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Crispy air fryer fried squash rounds with golden cornmeal breading stacked on a white plate

Air Fryer Fried Squash

5 from 3 votes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings

Description

Crispy Southern-style fried squash made in the air fryer with a cornmeal and Parmesan coating. No eggs, no deep frying, ready in 25 minutes.

Ingredients 

  • 3 yellow squash, cut into 1/4 to 1/2 inch rounds
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 3/4 cup yellow cornmeal
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
  • Cooking spray, for the basket and the tops

Instructions

  • Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes.
  • Wash, dry, and trim the squash. Slice into even rounds between 1/4 and 1/2 inch thick. Pat the slices dry.
  • Add the flour to a plate. In a shallow bowl, whisk the milk and cornstarch until smooth. On a third plate, combine the cornmeal, Parmesan, and garlic salt.
  • Dredge each slice in flour, then the milk mixture, then the cornmeal. Press the cornmeal on firmly with your fingers so it adheres.
  • Grease the air fryer basket and arrange the squash in a single layer, leaving space between pieces. Do not overcrowd.
  • Spray the tops with cooking spray. Air fry at 400°F for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping and re-spraying at the halfway point.
  • Cook until deep golden and crisp. Transfer to a wire rack, repeat with remaining squash, and serve immediately.

Equipment

Notes

  • Cook in batches rather than crowding the basket — this is the difference between crispy and soggy.
  • Hold finished batches on a baking sheet in a 250°F oven so everything is hot at once.
  • Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 375°F for 3 to 4 minutes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 177kcalCarbohydrates: 29gProtein: 7gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 9mgSodium: 285mgPotassium: 401mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 298IUVitamin C: 17mgCalcium: 104mgIron: 1mg