Air Fryer Squash: Can You Freeze It?

Air fryer squash is a quick, easy, and delicious dish that can be served as a simple side or added to pasta sauce or curry. It can be made with a variety of squashes, including butternut, acorn, delicata, and yellow squash, and can be seasoned with a range of spices and herbs. The end result is a sweet and savoury dish with a lightly caramelised exterior and tender interior.

But can you freeze it? Yes, you can! Allow the cooked squash to cool, then store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to eat it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator and reheat it in the air fryer, oven, or microwave.

How to cook air fryer squash

Ingredients:

• 2 medium-sized summer squash (about 1 pound or 500g)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
• 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Fresh cracked pepper to taste

Method:

• Preheat the air fryer to 400°F or 200°C.
• Wash the summer squash and trim off the ends.
• Cut the squash into rounds or lengthwise slices that are between 1/4 and 1/2 inch wide.
• Place the cut squash in a bowl and add the olive oil, water, or broth, and seasonings. Mix to combine.
• Add the squash to the air fryer basket, ensuring the pieces are evenly spread out and not sticking together.
• Cook for 8 to 14 minutes at 400°F or 12 to 14 minutes at 450°F, or until they are browned but still firm.
• Optionally, garnish with fresh herbs and vegan parmesan. Serve immediately.

Tips:

• If using a smaller air fryer, you may need to cook the squash in batches to ensure even cooking.
• For better browning, avoid overcrowding the basket and stagger the squash rounds so that no two pieces are stuck together.
• For even cooking and browning, redistribute the squash in the basket halfway through the cooking time.
• If serving as a side dish, place the cooked squash on a platter or plate to prevent steaming and sogginess.

How to reheat air fryer squash

Yes, you can freeze leftover air fryer squash. To do this, let the squash cool completely, then place it in an airtight container and store it in the freezer for up to three months.

To reheat air fryer squash, you can use the air fryer, oven, stovetop, or microwave.

• Air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F and cook the squash for 3 to 5 minutes until warmed through.
• Oven: Spread the squash in a single layer on a baking sheet and drizzle with a small amount of olive oil or water to prevent drying. Reheat in the oven at 375°F for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Stovetop: Heat a drizzle of olive oil or melted butter in a pan over medium heat. Add the leftover squash and stir-fry for a couple of minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Place the desired amount of leftover squash in a microwave-safe bowl with a tablespoon of water or broth to prevent dryness. Cover and microwave on high power for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Continue heating in 30-second increments until warmed through.

It is important to note that the microwave and stovetop methods may affect the texture of the squash, making it slightly softer or mushy compared to the air fryer or oven methods.

How to store air fryer squash

Storing air-fried squash is simple and can be done in a few different ways. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to store air fryer squash:

Storing Air Fryer Squash in the Fridge

Leftover squash can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 to 5 days. When stored in the fridge, the squash is best enjoyed within 3 to 4 days to ensure maximum freshness and taste.

Reheating Air Fryer Squash

To reheat the squash, simply place it back into the air fryer at 400°F for about 3 to 5 minutes until warmed through and slightly crisp. This method will help retain the squash's original texture and taste.

Freezing Air Fryer Squash

If you wish to freeze the cooked squash for later use, first, let it cool completely. Then, transfer the squash to an airtight container or a freezer bag and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat, thaw the frozen squash in the refrigerator overnight, and then reheat it using the air fryer or any other preferred method.

Storing Raw Squash

If you have raw squash that you want to store before cooking, it can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Cut the squash into cubes or slices and place them in an airtight container. This will help extend the shelf life of the raw squash and keep it fresh for when you're ready to cook.

Tips for Storing Air Fryer Squash

• To maintain the crispiness of the squash, ensure it is in a single layer when stored in the fridge or freezer.
• When freezing, it is best to flash-freeze the squash on a baking tray first and then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag.
• Label the container or bag with the date and consume the frozen squash within 3 months for the best quality.
• Always store the squash in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out or absorbing flavours from other foods.

By following these simple steps, you can enjoy your air fryer squash multiple times and retain its delicious taste and texture!

What to serve with air fryer squash

Air fryer squash is a quick and easy side dish that can be served with a variety of meals. Here are some ideas on what to serve with air fryer squash:

• Air fryer hot dogs, burgers, chicken tenders, and tater tots for a fun and casual meal, especially great for kids.
• Baked beans and a caprese salad for a summery picnic vibe.
• Air fryer zucchini chips, corn on the cob, asparagus, french fries, or carrots for a veggie-filled feast.
• Roasted chicken, crispy baked pork chops, or turkey breast for a more substantial protein-filled meal.
• Scrambled eggs for breakfast or brunch.
• Broccoli or Brussels sprouts, and a source of protein like chicken, to make healthy bowls.
• Greens to make a harvest salad.
• Spices like cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice, or a drizzle of maple syrup, for a sweet twist.

How to cut squash for the air fryer

Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.

Step 2: Choose small to medium-sized squash. Trim and cut off the two ends of the squash.

Step 3: Cut the squash in half lengthwise, from end to end.

Step 4: Cut each half into slices that are about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. For butternut squash, you can cut each slice into chunks or 1-inch pieces. For delicata squash, cut the slices into half-moons.

Step 5: Place the squash slices in a bowl and toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, or your desired seasonings. You can also add the seasonings directly to the air fryer basket.

Step 6: Transfer the squash to the air fryer basket in a single layer. It's okay if the slices overlap slightly, but avoid overcrowding.

Step 7: Air fry the squash at 400°F for 8 to 10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. For butternut squash, air fry at 390°F for 20 minutes, stirring or flipping halfway through.

Note: The cooking time may vary depending on the size and type of squash, as well as the size of your air fryer. Check the squash periodically to ensure it doesn't overcook.

Frequently asked questions