Frying Squash: Deep Fryer Tips And Tricks

Frying squash is a popular cooking method, especially in Southern US cuisine. You can use a deep fryer to cook squash, but it is not necessary to achieve a fried result. Frying squash in a deep fryer will give it a crispy texture and is a quick and simple way to cook this popular side dish.

How to prepare the squash for frying

Preparing squash for frying is a simple process, but there are a few key steps to ensure the best results. Here's a detailed guide on how to prepare your squash for that perfect deep-fried dish:

Step 1: Wash and Slice the Squash

Start by washing your chosen squash thoroughly. You can use yellow squash, zucchini, or a combination of both. Trim off the ends of the squash and discard them. Then, slice the squash into thin, even slices, about 1/4 inch thick. The thickness of the slices will affect the texture of the fried squash, so try to keep the slices as uniform as possible.

Step 2: Salting (Optional)

Some recipes suggest sprinkling the squash slices with salt and letting them stand for about 5-30 minutes. This step helps draw out excess moisture, which can lead to crispier fried squash. After salting, use paper towels to pat the squash slices dry.

Step 3: Prepare the Breading Station

You'll need three small plates or bowls for the breading station. In the first bowl, whisk together eggs and milk. You can also add a dash of hot sauce to this mixture for some extra flavour. In the second bowl, combine cornmeal and pepper. You can use yellow or white cornmeal, but finer cornmeal will result in a crispier texture. Finally, in the third bowl, add all-purpose flour.

Step 4: Dredge the Squash Slices

Now it's time to coat your squash slices. Start by dipping each slice into the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip them into the egg mixture, and finally, coat them with the cornmeal mixture. Make sure each slice is well-coated.

Step 5: Heat the Oil

For deep frying, you'll need enough oil to fill your deep fryer or deep skillet to a depth of about 1/2 inch to 2-3 inches. Vegetable oil, canola oil, or any other neutral, high-heat frying oil is recommended. Heat the oil over medium to medium-high heat until it reaches a temperature between 350-375°F/176-190°C.

Step 6: Fry the Squash

Once the oil is hot, carefully add the coated squash slices in batches. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as it can affect the oil temperature and cooking. Fry the squash for about 1-2 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.

Step 7: Drain and Serve

Remove the fried squash from the oil and place them on a wire rack or paper towels to drain any excess oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve immediately. Enjoy your delicious, crispy fried squash as a snack or side dish!

The best oil to use for frying squash

Frying squash requires an oil with a high smoke point. A smoke point is the temperature at which an oil will start burning, creating smoke, and leading to a dangerous situation. Oils with high smoke points can sustain high temperatures required for deep frying.

Vegetable oil, which is a mix of different plant-derived oils, is a popular choice for deep frying because it is cost-effective and has a high smoke point, usually between 400° and 450° F. Other oils with high smoke points that are suitable for frying include sunflower oil, safflower oil, corn oil, soybean oil, canola oil, peanut oil, rice bran oil, and light or refined olive oil.

When frying squash, it is also important to use an oil with a neutral flavour so that the natural flavour of the squash is not overpowered. Oils with strong flavours, such as extra virgin olive oil, toasted sesame oil, and nut oils, are not suitable for frying and should be reserved for low- or no-heat applications like salad dressings.

How to avoid soggy fried squash

Frying squash is a great way to enjoy this tasty vegetable, but no one wants to bite into a soggy mess. Here are some tips to ensure your fried squash comes out crispy and delicious:

Prepare the Squash Properly:

• Wash the squash thoroughly to remove any dirt or residue.
• Remove the stem ends as they serve no culinary purpose.
• Cut the squash into uniform slices. The thickness of the slices will impact the cooking time and the likelihood of the squash becoming soggy. Thicker slices may be less likely to overcook, but they will also take longer to cook. Aim for slices that are around 1/4 inch thick.
• If you want to be extra cautious, you can opt for slightly thicker slices to reduce the risk of overcooking.

Control the Moisture:

• Squash has a high water content, which can lead to sogginess. To reduce moisture, place the sliced squash in a bowl of salt for about 30 minutes before frying. This will draw out excess water and help prevent sogginess.
• Alternatively, you can use the "weeping" technique. Sprinkle salt over a clean tea towel or paper towel and place your squash slices on top. Let it sit for 20-40 minutes, and then use another towel to press and soak up the water. This technique helps to draw out moisture and leave you with drier vegetables.

Choose the Right Frying Method and Temperature:

• Use a deep fryer or a heavy saucepan with enough vegetable oil to heat up to 360-375°F.
• Fry in small batches to maintain the oil temperature and prevent the squash from becoming soggy.
• Fry the squash for approximately 3-4 minutes or until golden brown. Keep an eye on the temperature and adjust the heat as needed to maintain the desired frying temperature.
• Avoid using extra virgin olive oil, as it has a low smoke point. Instead, opt for oils with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil, peanut oil, or avocado oil.

Drain Excess Oil:

After frying, place the squash on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil. Avoid using paper towels if you want to prevent sogginess.

Seasoning:

Season the fried squash with salt and pepper, Creole seasoning, or a seasoned salt blend to taste. Remember that salt draws out moisture, so if you want to avoid sogginess, it may be best to season with salt after frying.

By following these tips, you can enjoy delicious, crispy fried squash without the sogginess!

How to store and reheat fried squash

Storing Fried Squash

Fried squash is best enjoyed fresh, straight from the fryer. However, if you have leftovers, allow them to cool entirely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheating Fried Squash

• Air Fryer: Reheat in an air fryer/oven for several minutes at 350°F–375°F.
• Oven: Place the fried squash on a baking sheet in a single layer and reheat in the oven at 350°F–375°F for 5–7 minutes.
• Stovetop: Choose a skillet or frying pan that can accommodate your squash in a single layer without overcrowding. Add a tablespoon of olive oil or your preferred cooking oil to the preheated pan over medium heat. Add the squash and sprinkle with salt and your desired seasonings. Sauté for approximately 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until warmed throughout.

Tips for the Best Results

• Don't overcrowd the pan: This can cause the temperature to drop, leading to soggy squash.
• Slice the squash evenly: Ensure all pieces are of a similar thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent overdone or undercooked pieces.
• Don't skip the salting stage: Salting the squash before frying helps to draw out excess moisture, keeping the squash crisp.
• Ensure the oil is hot enough: For deep frying, the oil should be between 350°F–375°F. Use an oil thermometer or the wooden skewer method to test the temperature.

Enjoy your fried squash as an appetizer with dipping sauces or as a side dish!

What to serve with fried squash

Fried squash is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas for what to serve with fried squash:

As a Side Dish

Fried squash can be served as a side dish to complement a variety of main courses. It goes well with grilled or roasted meats, such as chicken, pork, or beef. It can also be a tasty addition to a vegetarian meal, pairing well with dishes like vegetable lasagna or grilled portobello mushrooms.

As an Appetizer or Snack

Fried squash also makes for a delicious appetizer or snack. You can serve it with a dipping sauce, such as marinara sauce or ranch dressing, or a special "comeback sauce." For an extra crispy treat, you can even turn them into fried squash chips!

In a Sandwich

For a heartier option, fried squash can be the star of a sandwich. Try it with lettuce, tomato, and your favorite condiments on toasted bread. You could also add some crispy bacon or avocado slices for an extra indulgent treat.

As Part of a Larger Meal

Fried squash is a great addition to a larger spread, especially during the summer months when squash is in season. Serve it as part of a picnic or potluck, or as a side dish at a barbecue. It can be a tasty and colorful addition to a table filled with seasonal produce and grilled foods.

With Other Fried Vegetables

Fried squash is often part of a larger fry-up of vegetables. You can pair it with fried okra, green tomatoes, onions, or eggplant. For a heartier dish, some people also add potatoes to the mix. These combinations are popular in Southern cuisine and can be a delicious way to enjoy a variety of seasonal vegetables.

Frequently asked questions