Crispy Air Fryer Fried Zucchini & Yellow Squash: A Healthy & Delicious Gluten-Free Summer Delight
Get ready to transform your fresh garden harvest into an irresistible snack or side dish with this incredible Air Fryer Fried Zucchini & Yellow Squash recipe. Whether your garden is overflowing with summer squash or you’ve just picked up some vibrant produce from your local farmer’s market, this recipe offers the perfect, healthier way to enjoy these versatile vegetables. Forget deep-frying; our air fryer method delivers a wonderfully crispy exterior with a tender interior, all with significantly less oil.
There’s nothing quite like the taste of fresh, seasonal produce, and zucchini and yellow squash are stars of the summer kitchen. This past weekend, I brought the bounty into the kitchen and whipped up a batch of this flavorful Air Fryer Fried Zucchini & Yellow Squash. It quickly became a family favorite, proving that healthy can also be incredibly delicious.
While we love the idea of growing our own squash, sometimes the garden has other plans. For those seasons when our homegrown squash doesn’t quite make it, or simply for convenience, we often visit our local farmer’s market. There, we can find an abundance of fresh, vibrant zucchini and yellow squash, perfect for this recipe. The beauty of this dish is its simplicity and adaptability, especially for those with dietary restrictions. One of the best aspects is how effortlessly it can be made gluten-free, which is precisely how we prepare it in our kitchen, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delightful treat.
Why Choose the Air Fryer for Fried Squash?
The air fryer has revolutionized the way many people approach “fried” foods. Instead of submerging vegetables in hot oil, which can lead to greasy results and a lot of calories, the air fryer circulates hot air around the food, creating a crispy, golden-brown crust reminiscent of traditional frying. For zucchini and yellow squash, this means a significantly healthier dish that doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture. You get that satisfying crunch without the heavy oil, making it an ideal choice for a lighter meal or snack. Plus, it’s incredibly fast, perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a quick appetizer.
Making Your Air Fryer Fried Squash Gluten-Free
Crafting these Air Fryer Fried Zucchini & Yellow Squash slices to be gluten-free is a straightforward process, much like making my popular Air Fryer Onion Rings. The key lies in selecting the right gluten-free ingredients that perform just as well as their conventional counterparts.
To achieve a truly gluten-free fried squash, you’ll simply need to use gluten-free all-purpose flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs. If you don’t have a gluten intolerance or preference, feel free to use regular all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs. For the gluten-free flour, it’s crucial to choose a 1:1 blend, meaning it’s specifically formulated to be interchangeable with regular wheat flour in most recipes. Brands like King Arthur, Better Batter, Cup4Cup, or Bob’s Red Mill are excellent choices that consistently deliver fantastic results for recipes like this one, ensuring your coating is light, crisp, and adheres beautifully to the squash.
When it comes to gluten-free breadcrumbs, variety is growing, and they are becoming increasingly easy to find. We typically pick up our favorite gluten-free breadcrumbs at Walmart. For this recipe, I particularly recommend using gluten-free Panko breadcrumbs. Unlike traditional fine breadcrumbs, Panko offers a coarser, flakier texture, which translates to an even crispier and more satisfying crunch once air-fried. This coarser texture also helps prevent the coating from becoming soggy, ensuring your fried zucchini and yellow squash maintain their delightful crispness.
Essential Ingredients for Air Fryer Fried Zucchini & Yellow Squash
Gathering your ingredients for this air fryer delight is simple. Many items you likely already have on hand, making this a convenient recipe to prepare whenever a craving strikes or you have fresh squash to use.
- Yellow Squash: Choose firm, bright yellow squash without blemishes. These add a touch of sweetness and vibrant color.
- Zucchini: Look for firm, glossy green zucchini. Its mild flavor pairs perfectly with the yellow squash.
- Buttermilk: This is a crucial ingredient for tenderizing the squash and helping the coating adhere. Its slight acidity also adds a subtle tang.
- Breadcrumbs (or Gluten-Free Breadcrumbs): As mentioned, Panko-style breadcrumbs, whether regular or gluten-free, provide the best crispiness.
- All-Purpose Flour (or Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour): Forms the initial layer for the coating. Ensure your GF blend is a 1:1 substitute.
- Eggs: Act as a binder between the flour and breadcrumbs, helping to create a robust, crispy crust.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning, both for the coating and to taste after frying.
- Cooking Spray (preferably Grapeseed Oil Spray): Key for achieving maximum crispiness in the air fryer without excessive oil.
- Foil (Optional): Useful for lining your air fryer basket for easier cleanup, though not strictly necessary for the cooking process itself.
No Buttermilk? No Problem! Here’s a Simple Tip!
Don’t let a lack of buttermilk stop you from making this recipe! It’s a common ingredient that many people don’t keep regularly stocked. Thankfully, there’s a super easy trick to create a homemade buttermilk substitute that works just as well. All you need is regular milk and a touch of white vinegar or lemon juice. For every cup of buttermilk required, simply add 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to a measuring cup, then fill the rest of the cup with regular milk (dairy or non-dairy works). Stir it gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes. You’ll notice it starts to curdle slightly – that’s exactly what you want! This acidic mixture tenderizes the squash and helps the breading stick, mimicking the tenderizing properties of true buttermilk.
Selecting and Preparing Your Squash for Perfect Frying
For the best results, selecting fresh, firm zucchini and yellow squash is key. Look for medium-sized squash, as overly large ones can be watery and have tougher skins or larger seeds. Wash them thoroughly and then slice them thinly, aiming for about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick rounds. Consistency in thickness is important for even cooking. You can also cut them into spears if you prefer, just ensure they are of similar size. This preparation ensures each piece cooks quickly and crisps up beautifully in the air fryer.
What to Serve with Your Air Fryer Fried Zucchini & Yellow Squash
These crispy air-fried squash slices are incredibly versatile and pair wonderfully with a variety of main courses or can be enjoyed on their own as a satisfying appetizer. Their light, savory flavor makes them a great accompaniment to almost any meal. Consider serving them with:
- Air Fryer Glazed Steaks for a complete and flavorful dinner.
- Air Fryer Chicken Tenders for a kid-friendly meal that adults will also love.
- Grilled Chicken or Fish: The freshness of the squash complements grilled proteins perfectly.
- Burgers or Sandwiches: Serve them as a healthier alternative to traditional fries.
- Dipping Sauces: Ranch dressing, marinara sauce, a spicy aioli, or even a simple squeeze of lemon juice can elevate the flavors.
- As a Side for Brunch: Pair with scrambled eggs or a frittata for a delightful weekend meal.
Choosing the Right Air Fryer for Your Kitchen
If you’re new to the world of air frying or considering an upgrade, selecting the right air fryer can significantly enhance your cooking experience. Before making a purchase, I highly recommend checking out this detailed post on How to Choose the Right Air Fryer. It covers everything from basket size and cooking capacity to various types (basket-style, oven-style) and essential features.
Currently, I’m enjoying cooking with a Ninja Foodi Air Fryer, which offers excellent performance and versatility. However, the market is full of fantastic options, and you can explore a wide range of different air fryers and find the perfect fit for your needs in my comprehensive guide, How to Choose the Right Air Fryer.
Are you ready to enjoy a delicious, crispy, and healthy air fryer recipe that utilizes fresh produce in the most delightful way? It’s time to whip up these incredible Air Fryer Fried Zucchini & Yellow Squash!
For a treasure trove of easy and delicious air fryer recipes at your fingertips, be sure to grab my exclusive e-book. This valuable resource features 15 Easy Air Fryer Recipes, perfect for expanding your air fryer repertoire!
Air Fryer Fried Zucchini & Yellow Squash
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Ingredients
- 1 Medium Sized Zucchini Thinly Sliced
- 1 Medium Sized Yellow Squash Thinly Sliced
- 1 Cup Buttermilk (or substitute – see notes above)
- 2 Cups Gluten-Free All Purpose Flour or Regular Flour
- 2 Eggs Beaten
- 2 Cups Gluten-Free Panko Breadcrumbs or Regular Panko Bread Crumbs
- Salt to Taste
- Grapeseed Oil Spray
Instructions
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Begin by preparing your squash. Place the thinly sliced zucchini and yellow squash in a shallow bowl or dish and pour the buttermilk over them, ensuring all pieces are well coated.
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Allow the squash to marinate and soak in the buttermilk for about 10-15 minutes. This step helps tenderize the vegetables and allows the coating to adhere better.
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While the squash is soaking, set up your dredging station. Prepare three separate shallow bowls: one for the flour (regular or gluten-free), a second for the beaten eggs, and a third for the breadcrumbs (regular or gluten-free Panko).
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Add a dash of salt to the breadcrumbs in their bowl. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder or paprika for extra flavor.
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Take each squash slice from the buttermilk, dip it into the flour, and gently dust off any excess. A thin, even coating is best.
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Next, dip the floured squash into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess egg to drip off before the next step.
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Finally, generously coat each squash slice with the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure they stick well.
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Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (199°C). Once hot, place the coated zucchini and yellow squash evenly in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding to ensure maximum crispiness; you may need to cook in batches.
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Lightly spray the tops of the squash with grapeseed oil spray (or olive oil spray). This helps achieve that perfect golden crisp. You can add more salt now or wait until they are done cooking.
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Fry them in the Air Fryer at 390°F (199°C) for about 5 minutes. Then, flip each piece, spray the other side with oil, and continue to fry for another 5 minutes, or until they are beautifully golden brown and crispy.
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If any pieces appear a bit dry or floury during cooking, give them an extra light coat of oil spray to help them crisp up and brown.
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Remove from the air fryer, season with additional salt to taste if desired, and serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Notes
Grapeseed Oil Spray is recommended due to its high smoke point, which is ideal for air frying. However, if unavailable, olive oil spray can also be used.
For buttermilk substitute: For 1 cup of buttermilk, combine 1 cup of milk (dairy or non-dairy) with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it slightly curdles.
Nutrition
Embrace the freshness of the season and the convenience of your air fryer to create a truly irresistible dish. These Air Fryer Fried Zucchini & Yellow Squash slices are not only incredibly easy to make, but they also offer a healthier twist on a classic comfort food, making them a guilt-free indulgence. Whether you’re serving them to family or friends, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. Enjoy the satisfying crunch and tender flavors, knowing you’ve prepared a wholesome and delicious meal.