Air fryers are a great way to cook squash, yielding a crispy exterior without the vegetable getting too mushy. The high heat and short cooking time help achieve this texture. You can cook a variety of squashes in an air fryer, including summer squash, zucchini, butternut squash, delicata, and acorn squash. You can also bread the squash for a more traditional fried texture and flavour.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Type of squash | Summer squash, yellow squash, zucchini, butternut squash, acorn squash, delicata squash |
Thickness of slices | 1/4-1/2 inch thick |
Temperature | 360-450°F |
Cooking time | 8-15 minutes |
Oil | Olive oil, avocado oil, garlic-infused oil |
Seasoning | Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, Cajun seasoning, Creole seasoning, taco seasoning, brown sugar, Parmesan cheese, asiago cheese, cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes |
Breadcrumbs | Panko, flour, eggs, cornmeal |
What You'll Learn
How to choose the best type of squash
When choosing the best type of squash to fry in an air fryer, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it is important to decide between using a winter or summer squash. Summer squash, such as courgettes and patty pan, have tender, edible skins and a milder flavour. They are best suited for frying. On the other hand, winter squash has a hard, thick skin and a denser flesh, making them ideal for roasting or mashing.
When selecting a squash, always opt for one that is firm, heavy for its size, and free of blemishes or bruises. The skin should be matte, indicating that it is ripe. If you are using a summer squash, look for varieties such as yellow squash, zucchini, or crookneck squash, which are widely available and versatile. For a winter squash, spaghetti squash, butternut squash, or acorn squash are good options.
Additionally, consider the size of the squash. Smaller to medium-sized squash tend to have more flavour and will fit better in an air fryer. Finally, always choose fresh and in-season squash, as they will taste better. With these tips in mind, you'll be able to select the perfect squash for your air fryer recipe.
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How to prepare the squash for frying
Preparing your squash for frying is a simple process, but there are a few key steps to follow to ensure the best results. Here's a detailed guide on how to prepare your squash for air frying:
Choosing the Right Squash:
Select small to medium-sized summer 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.
Cutting the Squash:
Wash the squash and trim off both ends. Cut the squash in half lengthwise, then slice each half into ¼ to ½ inch thick pieces. This thickness will ensure the squash cooks evenly and has a nice tender texture.
Seasoning and Coating:
Place the sliced squash in a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil or another cooking oil of your choice. You can also use water or broth, but be mindful that squash already has a high water content, so don't add too much liquid to avoid making it soggy. Add your desired seasonings. You can use salt and pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, dried oregano, or a mixture of your favourite herbs and spices. Toss the squash well to ensure an even coating of oil and seasonings.
Breaded Coating (Optional):
If you want a crispy, breaded coating on your squash, you'll need to set up a three-step breading station. Have three separate bowls for flour, beaten eggs, and a mixture of breadcrumbs and cornmeal (or just breadcrumbs). Dip each piece of squash first in the flour, then the egg, and finally, coat it with the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure each piece is well-coated before moving on to the next step.
Placing in the Air Fryer:
Preheat your air fryer to between 360°F and 450°F. Place the squash slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap too much. If using a rack, place the coated squash slices on the rack set inside the air fryer. This helps the air circulate and crisps up the squash even more.
Now your squash is ready for frying! Follow the cooking instructions for your desired level of doneness, and enjoy your delicious, crispy air-fried squash.
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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:
Step 1: Prepare the Squash
Firstly, you will need to cut the ends off your squash and slice it into rounds or lengthwise slices. The thickness of these slices is important; they should be between 1/4 and 1/2 an inch thick. This will help the squash maintain its shape and avoid becoming mushy.
Step 2: Seasoning
Place the squash slices into a bowl and add your chosen oil or fat. You can use olive oil, garlic-infused olive oil, or avocado oil. Alternatively, you can use water or broth for an oil-free option, but be sparing as squash has a high water content.
Next, add your seasonings. You can use salt and pepper, granulated garlic, dried basil, dried oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, Italian herbs, or Herbs de Provence. You could also try a Cajun or Creole seasoning for a bolder flavour, or a taco seasoning. For a sweet flavour, add a touch of brown sugar.
Step 3: Air Frying
Place the seasoned squash slices into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with space between them to allow air to circulate. Cook for around 8-10 minutes at 400°F or until golden brown.
Step 4: Serving
Serve your air-fried squash immediately. You can garnish with fresh herbs and vegan parmesan, or serve with a dip such as cumin lime ketchup or honey mustard BBQ sauce.
Tips:
- If you want to make the squash extra crispy, you can bread it before air frying. Dip the slices in flour, then egg, and finally a mixture of breadcrumbs and cornmeal.
- You can also cook the squash whole and slice it after cooking, which helps it retain firmness.
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How to cook the squash in the air fryer
Ingredients
- 2 medium-sized summer squash (about 1 pound or 500g)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Fresh cracked pepper to taste
- Salt to taste
Method
First, preheat your air fryer to 400°F or 450°F. If you don't have the option to set a temperature, preheat to the highest heat setting.
While the air fryer is preheating, prepare your squash. Wash the summer squash and trim off the ends. Slice the squash into rounds or lengthwise slices that are between 1/4 and 1/2 inch thick. Thicker slices will help the squash maintain its shape and prevent it from getting too mushy.
Place the cut squash in a bowl and add the olive oil, salt, and any other desired seasonings. Toss to combine and ensure the squash is evenly coated. You can also add water or broth instead of olive oil, but be careful not to add too much liquid as squash already has a high water content.
Next, add the squash to the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure the slices aren't sticking together. This will allow for better air circulation and even browning. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the squash in batches.
Cook the squash for 8 to 15 minutes at 400°F or 12 to 14 minutes at 450°F, or until they are golden brown and crispy but still slightly firm. Check on the squash halfway through and toss or flip the slices to ensure even cooking.
Once the squash is cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove it from the air fryer and serve immediately. Enjoy!
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How to serve the air-fried squash
There are many ways to serve air-fried squash. Here are some ideas:
As a Side Dish
You can serve air-fried squash as a simple side dish. It pairs well with various main courses, such as air fryer hot dogs, burgers, chicken tenders, or tofu nuggets. It can also be served with other sides like baked beans, mac and cheese, or tater tots for a complete meal.
With Dips and Sauces
Air-fried squash goes well with various dips and sauces. For a tangy twist, serve it with cumin lime ketchup or honey mustard BBQ sauce. You can also serve it with vegan pesto or add it to a pasta dish with marinara sauce.
In a Salad
Air-fried squash can be served cold over mixed greens or added to a pasta salad. It adds a nice crunchy texture and a boost of flavour to any salad.
With Herbs and Spices
Adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley, or spices like Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or onion powder, can enhance the flavour of air-fried squash. You can also sprinkle on some vegan parmesan cheese for an extra savoury touch.
As a Snack
Air-fried squash makes a delicious crunchy snack on its own. You can also dip it in your favourite sauce or enjoy it with some fresh herbs for added flavour.
As Part of a Bigger Dish
Air-fried squash is versatile and can be incorporated into various dishes. For example, you can add it to a curry, stew, or soup. It can also be blended into a soup for a creamy, squash-infused flavour.
With Other Vegetables
Air-fried squash can be paired with zucchini or other summer vegetables for a colourful and nutritious veggie mix. You can also add it to roasted veggies or a veggie mix like air fryer broccoli or carrots.
Reheated
If you have leftover air-fried squash, you can reheat it in the air fryer to regain its crispiness. Simply place the squash back into the air fryer for a few minutes until warmed through and slightly crisped.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes between 8 to 15 minutes to cook fried squash in an air fryer.
It is recommended to cut the squash between 1/4 and 1/2 inch thick.
The air fryer should be set to 400°F or higher.
Yes, you can make fried squash in the oven. Preheat the oven to 425°F and roast the squash for 25-30 minutes.
Yes, you can make fried squash in an air fryer without using any oil.