Frying Squash In An Air Fryer: Time And Tips

Air fryers are a quick and convenient way to cook squash, yielding a browned, roasted, and crispy texture without the mushiness that comes from boiling or steaming. Depending on the type of squash, the size, and the desired texture, cooking times can vary from 8 to 23 minutes at temperatures ranging from 340F to 450F.

How to cut and season the squash

When preparing squash to be cooked in an air fryer, it is important to cut the squash into slices or rounds that are between 1/4 and 1/2 an inch thick. This will ensure that the squash cooks evenly and becomes tender without becoming mushy. You can cut the squash lengthwise or into rounds, depending on your preference.

Once the squash is cut, place the pieces into a bowl and drizzle them with olive oil or another type of oil, such as avocado or garlic-infused olive oil. You can also use water or broth if you want to make the dish oil-free. Then, add your choice of seasonings and mix to combine. You can use salt, pepper, and vegetable seasoning, or get creative with spices like Cajun or Creole, taco seasoning, brown sugar, cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes. You can also add herbs like basil and oregano, or try Italian herbs or Herbs de Provence.

After the squash is seasoned, place the pieces into the air fryer basket, making sure they are spread out evenly and not sticking together. It is okay if the slices overlap slightly, but try not to overcrowd the basket as this will affect how well the squash cooks.

How long to cook it for

The cooking time for air-fried squash depends on the type of squash, the size of the squash, and the desired level of doneness. For example, larger squash may require a longer cooking time, while thinner slices may cook faster. Additionally, some recipes call for squash that is fork-tender, while others aim for a crispier texture.

For yellow squash, the cooking time can range from 5 to 10 minutes in the air fryer. For instance, one recipe suggests cooking yellow squash for 5 minutes, checking for doneness, and then cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes as needed. Another recipe recommends cooking yellow squash at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 to 10 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

When cooking butternut squash in the air fryer, the timing may vary depending on whether the squash is halved or cubed. For halved butternut squash, the cooking time is typically around 30 minutes at 350-356 degrees Fahrenheit. Cubed butternut squash, on the other hand, usually requires a shorter cooking time of about 15 minutes at the same temperature.

Similarly, the cooking time for summer squash can differ based on the desired texture. For slightly firmer squash, cook for 12 to 14 minutes at 450 degrees Fahrenheit. If you prefer your squash softer and fork-tender, increase the cooking time to 20-23 minutes at 340 degrees Fahrenheit.

What temperature to cook it at

The optimal temperature for cooking squash in an air fryer depends on the type of squash and the style of cooking.

For yellow squash, a temperature of 400°F is recommended. This will allow you to achieve a nice browning without making the insides too mushy.

For butternut squash, a slightly lower temperature is suggested, ranging from 340°F to 356°F. This temperature ensures the squash cooks evenly and becomes tender without burning.

If you are cooking the squash whole, you can leave it at this temperature for around 20-23 minutes. However, if you are cooking cubed butternut squash, you should reduce the cooking time to 15 minutes.

For a crispier texture, you can increase the temperature to 450°F or the highest setting on your air fryer. This works well for summer squash, which cooks evenly and maintains its shape better at higher temperatures. The cooking time at this temperature is around 12 to 14 minutes.

Remember that the cooking time and temperature may vary slightly depending on the size of your squash and your air fryer, so keep an eye on it during cooking and adjust as needed.

How to serve it

Air-fried squash is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Here are some ideas on how to serve it:

As a Side Dish

Air-fried squash makes a delicious and healthy side dish. It can be served alongside various proteins such as roasted chicken, oven-fried chicken, crispy baked pork chops, or turkey breast. It also pairs well with other vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts. For a true summer dinner, pair it with air fryer hot dogs, burgers, or baked beans.

In a Salad

Air-fried squash can be served cold over mixed greens or added to a pasta salad. For a harvest salad, serve the squash warm over a bed of greens.

With Eggs

Add some air-fried squash to scrambled eggs for a tasty and nutritious breakfast.

In a Sandwich

Fried squash can be served in a sandwich with lettuce and tomato.

With Dipping Sauce

Air-fried squash can be enjoyed as an appetizer or snack with your favourite dipping sauce. Try it with Comeback Sauce for a tasty treat!

As Part of a Bowl

Meal prep the air-fried squash with air fryer chicken breast and vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts to create a delicious and healthy bowl.

With Pasta

Air-fried squash is a great addition to pasta dishes. Toss it with vegan pesto and serve over pasta, or add it to a pasta sauce or curry.

As a Snack

For a crunchy snack, season the air-fried squash with Cajun or Creole spices, or add some brown sugar for sweetness.

As a Topping

Use air-fried squash as a tasty topping for dishes like mac and cheese.

With Cheese

For a cheesy treat, add some grated Parmesan or Asiago cheese to the air-fried squash during the last few minutes of cooking.

With Spices

Spice up your air-fried squash with cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. A pinch of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice can also add a unique flavour.

Reheated

Leftover air-fried squash can be reheated in the air fryer or oven. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the squash soggy.

Frozen

You can also freeze cooked or uncooked, cornmeal-coated squash slices and fry them directly from frozen.

With so many serving options, air-fried squash is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Get creative and experiment with different flavours and pairings!

How to store leftovers

Frying squash in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to cook this tasty vegetable. But what about leftovers? How do you store them to make sure they stay fresh and tasty?

Firstly, it's important to note that fried squash will get soggy over time due to its moisture content. To keep it as crispy as possible, spread the fried squash out in a single layer while it cools.

When it comes to storing fried squash, it's best to place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for 3-5 days, but the quality will gradually deteriorate, so it's best to eat it as soon as possible.

Freezing fried squash is not recommended, as it tends to turn mushy when defrosted. However, if you wish to freeze it, a suggested method is to dredge, bread, and then freeze the squash in a single layer on a baking sheet before storing it in a plastic bag.

Now, let's look at some specific tips for storing different types of squash.

Storing Summer Squash Leftovers

Summer squash has a shorter shelf life than winter squash and requires refrigeration. It can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days when wrapped in plastic. If you plan to eat the squash within a few days, it's best to store it in a perforated bag with a towel to trap moisture.

Storing Winter Squash Leftovers

Winter squash has a longer shelf life and can be stored in a cool, dry place without wrapping for 1-2 months. Refrigeration is not recommended for whole winter squash as it alters the texture and flavor. However, once cooked, winter squash can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-5 days, similar to summer squash.

Storing Air Fryer Squash Leftovers

When it comes to leftovers of air-fried squash, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place them back in the air fryer at 400°F for about 3-5 minutes until they regain their crispness.

In conclusion, while fried squash is best served fresh, you can extend its lifespan by storing it properly in the refrigerator. By following these simple storage instructions, you can enjoy your delicious fried or air-fried squash for a few extra days!

Frequently asked questions