Crispy Air Fryer Yellow Squash
Description
This Crispy Air Fryer Yellow Squash is golden, crunchy, and ready in under 20 minutes! Breaded with a seasoned cornmeal and Parmesan coating, it's a healthier take on classic Southern fried squash — less oil, all the crunch. The perfect summer side dish or snack!
Ingredients
- 2 medium yellow squash, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 cup cornmeal
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 3 to 5 minutes.
- Slice the yellow squash into ¼-inch rounds. Pat dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Set up three shallow bowls: Bowl 1 — flour. Bowl 2 — milk and cornstarch, whisked together. Bowl 3 — cornmeal, Parmesan, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika, mixed together.
- Working one piece at a time, dip each squash round into the flour (shake off excess), then into the milk/cornstarch mixture (let excess drip off), then press into the cornmeal mixture to coat both sides.
- Place breaded rounds in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overlap. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray.
- Air fry at 400°F for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the coating is deep golden and the squash is fork-tender.
- Work in batches as needed. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Equipment
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper, optional
Notes
• Pat the squash dry before breading — yellow squash is over 90% water. Removing surface moisture is the key to a crispy coating. • Always cook in a single layer. Overlapping squash will steam and turn soggy instead of crisping. • Spray the tops of the breaded rounds with cooking spray before air frying for an even golden color. • Serve immediately for maximum crispiness. The coating softens as it sits. • To keep batches warm: place finished rounds on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven while the next batch cooks. • Zucchini works perfectly as a substitute — same cook time, same method. • No-breading (keto) option: Toss slices in olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Air fry at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway. • Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 375°F for 4–5 minutes to restore crispiness.
Nutrition
Serving: 1ServingCalories: 294kcalCarbohydrates: 54gProtein: 9gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 7mgSodium: 702mgPotassium: 448mgFiber: 5gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 295IUVitamin C: 18mgCalcium: 96mgIron: 2mg