipes.
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- Air Fryer Potato Skins
- Air Fryer Fingerling Potatoes
- 4 Ingredient Guacamole Recipe
Recipe
Fried Squash in Air Fryer
Ingredients
Method
- Wash the yellow squash and zucchini thoroughly. Cut them into ½-inch rounds to ensure uniform cooking time.
- Place the squash slices in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, then add onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss well with your hands or a silicone spatula until all pieces are evenly coated.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes on high heat.
- Arrange the slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Air fry for 12-15 minutes at 375°F (190°C), flipping halfway through.
- The squash is done when the edges are golden brown, and the pieces are soft when pierced with a fork. If needed, cook them for 2–3 more minutes.
- Transfer them to a serving dish.
Eva Filer says
I am always looking for new zucchini recipes, and this looks yummy and simple! Thanks.
Tina says
Love how quick and easy this recipe is! Perfect for weeknight side...yum!
Eva says
I made this during the week and it was perfect. Quick and simple - lots of flavor. Thank you!
Cara Leonard says
This is so perfect for squash season! Thanks for a great recipe!!