Cody Casey
Air fryers are a convenient way to cook fresh squash quickly and easily. With an air fryer, you can prepare a delicious and healthy side dish in less than 20 minutes. The high heat of the air fryer ensures that your squash will be browned on the outside without becoming too soft or mushy in the middle. This recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner and can be served with a variety of main courses.
Air Fryer Fresh Squash Characteristics
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time | 5-20 minutes |
| Temperature | 380-400°F |
| Thickness | 1/4"-1/2" |
| Seasoning | Salt, pepper, garlic, basil, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, onion powder |
| Oil | Olive oil, avocado oil, garlic-infused oil |
| Cheese | Parmesan, asiago |
| Serving | Plate, not a bowl |
| Storage | Refrigerate leftovers for 3-5 days |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right squash
Type of Squash
The most commonly used squash for air frying is yellow squash, also known as summer squash. It is a versatile variety that pairs well with zucchini or other vegetables. Yellow squash is known for its ability to achieve a nice brown colour in the air fryer without becoming too mushy, resulting in a desirable texture.
Freshness
When choosing a squash, look for one that is firm and has bright, vibrant colour. Avoid squashes with soft spots, cuts, or bruises. Check the stem end for freshness; it should be dry and not slimy.
Size and Shape
Opt for a squash that is uniform in size and shape to ensure even cooking. Smaller squashes tend to cook more quickly and evenly, so consider this when portioning and cooking. If using larger squashes, cut them into evenly sized pieces to achieve the best results.
Seasonality
Squash is typically available year-round, but certain varieties may be more prevalent during specific seasons. For example, yellow squash and zucchini are in season during the summer months, so you may find them in abundance during this time.
Personal Preference
Ultimately, choosing the right squash depends on your personal taste. Experiment with different varieties, such as butternut squash or zucchini, to find the ones you enjoy most. You can also mix and match different types of squash to create a unique flavour and texture profile.
Remember, the key to successful air-fried squash is to cut it into even slices or rounds, ensuring they don't stick together in the air fryer. By following these tips and adjusting the cooking time as needed, you'll be able to cook delicious, perfectly browned squash in your air fryer.
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Seasoning and preparation
When preparing fresh squash to be cooked in an air fryer, it is important to select squash that is firm to the touch and has a bright colour. Avoid squash that is bruised, damaged, or has soft spots. Start by rinsing the squash under cold water and patting it dry.
Next, cut the squash into slices. For yellow squash, there is no need to peel it first as the skin helps the vegetable hold together better when cooked. The ideal slice thickness will depend on the desired texture. For crispy edges, cut the squash into thin slices, about 1/4-inch thick. For slices that are still slightly firm in the middle, aim for slightly thicker rounds of about 1 cm or 1/4 to 1/2 inches. If you want to ensure perfectly even slices, you can use a mandolin.
Once the squash is sliced, season it with your desired spices and herbs. You can use salt, pepper, garlic powder, basil, thyme, and oregano, or any other seasonings you prefer. Be sure to mix the seasoning with the squash slices and coat them evenly. For an extra crispy coating, you can roll the slices in breadcrumbs or coat them with cornmeal. If desired, you can also toss the squash with olive oil or garlic-infused oil before seasoning.
Finally, place the seasoned squash slices in the air fryer basket. Try to keep the slices in a single layer, with as little overlapping as possible, to allow for even cooking and browning. If you are using a smaller air fryer, you may need to cook the squash in batches. Preheat the air fryer to 390-400 degrees Fahrenheit, and cook the squash for 12-15 minutes, tossing the rounds about halfway through. The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer, so keep an eye on the squash to avoid overcooking.
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Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for air fryer squash can vary depending on the type of squash, the thickness of the slices, and the desired level of doneness. Here are some general guidelines and tips for achieving the best results:
For thin slices of squash, a cooking time of around 5 minutes on each side is recommended. This will result in squash that is browned in places but still slightly firm in the middle. Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer, so it's important to keep an eye on the squash to avoid overcooking or burning.
If you prefer your squash to be more well-done and crispy, you can cook it for a total of 12 to 14 minutes, tossing the rounds about halfway through the cooking time. This will allow the squash to brown evenly without becoming mushy. It is recommended to cut the squash into slices between 1/4" and 1/2" thick for this cooking time.
When cooking squash in an air fryer, it's important to ensure proper air circulation. Try to arrange the squash in a single layer in the air fryer basket, with minimal overlapping, to allow hot air to circulate and cook the squash evenly.
The ideal temperature for cooking squash in an air fryer seems to be around 390-400 degrees Fahrenheit. Preheating the air fryer to this temperature will ensure that your squash cooks evenly and efficiently.
Additionally, it's worth noting that the type of squash you use can also impact the cooking time and temperature. Yellow squash, zucchini, and butternut squash are all suitable options for air frying. You can also leave the squash whole or slice them before cooking, depending on your preference.
Finally, if you are cooking a large batch of squash or using a smaller air fryer, you may need to cook the squash in multiple batches to ensure even cooking. By following these guidelines and making adjustments based on your specific air fryer and preferences, you can achieve perfectly cooked and delicious air fryer squash every time.
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Serving suggestions
Air-fried squash is a versatile side dish that can be served with a variety of meals. Here are some serving suggestions:
As a Side Dish
Air-fried squash makes a great side dish for a range of meals, from grilled recipes to Thanksgiving dinner. Its slightly sweet taste pairs well with other garden-fresh sides, BBQ ribs, or even Thanksgiving ham or turkey. It is also a healthy and tasty addition to any summer meal, especially when served with other air-fried vegetables like zucchini, broccoli, or carrots.
With a Protein
Air-fried squash can be served as a side to a variety of proteins. It goes well with grilled chicken, air fryer chicken breasts, steak, or even a veggie burger. For vegetarians, it pairs nicely with tofu nuggets or chickpeas.
With a Sauce or Dip
Air-fried squash can be served with a variety of sauces or dips. For a vegan option, try serving it with a marinara sauce, vegan pesto, or hummus. For a non-vegan option, add grated parmesan cheese or asiago during the last few minutes of cooking, or serve with a side of ranch dressing.
In a Salad or Bowl
Air-fried squash can be a tasty addition to a salad or grain bowl. Try it with a caprese salad or add it to a bowl with rice, quinoa, or farro, along with other roasted vegetables and a protein.
As a Snack
Air-fried squash makes a delicious and healthy snack on its own. Season it with your favourite spices and herbs, and enjoy it as a crispy and crunchy treat.
As Leftovers
Air-fried squash leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. Reheat them in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 400°F, or add them to a marina sauce, curry, or stew, scrambled eggs, soup, or salad.
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Reheating and storing leftovers
Air-fried squash leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. To reheat, simply place the leftovers back into the air fryer at 380–400°F for 2–3 minutes, shaking or tossing halfway through.
You can also freeze uncooked, cornmeal-coated squash slices. To do this, place the slices on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for at least 1 hour or until firm. Then, transfer the frozen slices to a freezer bag and store for up to 6 months. When you're ready to cook the frozen squash, spray the slices with oil and follow the same cooking instructions as for fresh squash. Frozen squash slices will take about 3–4 minutes longer to cook.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes between 12 and 20 minutes to cook fresh squash in an air fryer.
It is recommended to cut the squash into slices or rounds that are between 1/4 and 1/2 inches thick. This will ensure that the squash cooks evenly and comes out crispy.
The ideal temperature for cooking fresh squash in an air fryer is between 380-400°F.
