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Crispy air fryer summer squash slices on a white plate garnished with fresh parsley

Air Fryer Summer Squash

5 from 1 vote
Author: Laurie Fleming
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings

Description

Crispy-edged, tender air fryer summer squash in 10 minutes. A quick salting step draws out excess moisture so the squash browns instead of steaming — no soggy slices.

Ingredients 

  • 2 medium summer squash, about 1 pound, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Fresh parsley or basil, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  • Wash and dry the summer squash. Trim the ends and slice into uniform 1/2-inch rounds.
  • Spread the slices on a paper-towel-lined plate or in a colander. Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon of the kosher salt and let rest 15 minutes. Blot completely dry with paper towels.
  • Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
  • Add the dried squash to a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat, then add the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, garlic powder, black pepper, smoked paprika, and cayenne. Toss again.
  • Arrange the squash in a single layer in the air fryer basket, working in batches if needed. Cook 8 to 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
  • The squash is done when the edges are browned and a fork slides in with light resistance. For deeper browning, raise the temperature to 400°F for the final 2 minutes.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and serve immediately.

Equipment

Notes

  • Don't skip the salting step — it's what prevents soggy squash.
  • Single layer only. Overlapping slices steam instead of browning.
  • Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 3 to 5 minutes. Microwaving makes it mushy.
  • Lower sodium: use 1/2 teaspoon total salt and lean on the smoked paprika for flavor.
  • Cooked summer squash doesn't freeze well; refrigerate up to 4 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 37kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 1gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 0.3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 584mgPotassium: 273mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 310IUVitamin C: 17mgCalcium: 17mgIron: 0.5mg