Frying Squash: Air Fryer Magic

can you fry squash in air fryer

Yes, you can fry squash in an air fryer. It's a quick and easy way to cook the vegetable, taking less than 20 minutes. It's also a healthy option, as you can cook the squash without breading or flour.

Characteristics Values
Time 8-25 minutes
Temperature 340-450°F
Squash type Yellow, butternut, zucchini
Oil Olive, avocado, grapeseed
Seasoning Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne, cinnamon, Italian seasoning, basil, oregano
Squash size ¼-1/2” thick slices
Squash arrangement Single layer, slightly overlapping
Storage Airtight container in the refrigerator
Reheating Preheated air fryer at 350-400°F

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How to cut the squash

Firstly, select small to medium-sized squashes. This will help ensure they fit inside your air fryer and that they cook through with the perfect tenderness.

Next, wash your squashes and cut off both ends. You can then cut the squash lengthwise, from end to end, right down the middle. If you want to get creative, you could try a special technique called a roll cut, which involves cutting the squash at an angle of about 45 degrees. This will make your food look better and cook faster by increasing the surface area for flavours to soak in.

Finally, cut each half into slices. The ideal slice thickness is between 1/4 and 1/2 inches. This will help the squash cook evenly and achieve the desired tenderness.

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How to season the squash

There are many ways to season squash before frying it in an air fryer. Here are some tips and suggestions:

Choosing and Preparing the Squash

Before seasoning your squash, it's important to choose fresh, in-season squash that is small to medium-sized. Larger squashes tend to have less flavour. Additionally, try to cut the squash into even slices, between 1/4 and 1/2 an inch thick. This ensures that the squash cooks evenly and thoroughly without becoming mushy.

Seasoning Options

For seasoning, you can use olive oil, avocado oil, or garlic-infused olive oil. You can also add salt, pepper, and your choice of vegetable seasoning. If you want to add a touch of sweetness, a small amount of brown sugar or maple syrup can be included. Additionally, spices like onion powder, garlic powder, sweet paprika, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, and salt can be combined and sprinkled over the squash.

Other Options

If you want to add some crunch to your dish, you can include grated Parmesan cheese or asiago during the last few minutes of cooking. For those who enjoy spicy food, a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper can be a great addition. You can also experiment with different seasonings like Cajun, Creole, or taco seasoning.

Dipping Sauces

To enhance the flavour of your air-fried squash, consider serving it with dipping sauces on the side. Spicy garlic chilli sauce, tangy bang bang sauce, or creamy bacon aioli are some options that can complement the dish well.

Tips for Best Results

To ensure your squash cooks evenly, spread it in a single layer in the air fryer basket, allowing hot air to circulate. It's also important to preheat your air fryer before adding the squash, and to toss or flip the squash halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.

With these tips and seasoning options, you can create delicious, flavourful air-fried squash that your family and friends will love!

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How long to cook the squash for

The cooking time for squash in an air fryer varies depending on the type of squash, the thickness of the slices, and the desired texture. Here is a detailed guide on how long to cook different types of squash in an air fryer:

Yellow Squash

Yellow squash is a type of summer squash that is typically in season during the late spring to late summer months. When cooking yellow squash in an air fryer, it is recommended to cut the squash into slices or rounds between 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch thick. Preheat your air fryer to between 380-400°F. Toss the squash slices with olive oil, salt, pepper, and any desired seasonings. Place the squash in the air fryer basket in a single layer, with minimal overlap. Cook the squash for 8-10 minutes, tossing the basket halfway through the cooking process. The squash is ready when it is golden brown and slightly softened, but still has some bite to it. If you prefer crispier squash, you can cook it for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Zucchini

Zucchini is another type of summer squash that can be cooked in a similar way to yellow squash. Cut the zucchini into similar-sized slices or rounds, and follow the same cooking instructions as for yellow squash.

Butternut Squash

Butternut squash is a type of winter squash that can also be cooked in an air fryer. Peel and dice the butternut squash into 1-inch cubes. Preheat your air fryer to 340°F. Place the squash in the air fryer basket in a single layer and spray with olive oil spray. Cook the squash for 20-23 minutes, shaking the basket a few times during the cooking process, until the squash is fork-tender and golden.

Spaghetti Squash and Acorn Squash

While there are no specific cooking times provided for spaghetti squash and acorn squash in an air fryer, it is mentioned that these types of squash can also be cooked in an air fryer. The cooking time will depend on the size and type of squash, but it will generally take longer than for yellow or zucchini squash due to their tougher texture. It is recommended to preheat the air fryer to 400°F and cook the squash until it is tender.

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What to serve the squash with

Air-fried squash is a delicious and healthy side dish that can be served with a variety of main courses. Here are some ideas for what to serve with your air-fried squash:

Proteins

As a versatile side dish, air-fried squash can complement various protein options, such as chicken, shrimp, or salmon. For instance, you could serve it with crispy chicken lollipops, air fryer bang bang shrimp, or air fryer frozen salmon.

Holiday Meals

Air-fried squash is also an excellent addition to holiday meals. It can be a tasty side dish for your 4th of July celebrations or other summer gatherings.

Air Fryer Creations

If you're a fan of using your air fryer, you can pair your squash with other air-fried creations. Some options include air fryer chicken breasts, air fryer ham, air fryer eggplant, or air fryer pork tenderloin.

Dipping Sauces

For a more interactive and flavourful experience, serve your air-fried squash with dipping sauces. Spicy garlic chili sauce, tangy bang bang sauce, or creamy bacon aioli would all be delicious options.

Other Vegetable Sides

You can also pair your air-fried squash with other vegetable side dishes. Some suggestions include air fryer acorn squash, air fryer okra, or air fryer broccoli.

With its versatility and convenience, air-fried squash is a fantastic option to include in your meals, and these suggestions will help you create well-rounded and tasty feasts!

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How to store and reheat leftovers

Leftover fried squash is best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for 3-5 days.

To reheat, pop the fried squash into the air fryer and set to 350℉/177℃ for about 5 minutes. You can also reheat in the oven or toaster oven at 350-375°F for around 5 minutes.

If you have a large batch of fried squash, you can keep it warm in the oven at 250ºF/120ºC until you're ready to serve.

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