Description
A quick and easy vegan air fryer squash recipe that results in crispy and flavorful rounds.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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