If you’re looking for an easy go-to veggie side, air fryer squash is a fantastic option. It’s quick, and it turns out delicious and crispy every time. You can whip it up in no time!
This recipe fixes soggy, oily squash by delivering crisp air fryer results in minutes, with less mess, even cooking, and simple cleanup.
I used to struggle with making squash that wasn’t mushy or bland. But this method solves all those problems! The air fryer cooks at high heat, keeping the squash firm and tasty without a lot of extra oil.
This recipe is super practical too. Prepping takes just 2 minutes, and in only 13 more, you’ll have a healthy side dish ready to serve. The best part? The cleanup is so easy!
If you love quick and tasty air fryer recipes, give this a try! If you want to impress guests with something special, check out my Air Fryer Nachos.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Texture You’ll Love The air fryer gives the squash a firmer texture compared to sautéing, so it stays crisp and doesn’t turn mushy.
- Flavor That Pops Each bite is herbaceous and savory, with a fresh lightness that makes it a great side dish or snack.
- Time Saver It cooks faster than traditional roasting, meaning you can whip up a tasty dish in just 15 minutes.
- Storage Friendly Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to three days, making it easy to enjoy the flavors throughout the week.
Crispy Air Fryer Summer Squash
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cool Time: 0 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: side dish
- Method: air frying
- Cuisine: vegan
- Diet: vegan
Description
A quick and easy vegan air fryer squash recipe that results in crispy and flavorful rounds.
Ingredients
- 2 medium-sized summer squash (about 1 pound or 500g), sliced into rounds
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil (optional)
- 11/2 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 11/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 11/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- salt (to taste)
- fresh cracked pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat Your Air Fryer: Start by firing up your air fryer at 450F. You will notice the warmth radiating from the appliance, making it ready to cook those squash rounds perfectly. Preheating is crucial here to get that crispy texture you want. Just be careful not to skip this step!
- Arrange the Squash Rounds: Place the squash rounds in the air fryer basket, giving them some space to breathe. They should not be overcrowded, and you will see the grooves of the air fryer starting to show with each piece. Proper spacing is key to avoid any mushy texture later.
- Cook & Check Halfway: Let those rounds cook for about half the time, then pause to give them a little shake or toss. You will see them starting to brown, and the aroma will fill the kitchen. Mixing them helps achieve even cooking all around, so do not forget this step!
- Watch the Final Minutes: As the cooking wraps up, keep an eye on the squash for the last couple of minutes. You will want them to have a beautiful golden brown hue. The squash can go from perfect to overdone quickly, so trust your eyes and nose!
- Let Them Rest: Once done, take the squash out and let them sit for a minute before digging in. You will notice a bit of steam escaping, and that is a good sign. Letting them cool slightly helps with the texture, so they do not fall apart on your plate!
Notes
- Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Expert Tips: If the squash turns out mushy, check that your air fryer is preheated to the right temperature before cooking.
- When cutting the squash, aim for thicker slices to help it hold its shape better during cooking.
- For even cooking, avoid overcrowding the basket; it is best to give the squash some room to breathe.
- If you notice uneven browning, try stirring the squash halfway through the cooking process to promote uniformity.
- When the squash sticks to the basket, spacing out the rounds properly can prevent clumping and sticking issues.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 squash round
- Calories: 51
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 3mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Recipe Tips
- If the squash turns out mushy, check that your air fryer is preheated to the right temperature before cooking.
- When cutting the squash, aim for thicker slices to help it hold its shape better during cooking.
- For even cooking, avoid overcrowding the basket; it’s best to give the squash some room to breathe.
- If you notice uneven browning, try stirring the squash halfway through the cooking process to promote uniformity.
- When the squash sticks to the basket, spacing out the rounds properly can prevent clumping and sticking issues.
Serving Suggestions
Serve air fryer squash with pasta dishes or marinara sauce for a satisfying meal. Enjoy alongside grilled vegetables in a summer salad for added color and nutrition.
This dish can complement other recipes like vegan tacos or summer grain bowls for a wholesome meal. It can also work well in summer wraps with fresh ingredients.
Top air fryer squash with vegan parmesan and fresh herbs for added flavor. Drizzle with a balsamic reduction or a squeeze of lemon to brighten the dish.
Recipe variations
- You can use 2 medium-sized zucchini instead of summer squash for a different flavor and texture in your air fryer dish.
- Add 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar before cooking to give your squash a tangy twist that pairs wonderfully with the herbs.
- Either mix in 1 teaspoon of dried thyme or 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary for a fragrant herbal note to your air fryer squash.
- If you want to make a larger batch, scale up the recipe to 4 medium-sized squashes and double the seasoning ingredients accordingly.
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How to Store?
To keep your air fryer squash fresh, follow these storage tips:
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This maintains flavor and texture.
Freezing: Wrap squash tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: For the best results, reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes at 350F. This restores crispiness.
Other Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this air fryer squash or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. I appreciate taking time to read about this recipe, thank you!
