There’s something undeniably addictive about Crispy Air Fryer Yellow Squash with Parmesan Breadcrumbs and Dipping Sauce Recipe. If you’re a fan of tender, golden squash with a crunchy coating, this recipe brings that perfect harmony to your table in less than 30 minutes. The crisp texture combined with the savory Parmesan breadcrumbs and a tangy, creamy dipping sauce offers a fresh twist on a classic side or snack. Plus, it’s made right in the air fryer for a healthier take without sacrificing that irresistible crunch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping this Crispy Air Fryer Yellow Squash with Parmesan Breadcrumbs and Dipping Sauce Recipe simple is key. Each ingredient plays a special role, whether it’s creating the golden crust, adding a punch of flavor, or enhancing the final presentation.
- Yellow squashes: Choose medium-sized, firm squashes for the best texture and ease of slicing.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the first layer of coating that helps the egg and breadcrumbs stick better.
- Large eggs: Acts as glue for the breadcrumbs while adding richness.
- Panko breadcrumbs: These create that signature crunch that makes this recipe shine so brightly.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty layer of flavor that pairs beautifully with the squash.
- Garlic powder: Infuses a gentle garlicky warmth without overpowering the dish.
- Paprika: Brings a subtle smokiness and depth of flavor to the coating.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning at each stage to build a well-rounded taste.
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray: Helps crisp the squash in the air fryer perfectly.
- Fresh parsley: Brightens the dish visually and adds fresh herbal notes as a garnish.
- Mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base of the dipping sauce, balancing the crunch with smoothness.
- Ketchup: Introduces tangy sweetness to complement the savory flavors.
- Smoked paprika or hot sauce (optional): Adds smoky or spicy flair, tailoring the sauce to your liking.
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Yellow Squash with Parmesan Breadcrumbs and Dipping Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This ensures those squash slices hit the basket hot and start crisping immediately, giving you that perfect golden exterior.
Step 2: Prepare Your Breading Station
Set up three shallow bowls for a smooth breading process. In the first, combine flour with salt and pepper. The second will hold well-beaten eggs. In the third, mix panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This layered setup makes coating each slice easy and consistent.
Step 3: Bread the Squash
Dip each squash slice first into the flour mixture, dusting it lightly; this helps the egg stick. Then, plunge into the beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off. Finish by pressing firmly into the breadcrumb blend, ensuring each slice is generously covered. The Parmesan in the mix adds that slightly salty punch you’ll love.
Step 4: Air Fry the Squash
Arrange the coated squash slices in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, taking care not to crowd them. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray, which boosts browning and crunch. Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping the squash halfway through so each side turns beautifully golden and crisp.
Step 5: Make the Dipping Sauce
While the squash cooks, whip up the dipping sauce by mixing mayonnaise, ketchup, and smoked paprika or hot sauce if you like a little heat. This sauce balances the savory, crispy squash perfectly with a creamy tang and mild spice.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once out of the air fryer, garnish your crispy rounds with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Serve them warm alongside the dipping sauce and watch these irresistible bites disappear fast.
How to Serve Crispy Air Fryer Yellow Squash with Parmesan Breadcrumbs and Dipping Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley is a classic, but you can also sprinkle some lemon zest for a bright touch or crushed red pepper flakes if you want to add a slight kick. These small details elevate the dish’s appearance and introduce subtle flavor contrasts.
Side Dishes
This crispy squash pairs wonderfully with light salads, grilled chicken, or even alongside a zesty pasta. Since it’s a flavorful and crunchy dish on its own, it also shines as a snack or appetizer for game day or casual get-togethers.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, serve the squash with individual dipping cups, making it easy and fun for guests to enjoy. You could also layer the rounds on a platter and drape with a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of microgreens for an elegant touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover crispy yellow squash in an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll keep well for up to 2 days, just make sure to cool them completely before sealing to maintain their crunchiness.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, the texture may change slightly upon thawing because the air-fried coating can lose some crispness. If you choose to freeze, arrange squash slices in a single layer on a baking sheet first, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Use within one month for best quality.
Reheating
For reheating, pop the squash back into the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3 to 5 minutes to refresh that crisp coat. Avoid microwaving, as that tends to make them soggy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of squash for this recipe?
Absolutely! Zucchini works just as well and has a similar texture and moisture content. Yellow squash offers a slightly sweeter note, but both will become delicious when breaded and air fried.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not as is, since it uses all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs which contain gluten. You can substitute gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs to make it suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can bake these in a conventional oven at 425°F (220°C) on a wire rack over a baking sheet for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be quite as crispy but will still be tasty and much healthier than deep-frying.
How can I make the dipping sauce spicier?
Simply add more hot sauce or toss in some cayenne pepper or chipotle powder. You can also swap the smoked paprika for smoked chili powder to deepen the smoky heat.
Can I add herbs to the breadcrumb coating?
Yes, mixing in dried Italian herbs like oregano and basil can add a lovely aromatic complexity. Just add them sparingly so they don’t overpower the Parmesan and garlic flavors.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been looking for a light yet indulgently crispy snack or side, the Crispy Air Fryer Yellow Squash with Parmesan Breadcrumbs and Dipping Sauce Recipe is a game changer. It’s simple, fast, and full of flavor, perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining. Give it a try and prepare to fall in love with this easy, wholesome treat!
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Crispy Air Fryer Yellow Squash with Parmesan Breadcrumbs and Dipping Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Crispy Air Fryer Yellow Squash recipe offers a quick and healthy way to enjoy tender, golden-brown squash rounds with a crunchy coating. Served with a creamy, flavorful dipping sauce, it’s a perfect appetizer or side dish ready in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
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). This ensures the squash starts cooking at the optimal temperature for a crispy exterior.
- Prepare Your Breading Station: Arrange three shallow bowls. Combine flour, salt, and pepper in the first bowl. Beat the eggs well in the second bowl. Mix panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in the third bowl.
- Bread the Squash: Dip each squash slice into the flour mixture for a light coating, then into the beaten eggs. Finally, press the slice into the breadcrumb mixture, coating it thoroughly to ensure maximum crispiness.
- Air Fry the Squash: Place the breaded squash slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding to allow even cooking. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray to enhance crunchiness.
- Cooking Time: Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the squash is golden brown and tender. Adjust cook time depending on your air fryer model.
- Make the Dipping Sauce: While the squash cooks, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, and smoked paprika or hot sauce in a small bowl. Stir until the sauce is smooth and ready to serve.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the crispy squash rounds from the air fryer, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot alongside the prepared dipping sauce.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, ensure to spray the breaded squash lightly with cooking spray before air frying.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary to maintain even cooking.
- Adjust seasoning and spice levels in the dipping sauce according to your preference.
- Yellow squash can be substituted with zucchini for a similar result.
