Crispy Air Fryer Squash

Prepare to revolutionize your summer vegetable game with this incredibly simple and delicious recipe for Air Fryer Summer Squash! Achieve perfectly tender, crisp golden-brown squash and zucchini slices in mere minutes, making it the ultimate hassle-free side dish or healthy snack. Forget soggy steamed vegetables or greasy fried versions – the air fryer is your secret weapon for vibrant, flavorful squash that everyone will love.

This recipe focuses on highlighting the natural sweetness and delicate flavor of summer squash and zucchini. With just a touch of olive oil, salt, and pepper, you’ll create a dish that’s both wholesome and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re a seasoned air fryer pro or new to this kitchen marvel, you’ll be amazed at how effortlessly you can transform simple garden vegetables into a culinary delight.

Why This Air Fryer Summer Squash Recipe Will Become Your Favorite

There’s a lot to love about making summer squash in the air fryer. It’s not just about speed; it’s about superior taste, texture, and convenience. Here’s why this recipe stands out:

1. Effortlessly Quick & Universally Diet-Friendly: This isn’t just a fast recipe; it’s incredibly accommodating. Ready in under 10 minutes active cooking time (plus a crucial “sweating” step we’ll explain), it fits seamlessly into almost any meal plan. It’s naturally low calorie, low carb, keto-friendly, gluten-free, grain-free, paleo, vegan, and vegetarian. This makes it an ideal choice for families with diverse dietary needs or anyone seeking a healthy, wholesome addition to their plate.
2. The Ultimate Tender-Crisp Texture (No More Mushy Squash!): If you’ve ever been disappointed by soft, watery squash, this recipe is your game-changer. The air fryer circulates hot air, creating an environment similar to deep frying but with minimal oil. This process draws out moisture and allows the exterior to crisp up beautifully while the interior remains wonderfully tender. You’ll achieve perfectly cooked summer veggies without standing over a hot stovetop, constant turning, or messy clean-up. Just load, set, and enjoy!
3. Fantastic for Meal Prep & Leftovers: This dish is not only delicious fresh, but it also stores and reheats wonderfully. Simply refrigerate any leftover air fryer squash in an airtight container, and it will keep for up to 4 days. When you’re ready for more, a quick reheat in the air fryer, microwave, or under the broiler will bring it back to life, retaining much of its delightful texture and flavor. This makes it a perfect component for healthy lunches or quick weeknight dinners throughout the week.
4. Simple Ingredients, Maximum Flavor: You don’t need a pantry full of exotic spices to make vegetables taste good. This recipe relies on the inherent goodness of fresh yellow squash and zucchini, enhanced by a touch of olive oil, salt, and black pepper. The simple seasoning allows the natural, slightly sweet, and earthy flavors of the squash to truly shine.

Key Ingredients for Perfect Air Fryer Squash

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to a successful meal. For this recipe, less is truly more, allowing the fresh produce to be the star:

• Yellow Squash: Look for firm, bright yellow squash without blemishes. It offers a slightly sweeter, milder flavor and beautiful color contrast.
• Zucchini: Choose firm, dark green zucchini. Like yellow squash, it should be free of soft spots. Zucchini contributes a slightly earthy note and a lovely vibrant hue.
• Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil not only helps the seasonings adhere but also contributes to the golden-brown crispness and healthy fats.
• Salt & Black Pepper: These essential seasonings are crucial for bringing out and balancing the natural flavors of the squash. We’ll use salt initially for a special technique, and then again for final seasoning.

Optional Flavor Boosters: While simple is delicious, feel free to experiment with:

• Minced Garlic: Toss with the squash and oil for an aromatic kick.
• Herbs: Fresh or dried Italian seasoning, thyme, oregano, or dill pair wonderfully.
• Spices: A pinch of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, or a dash of chili flakes can add depth and warmth.
• Citrus Zest: A little lemon zest adds brightness, especially when served.

Expert Tips for Unbeatable Air Fryer Squash

Achieving that coveted tender-crisp texture and vibrant flavor is easy when you follow these chef-approved tips:

• The Golden Rule: Do Not Overcrowd the Basket! This is perhaps the single most important tip for any air fryer recipe, and especially for squash. For the air fryer to work its magic and circulate hot air efficiently, the yellow squash and zucchini slices must lay in a single, flat layer. If they are stacked or overlapping, the air won’t be able to reach all surfaces, resulting in uneven cooking and a steamed, rather than crispy, texture. If you’re cooking a larger quantity or have a smaller air fryer, work in two or even three batches. Patience here pays off immensely.
• Uniform Slicing is Key: Aim for ¼-inch thick discs. Consistent thickness ensures that all pieces cook at the same rate, preventing some from being undercooked while others are perfectly done. A mandoline slicer can be helpful for this, but a sharp knife and a steady hand work just as well.
• The “Sweat” Method is Non-Negotiable for Crispiness: Summer squash and zucchini are packed with water. To prevent them from becoming soggy in the air fryer, you absolutely *must* draw out this excess moisture first. Generously salting the sliced squash and letting it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes will cause the water to “sweat” out. Don’t skip this step! It’s the secret to achieving that irresistible tender-crisp exterior.
• Thoroughly Blot Dry After Sweating: After the squash has sweated, transfer the discs to paper towels and blot them *very* thoroughly to remove all excess moisture and any remaining salt brine. You might even give them a quick, light rinse and then blot dry again for good measure. The drier the squash, the crispier it will become.
• Preheat Your Air Fryer: Just like an oven, preheating your air fryer ensures that the food starts cooking immediately at the correct temperature. This contributes to better browning and a more even cook. Most air fryers take about 3-5 minutes to reach temperature.
• Shake or Toss Mid-Cook: For optimal browning and crispness, gently shake the air fryer basket or toss the squash slices with tongs about halfway through the cooking time. This redistributes the vegetables and ensures all sides get exposed to the hot circulating air.
• Flavor Variations Beyond Salt & Pepper: While delicious on its own, don’t hesitate to customize your seasoning. Try a dash of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor, a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat, or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy, savory note (great for vegan options!).

Crispy Air Fryer Squash & Zucchini

Prep:

15 minutes

Cook:

10 minutes

Sweat:

30 minutes

Total:

55 minutes

Achieve perfectly tender, crisp summer squash in no time at all with your air fryer!

Cheryl Malik

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2 servings

Ingredients

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  1 small yellow squash
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  1 small zucchini
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  1 tablespoon olive oil
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  salt to taste
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  pepper to taste

Equipment

• Large bowl
• Paper towels
• Air Fryer

Instructions

• Slice 1 small yellow squash and 1 small zucchini into ¼-inch thick discs. Aim for uniform thickness for even cooking.
• Place the sliced discs in a large bowl and generously sprinkle salt over the vegetables. Toss until the veggies are well-coated. Set the bowl aside and allow the vegetables to “sweat” for 30 minutes at room temperature. This crucial step draws out excess moisture, preventing soggy squash.
• After 30 minutes, transfer the veggie discs to a stack of clean paper towels. Blot the discs thoroughly with additional paper towels to remove any excess moisture and salt. You can quickly rinse them under cold water and then blot them dry again if you prefer less salt. The drier they are, the crispier they will be.
• Preheat your air fryer to 400° Fahrenheit (200°C). While it preheats, wipe out the large bowl to remove any residual moisture and salt, then return the dried squash and zucchini to the bowl.
• Drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil over the vegetables. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Toss the veggies until they are well-coated in oil and seasonings.
• Transfer the seasoned veggies to the preheated air fryer basket. Spread the discs out into a single, even layer. It is crucial to work in batches as needed to avoid overcrowding the basket, as overcrowding will lead to steamed instead of crispy squash.
• Cook vegetables for 6 to 7 minutes, or until the discs are beautifully golden, tender-crisp, and cooked through. Shake the basket halfway through cooking for even browning.
• Remove the air-fried vegetables from the air fryer basket and transfer them to a serving dish. Repeat the cooking process with any remaining batches until all vegetables have been cooked. Serve immediately as desired.

Notes

• For truly crisp squash, you absolutely must sweat the moisture out of the vegetables first. Skipping this step will result in soggy squash.
• Cooking times can vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and the thickness of your squash slices. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to prevent overcooking.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1serving

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Calories: 81kcal

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Protein: 1g

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Fat: 7g

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Saturated Fat: 1g

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Total Carbs: 4g

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Fiber: 1g

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Sugar: 3g

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Net Carbs: 3g

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Vitamin C: 21mg

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Sodium: 6mg

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Potassium: 309mg

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Calcium: 18mg

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Iron: 0.5mg

Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.

Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.

To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. The result will be the weight of one serving.

© Author:
Cheryl Malik

How to Serve Your Delicious Air Fryer Squash

This versatile air fryer squash and zucchini can be enjoyed in countless ways:

• Classic Side Dish: It’s the perfect accompaniment to grilled chicken, baked fish, seared steak, or any protein-rich main course. Its light, fresh flavor won’t overpower your meal.
• Healthy Snack: Enjoy it on its own for a guilt-free, crunchy snack.
• Salad Topper: Add cooled air fryer squash to your favorite green salads or grain bowls for extra texture and nutrients.
• Breakfast Scrambles: Chop it up and mix into eggs for a flavorful and healthy breakfast.
• Garnish & Flavor Boost: A sprinkle of fresh parsley, chives, or a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving can elevate the flavors even further. For a cheesy touch, a light dusting of grated Parmesan cheese (if not vegan/dairy-free) is always a winner.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Having leftovers of this delicious air fryer squash is a great way to ensure healthy options are always at hand:

• Storage: Allow the squash to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheating in the Air Fryer: This is the best method to revive its crispy texture. Place cold squash in a single layer in a preheated air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through and slightly crisp again.
• Reheating in the Oven/Broiler: Spread squash on a baking sheet and reheat at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes, or under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
• Reheating in the Microwave: While convenient, the microwave will soften the squash and reduce its crispness. Heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. This is best if you don’t mind a softer texture.

Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Squash

Can I use frozen squash for this recipe?

While technically possible, frozen squash tends to release a lot more water and will likely result in a softer, less crispy texture, even with the “sweat” method. For the best results, fresh summer squash is highly recommended.

What if I don’t have yellow squash, can I just use zucchini?

Absolutely! You can use entirely yellow squash or entirely zucchini, or any combination of the two. The cooking process remains the same.

My squash turned out soggy, what went wrong?

The most common reasons for soggy air fryer squash are: 1) Not adequately sweating out the moisture with salt, 2) Not thoroughly blotting the squash dry after sweating, or 3) Overcrowding the air fryer basket, which prevents proper air circulation. Ensure you follow those steps closely for crispy results!

What other seasonings can I try?

Beyond salt and pepper, try a sprinkle of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, chili powder, or even a dash of soy sauce or coconut aminos (instead of olive oil, if preferred for a different flavor profile). Fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or chives are also excellent additions.

How long does air fryer squash take to cook?

Once prepped, air fryer squash typically cooks in 6-8 minutes at 400°F (200°C), with a shake or toss halfway through. This quick cooking time is one of the main advantages of using an air fryer!

Explore More Delicious Air Fryer Recipes!

The air fryer is a versatile kitchen appliance that can handle a surprising variety of dishes. If you loved this easy squash recipe, you’ll definitely want to try some of our other air fryer favorites:

• Air Fryer Falafel
• Frozen Waffles in the Air Fryer
• Sliced Potatoes in the Air Fryer (with an Irresistible Creamy Herb Sauce)
• Air Fryer Chicken Legs
• Frozen Chicken Breast in the Air Fryer
• How to Reheat Fries in the Air Fryer
• Air Fryer Empanadas
• Frozen Mozzarella Sticks in the Air Fryer
• Air Fryer Potato Wedges
• How to Reheat Fried Chicken in The Air Fryer
• Chicken Fries in the Air Fryer
• For a super crunchy vegetable snack, try our recipe for Air Fryer Zucchini Chips. These are sliced thinner to get extra crispy and are topped with a little Parmesan for a wonderful cheesy flavor!