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You can make fried squash in the air fryer by slicing it, coating it in a seasoned breading, and cooking it at 400°F until golden and crispy.
It’s honestly one of the easiest ways to enjoy that crispy, Southern-style fried squash without dealing with a pot of hot oil.
If you’ve been wondering how to make fried squash in the air fryer, you’re in the right place because this method gives you that crunchy outside and tender inside with way less mess.
In this post, we’ll walk through how to make fried squash in the air fryer step by step, plus the best squash to use, the right breading, and tips so yours turns out perfectly crisp every time.
Let’s get cooking.
Why Make Fried Squash in the Air Fryer
Learning how to make fried squash in the air fryer is a total game changer for anyone who loves fried food but not the cleanup.
Here’s why this method works so well.
1. Way Less Oil
When you make fried squash in the air fryer, you only need a light spritz of oil instead of a deep fryer full of it.
The air fryer circulates hot air around the squash, which creates that crispy coating you love without all the grease.
That means fewer calories and a lot less mess on your stovetop.
2. Faster and Easier
Fried squash in the air fryer cooks in about 10 to 15 minutes, which is faster than heating up a pot of oil.
There’s no waiting for oil temperature, no splatter, and no danger of burns.
You just bread the squash, pop it in the basket, and let the air fryer do the work.
3. Perfectly Crispy Results
The hot circulating air gives fried squash in the air fryer a crunch that rivals traditional frying.
As long as you bread it properly and don’t overcrowd the basket, you’ll get that golden, crispy exterior.
And the inside stays tender and sweet, just like it should.
How to Make Fried Squash in the Air Fryer
Now let’s get into the actual steps for how to make fried squash in the air fryer.
Follow these and you’ll have a perfect batch every time.
1. Choose the Right Squash
Yellow squash and zucchini are the best choices when you make fried squash in the air fryer.
Pick squash that’s firm and medium-sized, since bigger ones tend to have more seeds and water.
Slice them into rounds about ¼ inch thick so they cook evenly.
2. Salt and Drain the Slices
This step matters more than you’d think when you make fried squash in the air fryer.
Sprinkle the slices with salt and let them sit for about 15 minutes.
Then pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture so the breading actually sticks and gets crispy.
3. Set Up Your Breading Station
To make fried squash in the air fryer with a great crust, use three shallow bowls.
Fill one with flour, one with beaten egg, and one with seasoned breadcrumbs or panko.
Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika to the breadcrumbs for flavor.
4. Coat Each Slice
Dip each squash round into the flour, then the egg, then the breadcrumbs.
Press the breadcrumbs gently so they stick well, which helps when you make fried squash in the air fryer.
Shake off any excess so the coating stays light and even.
5. Air Fry at the Right Temperature
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for a few minutes.
Arrange the breaded squash in a single layer in the basket and spritz lightly with oil.
Cook for about 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
6. Serve Immediately
Fried squash in the air fryer is best enjoyed hot and fresh.
Serve it with ranch, marinara, or a sprinkle of parmesan on top.
And if you’re cooking for a crowd, work in batches so every slice stays crispy.
Tips for the Best Fried Squash in the Air Fryer
A few small tricks make a big difference when you make fried squash in the air fryer.
1. Don’t Overcrowd the Basket
If you pile the slices in, they’ll steam instead of crisp when you make fried squash in the air fryer.
Cook in a single layer and do multiple batches if needed.
2. Use a Light Oil Spray
A quick spritz of avocado or olive oil helps the breading brown when you make fried squash in the air fryer.
Just don’t soak them, since too much oil makes the coating soggy.
3. Keep the Slices Uniform
Even slices cook evenly, which is key when you make fried squash in the air fryer.
Aim for ¼ inch thickness so nothing burns or stays raw.
4. Reheat in the Air Fryer
If you have leftovers, reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes.
That brings back the crunch that fried squash in the air fryer is known for.
So, How Do You Make Fried Squash in the Air Fryer?
You make fried squash in the air fryer by slicing it, breading it, and cooking it at 400°F until golden and crispy.
It’s a simple, healthier way to enjoy a classic comfort food without the deep fryer.
With the right squash, a good breading, and a little patience, you’ll nail how to make fried squash in the air fryer every single time.
Give it a try and enjoy that crispy, tender goodness straight from your air fryer.