Air Fryer Squash (Summer Squash)

Air Fryer squash is easy, quick, and delicious. You can roast the summer squash or yellow squash in just 15 minutes in the air fryer. This is a great side for a quick meal. It's simply vegan and gluten-free.

If you love to add zucchini and squash to your menu, then I must say this air fryer is the best way to cook them. You can also saute or stir-fry the yellow squash with herbs and mild spices.

But this is one of the best ways to cook squash when you don't need to do anything after placing them into the air fryer. Cooking summer squash in the air fryer is too easy, and quick. And it's delicious too.

For a variation, you can also add zucchini (cut into equal-sized pieces) to the summer squash. Check out my air fryer zucchini recipe on the blog.

Air Fryer Squash

Air fryer squash is an easy and simple recipe. This recipe doesn't require more preparation or hard work. This is one of the easiest side dishes you can add to your meal.

To make the air fryer squash, you need to cut the yellow squash into slices or bite-sized pieces. Season with your desired flavors. Then arrange them evenly in the air fryer basket. Set the time and temperature and cook the squash.

Add any seasoning to it as per choice. These are too good with just salt and pepper as well. Dried oregano and dried basil herbs also work well. Italian seasonings go well with such roasted vegetables.

This is one of the best and easiest side dishes. You can also add this to your pasta salad, quinoa salad, or make skewer snacks or appetizers, and many more such ideas. These are definitely better than stovetop stir-fry or oven-roasted squash.

You will love this air fryer squash because this is,

• easy to make

• minimal ingredients

• versatile to serve

• plant-based

• great healthy side dish and snacking

• Keto-friendly

Ingredients-

Yellow squash or summer squash - Yellow squash is the key ingredient for the dish. For a variety, you can add zucchini but cut them in equal size.

Salt & Pepper - as per taste

Smoked paprika - a pinch (optional)

Garlic powder - Garlic powder adds a nice aroma to the roasted vegetables. Optionally you can also add a tsp of onion powder. However, if you don't like the garlic or onion flavor, you may skip them.

Dried herbs of choice - dried oregano, basils, parsley/ Italian seasoning

Oil/ oil spray - olive oil/ avocado oils/ any vegetable oil

Garnishing - Fresh parsley leaves, Cilantro leaves, Vegan Parmesan or Parmesan cheese

Optional Seasoning -

Cumin powder, Garlic powder, Onion powder, Oregano, Italian Seasonings, herbs de Provence, fajita seasoning

Garlic adds a nice flavor to this. You can add any specific seasoning for taste variation in the squash. A generous garlic powder adds a fresh aroma and flavor to the squash.

Oil-free Substitution -

To make this oil-free and WFPB, substitute olive oil with 2 - 3 tbsp vegetable broth. Take broth in a bowl. Add the spices/ seasonings to this. Pour the broth mix into the thickly sliced summer squash. Mix nicely so that the slices are nicely coated with the seasonings. Then place them in the air fryer.

How to cut the yellow squash for this?

Wash and trim the ends of the squash. You can cut the squash into thicker discs or even as fingers (like fries). here I have sliced them a little diagonally. Keep the thickness between 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch wide.

Thicker slices or wedges will be cooked perfectly without losing their shape. If you cut them very thin like chips, they will get burnt easily. So 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch thick slices is perfect to make roasted squash in the air fryer.

Instructions to air fry the squash

Wash and clean the squash. No need to peel the yellow squash.

Cut them into slices of desired thickness, i.e. approx. 1 cm thick.

Add spices or seasonings followed by 1 tsp oil or broth and mix them nicely so that the squash pieces are coated well.

Grease the air fryer basket with a brush or oil spray. Now place the seasoned slices in the basket. Arrange the squash evenly in a single layer.

Set the timer for 12 minutes at 360 F (180 C). Air Fry squash for 12 - 14 minutes depending on the size and thickness of the slices, size. Also, it may vary with the type of air fryer as all air fryers don't cook the same.

Turn the slices in halfways at around the 8-minute mark. This is for even cooking of both sides. Cook squash till they turn tender with a little charred and golden brown at the exterior.

Remove when done, sprinkle some fresh herbs, and serve hot or store for future use.

You may expect a variation of 1 - 2 minutes depending on the factors mentioned above. So carefully check after 10 minutes and decide the cooking time for the summer squash in the air fryer

Extra Tips -

• Don't peel off the skin of the yellow squash. Scrape the area if any bruises on them.

• Cut the squash into slices of 1/4'' to 1/2'' in thickness. Use a mandoline for evenly cut squash.

• Preheat the air fryer for 3 minutes. Spray some olive oil on the air fryer basket before transferring the slices into the air fryer.

• Arrange the slices evenly in a single layer. If making them in larger quantities, make them in batches. Leaving space in between will allow the hot air to pass through it cooking them evenly.

• Keep an eye out after they are halfway done. Keep checking in between at intervals.

Serving Ideas for Air Fried Yellow Squash -

- This is a great side dish to any meal.

- Perfect for low-carb snacking.

- Healthy snacking.

- Serve with creamy soups like tomato soup or cauliflower soup.

- Add to the quinoa salad or vegan pasta salad.

- Serve as a side to the vegan creamy pasta.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is squash good in the air fryer?

Squash comes out the best when cooked in the air fryer. In the air frying technique, it doesn't turn soggy and is roasted perfectly making the squash taste yummy. This vegetable contains a large amount of water in it. So while cooking in the pan, you need to get rid of excess water (by salting method and so on).

But in the air fryer, you can cook them directly. The high-heat cooking technique will dehydrate them easily without making it soggy or by releasing the water in it while cooking.

Do you need to soak the squash before air frying?

No, you don't need to soak them before air frying. You neither need to salt them to get rid of excess water. Just add the seasonings and a little oil before air frying. They turn out perfectly moist and don't lose their texture in this way of cooking, i.e. air frying the squash.

Recipe for Air Fryer Squash

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