Air-Fryer Squash: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Air fryers are a quick and convenient way to cook squash, with the added benefit of keeping your kitchen cool in the summer. Cooking squash in an air fryer is easy and results in a dish that's both firmer and more flavourful than other cooking methods. It's also a healthier option, as it doesn't require breading or flour. The air fryer's high heat and air circulation ensure even browning and cooking, without the squash becoming too mushy. You can use a variety of seasonings, oils and spices to customise the dish to your taste preferences.

How to cook squash in an air fryer

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. Select a fresh and in-season squash whenever possible, as they tend to have more flavour.

Next, pay attention to the size. Opt for small to medium-sized squash, as larger ones tend to have less flavour and may not fit as well in your air fryer. A medium-sized summer squash, weighing about 1 pound or 500 grams, is ideal.

When it comes to cutting the squash, aim for slices between 1/4 and 1/2 an inch thick. This thickness helps maintain the shape of the squash during cooking and ensures even cooking. Slightly thicker cuts can also help the squash stay firmer.

Before cutting, wash and thoroughly dry the squash. Squash already has a high moisture content, so removing any excess water is crucial. Once clean and dry, carefully cut the squash into quarters, discarding the base and narrow neck.

Finally, consider the desired texture of your cooked squash. If you prefer a softer, mushier texture, you can slice the squash into thinner pieces. However, if you want your squash to maintain its shape and have a firmer bite, thicker slices are better.

By following these guidelines, you'll be able to choose the right squash and prepare it optimally for air frying, resulting in a delicious and visually appealing dish.

Preparing the squash

Next, place the squash in a mixing bowl and spritz or toss it with olive oil or another neutral oil such as avocado oil. You can also use garlic-infused oil for extra flavour. At this stage, you can also add spices or seasonings such as Italian herbs, Herbs de Provence, onion powder, garlic powder, sweet paprika, cayenne pepper, or salt. If you want to add sweetness, a small amount of brown sugar or maple syrup can be included. You can also try Cajun or Creole seasoning for a bolder flavour, or even taco seasoning.

Finally, transfer the squash to the air fryer basket, ensuring that the pieces are arranged in a single layer with minimal overlap. This allows hot air to circulate and cook the squash evenly. If your air fryer basket is small, you may need to cook the squash in batches.

Seasoning and coating the squash

When it comes to seasoning and coating the squash, there are several options to consider. Firstly, ensure the squash is dry as it already has a high moisture content. You can then coat it in olive oil, avocado oil, or garlic-infused oil. For a crunchy texture, try coating the squash in a mix of starch, flour, egg wash, and breading before frying.

For seasoning, you can use Italian herbs, Herbs de Provence, or Italian seasoning. You can also add salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or vegan Parmesan. For a sweet touch, add a small amount of brown sugar or maple syrup. If you want to add some heat, cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes are a great option.

Additionally, you can try onion powder, garlic powder, sweet paprika, or cinnamon. For a savoury mix, combine onion powder, garlic powder, sweet paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and brown sugar. You can also experiment with Cajun or Creole seasoning, or even taco seasoning for a bold flavour.

Cooking the squash

Next, place the squash in the air fryer basket in a single layer. It is fine if the pieces overlap a little, but make sure they are not sticking together. You can spray the squash with olive oil or another neutral oil, such as avocado oil, and add seasonings like Italian herbs, Herbs de Provence, or a mix of spices like onion powder, garlic powder, sweet paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt. You can also add a small amount of brown sugar to elevate the flavours.

Cooking time will vary depending on your air fryer and the size of your squash pieces, but on average, it should take between 8 to 14 minutes to cook at temperatures between 340°F and 400°F. Shake the basket a few times during cooking to ensure even browning and cooking. The squash is done when it is fork-tender and golden.

Once the squash is cooked, you can serve it as a side dish or add it to pasta sauce, curry, or a salad. It can be served hot or cold and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Storing and reheating the squash

Storing and reheating squash is simple and convenient. If you have any leftover cooked squash, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Summer squash, such as yellow squash, can be stored for up to 3 to 4 days, while spaghetti squash can be stored for up to 5 to 6 days.

When it comes to reheating, you have several options. You can use an air fryer, preheated to 300°F to 400°F, for 3 to 7 minutes. Alternatively, you can use an oven or toaster oven preheated to 350°F for 5 to 10 minutes. If you're short on time, you can even use a microwave. Simply wrap the squash in a damp paper towel and microwave for 1 to 4 minutes until warmed through.

Reheating squash in the air fryer will help restore its crispiness, while the oven or toaster oven method provides a more even reheat. The microwave option is the quickest and most convenient, especially if you're reheating a single serving.

Additionally, if you have a large batch of cooked spaghetti squash, you can freeze it for future use. Simply let it cool, shred it, and store it in freezer-safe bags for up to 6 months. When you're ready to enjoy your frozen squash, you can use any of the reheating methods mentioned above.

Frequently asked questions