Description
This Crispy Air Fryer Yellow Squash recipe is a quick and healthy way to enjoy tender squash rounds coated in a flavorful Parmesan-panko crust. Air fried to golden perfection, they offer a delightful crunch without the extra oil, served with a tangy homemade dipping sauce for added zest.
Ingredients
Scale
Squash and Breading
- 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
Dipping Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp smoked paprika or hot sauce (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
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.
- Prepare Your Breading Station: Set up three shallow bowls: mix flour with salt and pepper in the first bowl; beat the eggs until smooth in the second; combine panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in the third.
- Bread the Squash: Dip each squash slice first into the flour mixture, coating lightly, then into the beaten eggs, and finally press into the breadcrumb mixture to coat thoroughly for maximum crunch.
- Arrange Squash in Air Fryer: Place the breaded squash slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray to enhance crispiness.
- Air Fry the Squash: Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and tender. Adjust the time if needed based on your air fryer model.
- Prepare the Dipping Sauce: While the squash cooks, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, and smoked paprika or hot sauce in a bowl until smooth and well combined.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove squash from the air fryer and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve hot alongside the dipping sauce for a delicious snack or side dish.
Notes
- Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crisping.
- For extra flavor, you can add additional herbs like Italian seasoning to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Adjust the amount of smoked paprika or hot sauce in the dipping sauce to suit your spice preference.
- If you don’t have panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs can be substituted but may be less crispy.
- Use cooking spray lightly to keep the breading crispy and avoid sogginess.
- The recipe can be easily doubled for larger servings but cook in batches to maintain crispiness.
