Air-Fried Squash: A Healthy, Tasty Treat

Yes, you can make fried squash in an air fryer! It's a quick, easy, and healthy way to cook the vegetable, and it only takes a few minutes. You can use a variety of squashes, such as butternut, delicata, or acorn, and the end result is a sweet, roasty, caramelized veggie side dish that goes with any meal.

Air fryer squash is a great option if you want to avoid using too much oil, as the air fryer cuts down on the amount of oil needed while still achieving a crispy texture. You can also get creative with seasonings and spices to add extra flavor to your dish.

Overall, air fryer squash is a delicious and convenient way to enjoy this versatile vegetable.

How to cut and prepare the squash

Preparing squash for frying can be daunting, but with a few easy steps, you can safely and effectively peel and chop your squash. Here is a detailed guide on how to cut and prepare your squash:

Firstly, select a large, sharp knife suitable for cutting through the thick and dense flesh of the squash. Stabilising the squash is critical to ensure a clean and safe cut. Butternut squash, in particular, can be challenging to cut due to its thickness and density. To stabilise, cut off about a 1/4-inch slice from the bottom of the squash to create an even surface. This will help keep the squash steady on the cutting board as you work your knife down from the top.

For peeling, a sharp vegetable peeler with a carbon steel blade will make the task easier. Holding the squash in one hand, use the peeler to remove the outer layer. Alternatively, you can stand the squash upright and use downward strokes with the peeler.

Once peeled, cut the squash in half. Stand the peeled squash upright on the cutting board, ensuring it doesn't wobble. Make a long cut down the middle from top to bottom with your chef's knife. For particularly hard squash, use a rubber mallet to gently tap the ends of the knife to help push it through.

After halving the squash, use a metal spoon to scrape out the seeds and stringy pulp from the cavity. You can choose to discard the seeds or prepare them like toasted pumpkin seeds.

Now, you can cut the squash halves into your desired slices or cubes. Lay the squash halves cut-side down on the cutting board for stability. Cut the squash lengthwise into slices of your desired width. For cubes, stack a few slices and make another set of lengthwise cuts, followed by crosswise cuts.

When cutting squash, always prioritise stability and control. This will help ensure a clean cut and minimise any potential safety hazards.

How to season the squash

There are many ways to season squash when cooking it in an air fryer. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to season and cook squash in an air fryer, followed by some seasoning suggestions.

Step-by-Step Guide:

• Preheat your air fryer to 390-400°F.
• Prepare your squash by washing it and cutting off each end. You can peel the squash using a vegetable peeler, but this is optional. Some types of squash, such as delicata, do not need to be peeled.
• Cut the squash in half lengthwise and scoop out any seeds.
• Cut the squash into slices about ¼ inch (0.6 cm) thick. You can then cut each slice into chunks or half-moons.
• Transfer the squash pieces to a large bowl and toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper until they are evenly coated. You can also add other seasonings of your choice (see suggestions below).
• Place the squash in the air fryer basket in a single layer. It is okay if the pieces overlap slightly, but ensure there is enough air circulation for even cooking.
• Air fry the squash at 390-400°F for 8-10 minutes for thinner slices, or 20 minutes for 1-inch pieces, stirring or flipping halfway through. The squash is done when it is golden brown and crispy, and the thickest pieces can be easily pierced with a fork.
• Season with additional salt and pepper if desired, and serve.

Seasoning Suggestions:

• Vegetable seasoning: Use a salt-free blend so you can control the saltiness, and add salt and pepper to taste.
• Italian: Infused olive oil, garlic powder, oregano.
• Asian: Five spice, curry powder.
• Spicy: Cumin, chili powder, cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes.
• Sweet: Butter, brown sugar, maple syrup.
• Cheesy: Grated Parmesan cheese or Asiago, added towards the end of cooking.
• Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley or basil, or dried herbs like thyme or rosemary.

Feel free to experiment with different combinations of seasonings and spices to find your favorite flavor profiles!

How to cook the squash in the air fryer

Air-fried squash is a quick, easy, and healthy way to cook this vegetable. It is also a great way to avoid the vegetable soaking up too much oil, which can happen when frying in a pan. Here is a step-by-step guide to cooking squash in an air fryer:

Step 1: Prepare the Squash

Start by washing your squash and cutting off the two ends. Then, slice the squash in half lengthwise, and then into 1/4- to 1/2-inch slices. If you are using butternut squash, you may want to peel it first with a vegetable peeler.

Step 2: Season the Squash

Place the squash slices into a bowl and add your chosen oil (olive, avocado, or garlic-infused), salt, and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, or Italian seasoning. Toss the bowl to coat the squash evenly.

Step 3: Place Squash in the Air Fryer

Transfer the seasoned squash to the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with minimal overlap. It is important to not overcrowd the air fryer to allow hot air to circulate.

Step 4: Air Fry the Squash

Air fry the squash at around 400°F for 8 to 10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. For thicker slices or if using a smaller air fryer, you may need to cook for a few minutes longer.

Step 5: Serve

Once the squash is cooked to your liking, remove it from the air fryer and serve immediately. You can also sprinkle a little more salt and pepper if desired.

Variations and Tips:

• Choose small to medium-sized squash as they tend to have more flavor and fit better in the air fryer.
• For a crunchy coating, bread the squash with a flour, egg, and breadcrumb mixture before air frying.
• You can use a rack inside the air fryer to ensure even cooking and browning.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days.
• Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 400°F for 3 to 5 minutes.

How to store and reheat leftovers

To store any leftovers of your air-fried squash, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will stay good for up to 3 to 5 days.

When it's time to reheat, you can use the same air fryer you cooked the squash in! Place the leftovers inside and heat them up at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 3 to 5 minutes, until they're warmed through and have regained their crispiness.

If you don't have access to an air fryer, there are a few other methods you can use to reheat your fried squash. One option is to use a non-stick pan on the stovetop with a little bit of oil. Another option is to use an oven; preheat it to 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit and place the leftovers on a baking tray lined with aluminum foil. Reheat for 8-20 minutes, depending on the amount of squash.

It's worth noting that fried foods can be tricky to reheat, and you may not achieve the same level of crispiness as when they were first cooked. To minimize sogginess, avoid using the microwave, and be sure to store your leftovers properly, such as over a paper towel to absorb excess grease.

What to serve with air fryer squash

There are several options for what to serve with air fryer squash. It can be added to a true summer dinner by pairing it with air fryer hot dogs, burgers, baked beans, and a caprese salad. It can also be served with air fryer chicken tenders, mac and cheese, and air fryer tater tohs.

For a winter meal, air fryer butternut squash is a delicious side alongside roasted chicken, oven-fried chicken, or turkey breast. It can also be added to scrambled eggs for a healthy breakfast side, or served with crispy baked pork chops.

If you are looking for a plant-based option, air fryer squash is a great base for bowl recipes packed with other veggies, protein, and sauce. For example, you could serve it with no-breadcrumb baked turkey meatballs and homemade parsley pesto.

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