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Summer vegetables shine in this easy Air Fryer Squash recipe. Enjoy it as a side dish, or incorporate the air fryer veggies into pastas, salads, grain bowls, and so much more.
Megganโs notes
In the Midwest and many parts of America, June through August ushers in a season full of squash; in gardens, farmers markets, and supermarkets galore. All season long, rather than bemoan this, I make the most of the harvest in sweet (Zucchini Bread) and savory (Squash Lasagna) recipes.
I also like to take some time each season to allow the vegetables to really step into the spotlight with something simple like Air Fryer Squash. Golden brown on the outside, tender on the insides, caramelized air-fryer summer squash pieces are a delight served alongside any protein, in pastas, or added to your lunch box.
Utilizing an air fryer allows you to score similar results to roasting in the oven, just in half the time and without needing to preheat and take up space in your oven. One important tip is to always preheat your air fryer, so donโt skip that step! Beyond that, to overfill your air fryer basket, use enough olive oil to coat the squash generously, and air fry at a high temperature for maximum caramelization.
Air Fryer Squash ingredients
At a Glance: Here is a quick snapshot of what ingredients are in this recipe.
Please see the recipe card below for specific quantities.
- Squash:ย This recipe works for green zucchini, yellow summer squash, or even baby sunburst squash and patty pan squash.
- Olive oil: Fat equals flavor. Even though youโre air-frying, youโll want a bit of oil for the best taste and texture. I keep light olive oil on hand as my go-to cooking oil, but feel free to use avocado oil, peanut oil, or a generous spritz of cooking spray if you prefer.
- Salt and pepper: Or your favorite herbs and spices. Before cooking, toss with garlic powder, dried thyme, dried basil, or dried oregano (or hit them all with an Italian seasoning blend). After, garnish with snipped fresh chives or minced fresh parsley.
How to Make Air Fryer Squash
- Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees. In a large bowl, add squash, olive oil, and salt and pepper (I like at least ยฝ teaspoon salt and ยผ teaspoon pepper). Toss to combine.
- Transfer the squash to the air fryer basket and arrange in a single layer (work in batches if necessary).
- Air fry at 400 degrees until the squash is softened with caramelized edges, about 10 to 12 minutes. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Air Fryer Squash tips and variations
- Yield: This Air Fryer zucchini recipe makes about 2 cups, enough for 4 servings, ยฝ cup each.
- Storage:ย Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Invite some spices: Salt and pepper are the flavor foundation, and other herbs and spices can take your squash on a trip around the globe. Consider tossing your oil-dressed squash pieces with chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, Italian Seasoning, or Taco Seasoning before adding them to the air fryer basket.
- Go wild with garnishes: Besides spice cabinet staples, another way to layer on flavor is with toppings. After air-frying and just before serving, add fresh herbs, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, or freshly-grated Parmesan cheese, depending on my mood and the season. Crumbles of goat cheese or feta are delicious, too.
- Enjoy it: Iโm a huge fan of incorporating Air Fryer Squash as a simple side dish for lunch or dinner. Itโs also a terrific addition to salads (try it warm or chilled) and grain bowls. For a low-carb, gluten-free pasta alternative, try it instead of spaghetti squash as the base for your favorite pasta sauce.
More squash recipes
Vegetable Recipes
Veggie Kabobs
Muffins and Quick Breads
Easy Recipe For Zucchini Bread
Italian Recipes
Zucchini Parmesan Recipe
Main Dishes
Stuffed Zucchini
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Air Fryer Squash
Equipment
Ingredientsย
- 1 pound yellow squash trimmed, quartered lengthwise, and cut into 2-inch pieces (about 2 medium, see note 1)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructionsย
- Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees. In a large bowl, add squash, olive oil, and salt and pepper (I like at least ยฝ teaspoon salt and ยผ teaspoon pepper). Toss to combine. Transfer the squash to the basket of an air fryer and arrange in a single layer (work in batches if necessary).
- Air fry at 400 degrees until the squash is softened with caramelized edges, about 10 to 12 minutes. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Notes
- Squash: This recipe works for green zucchini, yellow summer squash, or even baby sunburst squash and patty pan squash.
- Yield: This Air Fryer zucchini recipe makes about 2 cups, enough for 4 servings, ยฝ cup each.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.