Air-Fryer Squash Chips: A Quick, Healthy Treat

Squash cooked in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and delicious way to make a simple side dish, add to pasta sauce, or pair with zucchini for a colorful summer veggie mix. It is also a healthy, crunchy snack, with simple ingredients.

To make squash chips in an air fryer, cut the squash into thin slices, about 1/8 inch thick. Then, use a paper towel to pat away any excess moisture. Season the squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper to evenly coat the slices. Place the squash slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook until golden brown, flipping halfway through.

Choosing the right squash

• Size: Opt for small to medium-sized summer squash. Larger squashes tend to have less flavour and may not fit as well in your air fryer.
• Freshness: Choose a fresh, in-season squash from your local market or grocery store. In-season produce is typically more flavourful.
• Thickness: Cut your squash into slices between 1/4-inch and 1/2-inch thick. This thickness ensures the squash cooks evenly and has the perfect tenderness.
• Variety: You can use yellow squash, zucchini, or a combination of both. They have similar flavours and cooking times, so feel free to mix and match.
• Quality: Look for squash that is firm and has bright, unblemished skin. Avoid squash with soft spots or wrinkles, as these may be past their prime.
• Quantity: Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the squash in batches to ensure proper air circulation. Plan accordingly, especially if you're feeding a crowd.

How to cut the squash

To make squash chips in an air fryer, you'll want to start by cutting your squash into thin, even slices. Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Wash your squash and trim off the ends.
• Cut the squash into slices:

• For yellow squash, cut them lengthwise into slices about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick.
• For zucchini, use a mandoline, chef's knife, or Japanese mandolin to cut slices about 1/8 inch thick.

• Place the squash slices in a bowl.
• Add olive oil, salt, and pepper, and toss to coat the slices evenly. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or Cajun seasoning.
• Place the squash slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don't overlap too much. Overcrowding the basket will lead to soggy chips.
• Air fry at a temperature between 350°F and 400°F for 8-12 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through. Check on them regularly to prevent burning.
• Remove the squash chips from the air fryer when they are golden brown and crispy.
• Let them cool before serving. They will crisp up even more as they cool.

Seasoning and coating the squash

Oil and Seasoning

First, you'll want to toss your sliced squash with a small amount of oil and salt. Olive oil is a popular choice, but you can also use avocado oil, garlic-infused olive oil, or any other neutral cooking oil. You only need enough oil to lightly coat the slices, as too much can prevent them from crisping up.

As for salt, you can use regular table salt, sea salt, or a salt-free seasoning blend if you're watching your sodium intake. Go light on the salt, as air fryer zucchini chips shrink a lot, and using too much can make them overly salty.

Herbs and Spices

You can season your squash with just salt and pepper, or you can get creative with herbs and spices. Here are some ideas for seasoning blends:

• Italian: Add Italian seasoning and garlic powder.
• Spicy: Use Cajun seasoning, jerk seasoning, or a light dusting of cayenne pepper.
• Ranch: Toss the chips in ranch dressing seasoning or dressing mix.
• Barbecue: Use your favourite barbecue rub.
• Parmesan: Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the chips.
• Sea salt and rosemary: Combine sea salt with fresh rosemary.
• Onion and green onion: Mix onion powder with fresh green onion.

Other Tips

• If you want to add a tangy flavour to your chips, you can toss them with apple cider vinegar before seasoning.
• To prevent your chips from getting blown around in the air fryer, try staggering the slices so that no two slices are stuck together. This will allow better airflow and help achieve more even browning.
• If your chips are still getting blown around, try weighing them down with a small rack or mesh mat placed over the slices.

Air fryer temperature and timing

Preheating the Air Fryer:

Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F or the highest setting available. This step ensures that your squash chips cook evenly and efficiently.

Preparing the Squash:

• Select small to medium-sized summer squash, such as yellow squash or zucchini, for the best results. Larger squashes tend to have less flavor and may not fit as well in the air fryer.
• Cut off both ends of the squash, then slice it lengthwise into pieces about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Thicker slices tend to hold their shape better during cooking.
• Place the squash slices in a bowl and drizzle them with olive oil or another preferred cooking oil. You can also use water or broth for an oil-free option.
• Add your desired seasonings to the bowl. This can include salt, pepper, garlic powder, dried basil, dried oregano, or any other herbs and spices you enjoy. Toss the squash slices gently to ensure they are evenly coated with oil and seasonings.

Cooking the Squash Chips:

• Place the seasoned squash slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the basket to allow for proper air circulation. It's okay if the slices overlap slightly, but they should not be stacked on top of each other.
• Set the air fryer temperature to 350°F to 400°F. The higher temperature will help achieve a crispy texture.
• Cook the squash chips for 8 to 12 minutes, depending on the thickness of your slices and your desired level of doneness. Thicker slices may take a bit longer to cook through.
• Check on the squash chips periodically and give the basket a gentle shake or toss to ensure even cooking.
• The squash chips are done when they are golden brown and crispy. If you prefer them extra crispy, you can cook them for an additional minute or two, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.

Tips for Optimal Results:

• Choose fresh, in-season squash for the best flavor.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure proper air circulation and even cooking. Cook in batches if necessary.
• For even browning, rearrange the squash chips halfway through the cooking process, moving the outer pieces to the center and vice versa.
• If your air fryer basket has holes that are too large, the squash chips may fall through or get blown around. You can use a rack or mesh mat to weigh them down and prevent this issue.
• For optimal crispness, allow the squash chips to cool slightly before serving.

Storing and reheating the squash chips

Storing and reheating your squash chips properly is essential to maintaining their texture and flavour. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you do just that:

Storing Squash Chips:

• It is recommended to store your leftover squash chips in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap before placing them in the refrigerator.
• Parchment paper can be placed between layers to prevent sticking and maintain their individual textures.
• Store at room temperature in a super airtight container or bag.
• They can be stored for up to a week.

Reheating Squash Chips:

• Oven roasting: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice or dice the chips into uniform pieces and arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminium foil. Roast for 10-25 minutes, depending on the size of your pieces, flipping halfway through.
• Stovetop sautéing: Choose a skillet or frying pan that can accommodate your chips in a single layer. Add a tablespoon of olive oil or any cooking oil of your choice over medium heat. Add the chips and sprinkle with salt and seasonings like garlic powder or paprika. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until warmed throughout.
• Air frying: Place the chips back into the air fryer at the lowest temperature setting for about a minute to crisp them up again.
• Microwave: Place the desired amount of chips onto a microwave-safe dish and cover loosely with microwave-safe plastic wrap. Heat on medium power for about 1 minute per cup of chips, stirring halfway through.
• Grilling: Grill on high heat, moving the chips regularly to avoid burning.

Frequently asked questions