Air Fryer Squash Recipe

If you’re searching for a quick, flavor-packed vegetable dish that celebrates summer’s golden bounty, you’ll fall in love with Air Fryer Squash. In just minutes, you can transform humble yellow squash into irresistible, golden cubes kissed with Italian herbs and a bubbling crown of parmesan. This recipe creates the perfect balance of tender and crisp, and you’ll savor every cheesy, herby bite. Whether you’re new to air frying or already a fan, Air Fryer Squash might just become your go-to side!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Air Fryer Squash is its simplicity—each ingredient shines and builds layers of flavor. Think sweet, vibrant squash, a dusting of fragrant seasoning, and a savory finish that ties it all together. These basics are all you need for crave-worthy results!

• Yellow squash (3 medium, about 4 cups cubed): Choose bright, firm squash as the sweet star of the dish, lending vibrant color and tender bite.
• Spray olive oil: Just a light spritz helps the seasoning stick and encourages that gorgeous, golden exterior in the air fryer.
• Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A blend of dried herbs adds instant Mediterranean flair and warmth to every piece.
• Salt and pepper (to taste): These kitchen staples wake up all the flavors and round out the cheesy finish.
• Grated parmesan (3 heaping tablespoons): Adds a melty, savory blanket over the squash, crisping beautifully as it cooks.

How to Make Air Fryer Squash

Step 1: Cube and Season the Squash

Start by quartering your yellow squash into small, even cubes. This not only helps them cook quickly, but also maximizes crisp edges. Place the cubes in a mixing bowl, then give them a generous spray of olive oil. Toss the squash with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, ensuring every piece is lightly coated and seasoned from edge to edge.

Step 2: Add the Parmesan

Now it’s time for the cheesy magic! Sprinkle your grated parmesan over the oiled and seasoned squash. Gently toss everything together, but don’t overmix—you want the parmesan evenly dispersed, so every bite is covered, but not clumped.

Step 3: Preheat and Fill the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 390 degrees F for about 3 minutes. Line the basket for easy cleanup if you like, then lay your parmesan-coated squash in an even layer. Resist the urge to crowd them; good air flow is what delivers that signature air fryer crispness!

Step 4: Cook and Toss

Air fry the squash for 5 minutes, then shake or toss thoroughly to ensure even cooking. Finish them off for another 4 to 5 minutes (a total of 10 to 12 minutes), until the parmesan has browned in spots and the squash is perfectly tender. Keep in mind, yellow squash tends to have more moisture than zucchini, so it may need the full cook time for that dreamy golden finish.

How to Serve Air Fryer Squash

Garnishes

Just before serving, try a sprinkling of extra parmesan, a handful of fresh chopped parsley, or even a zest of lemon for a bright, fresh touch. Each garnish not only adds a pop of color but also elevates the flavors, making your Air Fryer Squash look and taste restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully alongside roasted chicken, grilled fish, or even tossed into your favorite salad. Add it to a grain bowl with quinoa and greens, or serve alongside pasta for a quick veggie boost—its cheesy, herby notes play well with almost anything on your table.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress, pile the hot Air Fryer Squash into a rustic serving bowl and finish with a swirl of good olive oil, a scattering of toasted pine nuts, or a dollop of whipped ricotta. You can even thread the cubes onto skewers for party-ready veggie bites!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have extra Air Fryer Squash, let it cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days—perfect for quick lunches or next-day snacking!

Freezing

While fresh is best, you can freeze leftover cooked squash. Spread them on a parchment-lined tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Thaw in the fridge before reheating, but keep in mind the texture may be a bit softer after thawing.

Reheating

To recapture that just-cooked crispness, pop leftover squash back in the air fryer at 375 degrees F for a few minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the squash soggy. The air fryer will quickly revive their texture and re-melt any parmesan.

FAQs

Can I use zucchini instead of yellow squash?

Absolutely! Zucchini works beautifully in this recipe. Just be aware zucchini typically needs 8 to 10 minutes of total cooking time, as it holds slightly less moisture than yellow squash.

Do I have to peel the squash?

No peeling required! The skin on yellow squash is thin, tender, and adds both color and nutrition to Air Fryer Squash. Just wash and dry thoroughly before cutting.

Can I make Air Fryer Squash without parmesan?

Definitely. If you’re dairy-free, try swapping in nutritional yeast for a nutty, cheesy flavor, or simply skip the cheese entirely for a lighter take—the seasoning still shines!

How do I prevent the squash from getting mushy?

The key is to cut your squash into evenly sized cubes, avoid overcrowding the basket, and follow the timing closely. Tossing halfway through cooking helps ensure crisp edges and perfect doneness.

Can I double the recipe?

You can easily double Air Fryer Squash, though it’s best to cook in batches for the crispiest results. Overloading the air fryer basket will lead to steaming instead of crisping.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to try Air Fryer Squash as I am to share it! It delivers big flavor, vibrant color, and an irresistible texture—all with minimal effort. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself reaching for this recipe week after week. Give it a go and let this simple, delicious veggie side become part of your kitchen rotation!

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