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
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). 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.
