Tiffany Haney
Cooking squash in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and healthy way to prepare this tasty vegetable. It's a great side dish that goes well with a variety of main courses, and it can be served hot or cold. Air-fried squash is also a versatile dish that can be added to pasta, curry, salads, or even enjoyed on its own. With an air fryer, you can cook the squash evenly without having to preheat your oven, making it a convenient and time-saving option. There are many types of squash to choose from, such as butternut, zucchini, and yellow squash, and you can season it with herbs, spices, or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese to elevate the flavour.
Characteristics and Values Table for Cooking Squash in an Air Fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Squash type | Summer squash, butternut squash, zucchini |
| Squash size | Small to medium-sized, 1/4-1/2 inch thick slices |
| Squash weight | 1 pound or 500g |
| Squash preparation | Washed, ends chopped off, peeled with a vegetable peeler, sliced into cubes or rounds |
| Oil | Olive oil, avocado oil, grapeseed oil, garlic-infused oil |
| Seasoning | Salt, Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, sweet paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, red pepper flakes, brown sugar, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, maple syrup |
| Air fryer temperature | 340-400 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Air fryer time | 8-23 minutes |
| Serving suggestions | As a side dish, in a salad, power bowl, risotto, pasta sauce, curry, or with scrambled eggs |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right squash
First, consider the type of squash. Yellow squash, zucchini, and butternut squash are all popular choices for air frying. Yellow squash and zucchini are typically available during the summer months, while butternut squash is a winter variety. You can also find spaghetti squash, which, as the name suggests, has a stringy texture that works well in dishes like pasta.
Next, opt for small to medium-sized squash. Larger squashes tend to have less flavour and may not fit as well in your air fryer. Look for fresh, in-season squash at your local market or grocery store, as they tend to be more flavourful and nutritious.
When it comes to cutting the squash, aim for slices or cubes between 1/4 and 1/2 inch thick. This thickness ensures even cooking and the perfect tenderness. If you want to get creative, try a roll cut or oblique cut, which involves holding your knife at a 45-degree angle and cutting the squash at an angle. This technique increases the surface area, allowing more space for browning and flavour absorption.
Finally, consider the quantity of squash you need. Air fryers work best when there is room for hot air to circulate, so avoid overcrowding the basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the squash in batches to ensure even cooking and browning.
With these tips in mind, you'll be able to choose the right squash and prepare it optimally for your air fryer recipe.
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Preparing the squash
Next, wash the squash and cut off the ends. For even cooking, it is important to cut the squash into uniform slices, preferably between 1/4 and 1/2 inches thick. Thicker slices will help the squash maintain its shape during cooking. You can use a mandolin to achieve the perfect thickness with ease.
After cutting, you can season the squash with a variety of spices and herbs. Some popular options include Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, sweet paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. You can also add a small amount of brown sugar to enhance the flavours. Alternatively, you can use olive oil, garlic-infused oil, or avocado oil for a more savoury flavour.
Once seasoned, place the squash slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring none of the slices are sticking together. This arrangement allows for better airflow and even cooking. You can overlap the slices slightly if needed, but avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can lead to soggy squash.
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Adding flavour
There are several ways to add flavour to your air-fried squash. Firstly, choose a small to medium-sized squash as larger squashes tend to have less flavour. Secondly, when slicing the squash, opt for slightly thicker rounds, about 1 cm or ¼ to ½ inches thick. This will help the squash maintain its shape while cooking, and provide a good browning.
Before placing the squash in the air fryer, toss or brush the slices with olive oil, and season with salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground black pepper. You can also add some minced garlic or garlic powder to the olive oil for extra flavour. If you want to add some spice, include some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
When cooking, ensure the squash slices are in a single layer with some space between them to allow hot air to circulate, which will help them cook evenly and achieve a nice browning. You can also sprinkle some brown sugar on top for added sweetness.
Once cooked, garnish your squash with fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary, and serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. You can also try adding some Italian seasoning or Herbs de Provence for extra flavour.
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Cooking the squash
Select a small to medium-sized squash, preferably fresh and in-season, as they tend to be more flavourful. The type of squash you choose is up to you, but yellow squash and zucchini are popular options.
Peel and wash the squash, then cut off the ends. Cut the squash into slices or rounds between 1/4 and 1/2 inch thick. Thicker slices will help the squash maintain its shape while cooking. You can also use a special technique called a roll cut, which involves cutting long vegetables like squash at an angle to increase the surface area for flavours to soak in and decrease cooking time.
Preheat your air fryer to 340-400 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are using a Cosori or Ninja Foodi air fryer, you may need to adjust the temperature and cooking time slightly.
Brush or toss the squash with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground black pepper. You can also add salt to enhance the flavour and draw out moisture, helping to prevent sogginess. If you want to add some heat, include cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
Place the squash in the air fryer basket in a single layer, allowing room for airflow around each piece. It's okay to have a little overlap, but avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can lead to sogginess.
Cook the squash for 8-23 minutes, depending on your air fryer and the thickness of your slices. Shake or toss the basket a few times during cooking to ensure even browning and cooking. The squash is done when it is fork-tender and golden.
Remove the squash from the air fryer and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary. You can also add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or vegan Parmesan. Serve the squash hot, warm, cold, or at room temperature.
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Serving suggestions
Air-fried squash is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to get you started:
As a Side Dish
Air-fried squash makes an excellent side dish for a variety of main courses. Its quick cooking time and delicious flavour make it a perfect addition to any meal. Serve it alongside roasted or fried chicken, turkey breast, pork chops, or salmon. For a vegetarian option, pair it with tofu nuggets or baked feta.
In a Salad
Add some excitement to your salads by tossing in some air-fried squash. It can be served warm or cold, and its firm texture will provide a nice contrast to the freshness of the greens. For a heartier option, try a harvest salad with greens, squash, and a protein like chicken or shrimp.
With Pasta
Air-fried squash is a tasty addition to pasta dishes. Toss it with vegan pesto and serve it over pasta, or add it to a marinara sauce for a heartier option. For a creamy option, mix it into a risotto towards the end of cooking for a burst of flavour and colour.
As a Snack
Air-fried squash also makes a great snack on its own. For an extra crispy treat, try using the roll-cut technique, where the squash is cut at an angle to increase the surface area for a faster cook and more flavour absorption.
In a Power Bowl
For a well-rounded and nutritious meal, add some air-fried squash to your favourite power bowl or Buddha bowl. It will provide a good source of fibre and vitamins, and its flavour will blend beautifully with other ingredients.
With Eggs
Air-fried squash is a tasty breakfast option when served with scrambled eggs. It adds a healthy twist to a classic breakfast dish and will keep you feeling full until lunch.
With Other Vegetables
Don't be afraid to get creative with your vegetables! Air-fried squash pairs well with a variety of other veggies, such as red onion, bell peppers, asparagus, zucchini, and more. Try it with air-fried okra, mushrooms, or eggplant for a tasty treat.
There are endless possibilities for serving air-fried squash, so feel free to experiment and find your favourite combinations!
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to use a small to medium-sized summer squash, as larger squashes tend to have less flavour. Yellow squash and zucchini are both in season during the summer and are good options.
The cooking time depends on the type of squash and the size of the slices. For example, air fryer butternut squash cooks for about 20 to 23 minutes at 340°F, while yellow squash cooks for 8 to 15 minutes at 400°F.
Air-fried squash is a versatile side dish that can be served with a variety of main courses. It pairs well with proteins such as chicken, shrimp, salmon, or pork chops. It can also be added to salads, power bowls, risottos, or pasta dishes.
