Summer is here, and the farmers’ markets are full of fresh produce. Air-fried squash is a simple yet delightful treat. It’s perfect as a quick, healthy side dish or a way to add flavor to your summer meals. This air fryer squash recipe will quickly become a favorite in your household.
Key Takeaways
- Enjoy a delicious and healthy air fryer squash recipe in just 15 minutes
- Discover the benefits of air frying for perfectly cooked, crispy squash
- Learn how to choose the best summer squash and prepare it for air frying
- Explore a variety of seasoning and flavor options to make this dish your own
- Discover the nutritional benefits of air-fried squash as a versatile side or ingredient
Introduction to Air Frying Squash
Air frying is a great way to cook summer squash like yellow squash and zucchini. It makes the outside crispy and the inside tender and flavorful. This method brings out the squash’s natural sweetness and nutty taste without using too much oil.
Benefits of Air Frying Squash
Air frying summer squash cooks it evenly on both sides, unlike oven roasting. The air fryer’s air circulation keeps the squash’s shape and adds a nice crispiness. It also makes the inside stay moist and tender.
Types of Squash Suitable for Air Frying
- Yellow Summer Squash: This classic variety is perfect for air frying. Its firm texture and mild flavor work well with the high-heat method.
- Air Fryer Yellow Squash: Yellow squash is a favorite for air frying. You can cut it into small pieces or slices for even cooking.
- Zucchini: Zucchini has a similar flavor and texture to yellow squash. It can also be air fried for a crispy, tasty side dish.
This recipe focuses on summer squash, but other types like butternut or acorn might not work as well in the air fryer. This is because of their different textures and moisture levels.
“Air frying squash is a game-changer for those looking to enjoy the natural sweetness and nutty flavor of this versatile vegetable without the added calories of traditional frying.”
Whether you love vegan yellow squash recipes or just want a healthy side dish, air frying is a great choice for summer squash.
recipe air fryer squash: Ingredients and Tools Needed
To make delicious air fryer squash, you need a few simple things. First, get fresh summer squash, like yellow squash or zucchini. Wash and slice it into rounds or half-moons. You can mix both types if you like.
You’ll also need olive oil or avocado oil to coat the squash lightly. For flavor, mix garlic powder, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. This blend will make your squash taste amazing.
To cook your squash, you’ll need an air fryer, a cutting board, a sharp knife, and a bowl. These tools will help you prepare a tasty and healthy dish.
The recipe for air fryer squash takes less than 20 minutes to prepare, making it a quick and easy side dish option.”
Step-by-Step Instructions for Air Frying Squash
Start by washing your squash and trimming the ends. Then, cut it into rounds that are 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. This thickness helps it cook evenly without becoming mushy.
Seasoning the Squash
Put the squash rounds in a bowl and toss with olive or avocado oil. Season with garlic powder, dried basil, salt, and pepper. This mix will give your how to air fry squash a great taste.
Air Frying the Squash
Heat your air fryer to 450°F (or the highest setting). Place the seasoned squash in a single layer in the basket. Make sure they don’t overlap. Fry the squash for 12 to 14 minutes, flipping halfway for even browning. You’ll get a tasty, crispy easy air fryer squash recipe that everyone will love.
To get the perfect air fryer squash instructions, make sure the squash is in a single layer. This ensures even air circulation and crispiness. Keep an eye on it and flip halfway for the best results.
Tips for Perfect Air Fried Squash
Air frying squash can be a game-changer. The secret is choosing the right squash and cutting it right. Let’s dive into some tips to make your air-fried squash a hit.
Choosing the Right Squash
For the best air-fried squash, pick smaller to medium summer squash or zucchini. Big squash might not taste as good and won’t fit well in the air fryer. Choose fresh, in-season squash for the best flavor and texture.
Cutting Techniques for Even Cooking
To cook your squash evenly, try “roll cutting” or “oblique cutting.” Hold your knife at a 45-degree angle and cut diagonally. Then, turn the squash and cut again. This exposes more of the squash to the hot air, making it tender and crispy.
| Squash Type | Recommended for Air Frying |
|---|---|
| Butternut Squash | Yes |
| Delicata Squash | Yes |
| Acorn Squash | Yes |
By picking the right squash and cutting it correctly, you’ll get perfect air-fried squash every time.
“The secret to perfectly air-fried squash is all in the prep work. Selecting the right squash and cutting it just right will ensure you get crispy, evenly cooked results every time.”
Cooking Time and Temperature Guidelines
Air frying squash needs the right cooking time and temperature for the best results. You want the squash to be crispy on the outside and tender inside. Finding the perfect balance is key.
For the best taste, air fry your squash at 450°F (or your air fryer’s highest setting) for 12 to 14 minutes. This temperature and time combo helps get a crispy outside and a juicy inside.
But, remember that the size and thickness of your squash pieces matter. So does your air fryer’s size. To get it just right, check on the squash halfway through. Then, adjust the cooking time if needed.
| Vegetable | Temperature | Time | Yield | Nutritional Info (per serving) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Butternut Squash | 390°F | 20 minutes | 4 cups cubed | 57 kcal, 3g carbs, 1g protein, 2g fat |
| Zucchini and Yellow Squash | 400°F | 8-12 minutes | 6–9 oz each | 34 kcal, 3g carbs, 1g protein, 2g fat |
Keep an eye on your air-fried squash to get it just right. With the right temperature and time, you’ll enjoy a crispy and flavorful side dish in no time.
Reheating and Storing Leftover Air Fried Squash
If you’ve enjoyed air fried squash and have leftovers, you’re in luck! You can reheat and store your squash to enjoy its flavor again. Let’s look at the best ways to do this.
Reheating Leftover Air Fried Squash
Reheating leftover air fried squash is easy. Just put the squash in your air fryer at 400°F for 3 to 5 minutes. This will make it crispy again and warm it up inside, so it tastes just as good as the first time.
Storing Leftover Air Fried Squash
To store leftover air fried squash, put it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. This keeps it fresh and tasty. When you want to eat it again, just reheat it in the air fryer.
You can also eat leftover air fried squash cold. Try it in a salad or as a topping for pasta. Air fried squash is great for quick, tasty meals all week.
“Storing and reheating air fried squash is a game-changer for busy home cooks. It allows you to enjoy the crispy texture and great flavor of this healthy vegetable, even days after the initial cooking.”
By following these simple steps, you can enjoy air fried squash for days. Whether you reheat it or eat it cold, it’s a versatile and delicious choice.
Flavor Variations and Seasoning Ideas
The basic recipe for air fryer squash uses garlic powder, dried basil, salt, and pepper. But you can change the flavors to your liking. Try different herb and spice combinations to make flavored air fryer squash that tastes amazing.
Herb and Spice Combinations
For a bold taste, add Cajun or Creole seasoning. Taco seasoning brings a warm, Mexican flavor. For an Italian twist, use dried herbs like oregano, rosemary, and thyme.
For a sweeter taste, sprinkle brown sugar or maple syrup. Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for heat.
Cheese and Breadcrumb Toppings
For a cheesy flavor, sprinkle Parmesan or Asiago cheese on the air fryer squash in the last few minutes. The cheese will melt, adding a creamy coating.
For crunch, coat the air fryer squash in breadcrumbs or panko. This adds a satisfying crunch to the tender squash.
The air fryer squash is versatile and tasty. Try different seasonings and toppings to find your favorite flavored air fryer squash.
Serving Suggestions for Air Fried Squash
Air fried squash is a versatile side dish that goes well with many main courses. It’s great whether you’ve made air fryer butternut squash or zucchini and summer squash. There are many ways to enjoy this tasty and nutritious vegetable.
Pair with Grilled or Air Fried Proteins
- Serve the air fried squash with grilled or air fried chicken, burgers, or hot dogs for a complete summer meal.
- The crisp texture of the air fried squash contrasts nicely with juicy, flavorful proteins.
Incorporate into Pasta Dishes, Stews, and Salads
Air fried squash is also great in pasta dishes, stews, and salads. Its nutty, caramelized flavor goes well with many ingredients.
Complete a Vegetarian Meal
For a satisfying vegetarian meal, pair the air fried squash with other air fryer-cooked vegetables, rice, or quinoa. The air fried squash can be the main attraction or a flavorful side.
| Preparation Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 5 minutes | 15 minutes | 20 minutes |
No matter how you serve it, air fried squash is a delicious side dish. It’s perfect for many meals because of its crisp texture and natural sweetness.
Nutritional Benefits of Air Fried Squash
Choosing air fried squash for healthy eating is a smart move. This method keeps the vegetable’s nutrients intact. It also gives a crispy texture without too much oil. Squash is packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, boosting your health.
One big plus of air frying squash is the less oil needed. This makes it a healthier choice, with fewer calories and fat. It’s also rich in antioxidants like vitamins A and C. These help strengthen your immune system and improve health.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 81 |
| Fat | 7g (1g saturated) |
| Carbohydrates | 4g (1g fiber, 3g sugar) |
| Protein | 1g |
| Vitamin C | 21mg |
| Potassium | 309mg |
Also, air frying squash is perfect for low-carb or keto diets. It has just 3 grams of net carbs per serving. This makes it a tasty and healthy part of your meals. Whether you need a snack or a side, air fried squash is a great pick.
“Air frying squash is a game-changer for those looking to enjoy the crispy texture of fried foods without the guilt. It’s a nutrient-dense and low-calorie option that can easily fit into a balanced diet.”
Conclusion
Air frying is a quick and easy way to make delicious, crispy best air fryer squash recipe. This easy air fried squash recipe is simple and customizable. It turns summer squash or zucchini into a tender, flavorful side dish or meal addition.
By following the tips and techniques in this guide, you can make perfectly air fried squash every time. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or summer gatherings.
The recipe has been rated 4.91 out of 5 by 10 people. It takes just 10-15 minutes at 375°F to serve 4 people. With a prep time of 10 minutes and a total cook time of 20 minutes, it’s quick and easy to add nutritious veggies to your diet.
The easy air fried squash includes zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, carrots, broccoli, and cauliflower. It’s seasoned with a delightful blend of herbs and spices.
If you’re looking for a versatile side dish or a tasty addition to your main meal, this best air fryer squash recipe is a new family favorite. Its perfect blend of textures and flavors makes it a healthy and satisfying way to enjoy summer squash any time of year.
PrintAir Fryer Squash Recipe
Simple air-fried summer squash that’s perfectly tender-crisp. A healthy side dish ready in minutes with minimal oil.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Additional Time: 0 hours
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: VegetarianDiet
Ingredients
- 2 medium yellow squash
- 2 medium zucchini
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
- Parmesan for serving
Instructions
- Slice squash into ¼-inch rounds
- Toss with oil and seasonings
- Place in air fryer basket
- Cook at 375°F for 10-12 minutes
- Shake basket halfway
- Check for desired crispness
- Sprinkle with parmesan
- Serve immediately
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 132
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 191
- Fat: 9
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Unsaturated Fat: 7
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 11
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 4
- Cholesterol: 5
FAQ
What are the benefits of air frying squash?
Air frying squash cooks evenly on both sides, unlike oven roasting. It keeps the squash’s shape, unlike sautéing. This method makes the squash delicious and flavorful, perfect as a side or in dishes.
What types of squash can be used in the air fryer?
Yellow summer squash and zucchini work well in the air fryer. They have similar flavors and cooking properties. Butternut or acorn squash might not be as good because of their texture and moisture.
What ingredients and tools are needed to make air fryer squash?
You’ll need fresh summer squash, olive or avocado oil, and seasonings like garlic powder and basil. You’ll also need an air fryer, cutting board, knife, and bowl.
How do I prepare the squash for air frying?
Wash and trim the squash, then slice it into 1/4 to 1/2 inch rounds. Toss the rounds with oil and seasonings. This helps them cook evenly.
What is the best way to air fry the squash?
Preheat the air fryer to 450°F. Arrange the squash in a single layer in the basket. Fry for 12 to 14 minutes, flipping halfway for even browning.
How do I ensure the squash cooks evenly?
Use “roll cutting” or “oblique cutting” to make diagonal slices. This increases the surface area for air to circulate, making the squash tender and crispy.
What is the optimal cooking time and temperature for air frying squash?
Cook the squash at 450°F for 12 to 14 minutes. Adjust the time based on the squash’s size and your air fryer’s capacity. Check halfway through to ensure even cooking.
How do I store and reheat leftover air fried squash?
Store leftover squash in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat at 400°F for 3 to 5 minutes. You can also enjoy it cold in salads or pasta.
How can I customize the flavors of my air fried squash?
Experiment with different seasonings like Cajun or Italian herbs. Add brown sugar for sweetness or cayenne for heat. Try sprinkling Parmesan cheese or breadcrumbs for extra flavor.
What are some serving suggestions for air fried squash?
Air fried squash goes well with grilled meats or as a side. It’s also great in pasta dishes, stews, or salads. Pair it with air fryer vegetables for a vegetarian meal.
What are the nutritional benefits of air fried squash?
Squash is low in calories and high in fiber and vitamins. Air frying preserves these nutrients and adds a crispy texture. It’s a healthier option than other cooking methods and rich in antioxidants.
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