Crispy and crunchy squash fries in just minutes? Say less! The most popular veggie of the summer takes center stage once again with this super-easy, absolutely delicious Air Fryer Squash.
When summer rolls around, I’m reaching for two things: zucchini squash and my air fryer.
Squash can easily be considered the most popular vegetable this time of year! Overflowing summer gardens always seem to have zucchini! From zucchini bread and zoodles to stuffed squash and fried squash in my air fryer, you can always find this tasty veggie in my kitchen and incorporated into so many of my favorite summer dishes.
And when the weather starts warming up, I much prefer to use my air fryer for cooking rather than firing up the hot oven! Keeps my kitchen much cooler.
Okay, but the best part of this entire air fryer squash recipe? The preparation is absolutely effortless. You only need six ingredients and about 20 minutes to whip it up! So if you’re looking to give your summer dishes a glow-up, like this Zesty Italian Pasta Salad or this Tomato Salad, with a tasty multipurpose side, you’ve come to the right place. Get ready for this squash, air fryer edition, to become your most beloved vegetable dish this summer.
Are you a huge fan of squash? Then you’ll love my stuffed courgettes and black pepper garlic zucchini (also air fried!).
Why You'll Love It
Air fryer squash quickly became a favorite in this household, and I have no doubt it’ll be the same for you.
- It won’t clog your arteries. Air fryer squash only tastes like a deep-fried-like delicacy that’s not bad for your health. I’m not lying — this recipe calls for only one tablespoon of olive oil, so you can indulge with zero guilt.
- Great way to use your garden bounty. For my readers with a summer vegetable garden, take note of this recipe! We’ve all had those weeks where our garden bounty is more than we can handle. This simple recipe is a great way to use up any extra zucchini or yellow squash.
- Takes only minutes to make. This recipe is so simple and quick, you’ll be digging into crispy air fryer squash in less than 20 minutes! Plus, you can make this in batches to enjoy later (find storage directions below).
🥂Make it A Rosy Moment
These squash can be added to any dinner to make it a light, summer inspired meal. Here's how I like to serve them up to make it extra special:
- Burgers and Fries - Serve these crispy bites on a big platter with herby ranch or lemon aioli. Next to grilled burgers, chilled rosé, these make the perfect sub for traditional fries. It’s easy, it’s nostalgic, and it tastes like summer!
- Quick Weeknight Side Dish - Toss the warm squash over creamy ricotta toast or mix it into a corn and quinoa bowl with feta, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil.
- Summer Dinner Party - A full dinner inspired by abundant ate summer gardens! Serve the zucchini with Creamy Vegetable Pasta, Blistered Tomatoes and Burrata, and a refreshing Hugo Spritz!
Important Ingredients
Just a handful of no-fuss ingredients is all you’ll need to make this air fryer zucchini:
- Zucchini Squash - You’ll need two zucchini squash, sliced thinly. I recommend slicing with a chef’s knife, or you can use a mandoline if you have one.
- Seasonings - Coat the zucchini in a light layer of parmesan cheese and lemon pepper seasoning for a burst of bright flavor.
- Olive Oil - A tablespoon of olive oil helps the zucchini squash crisp up to perfection in the air fryer.
- Garnishes - Top off your air-fried zucchini squash with a pinch of flaky sea salt and torn basil leaves. Yum!
Swaps and Substitutions
- Yellow squash. If you don’t have zucchini squash on hand, yellow summer or pattypan squash will work just as well. Really, you can use any squash you have available.
- Get spicy. Swap out the lemon pepper seasoning for smoky and bold flavor, like smoked paprika, Cajun seasoning, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper. Aromatics like garlic powder or onion powder, or even everything but the bagel seasoning will work well here, too!
- Oils. You can swap the olive oil for any oil you have on hand. My favorites are avocado, grapeseed, or even canola oil — I find them to be light and neutral in flavor, while still cooking the air fried squash until tender and beautifully golden brown. You can also use cooking spray.
- Swap cheese for flour, cornmeal, or breadcrumbs. If you’re in a pinch and don’t have grated Parmesan cheese, toss the sliced squash with flour, cornmeal, or panko breadcrumbs.
Full Recipe Below
Find the full list of ingredients & measurements below!
Step by Step Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the air fryer to 425°F. In a large bowl combine the thinly sliced zucchini squash, olive oil, lemon pepper, and parmesan cheese.
- Step 2: Spread the zucchini in the basket of the air fryer in a single layer.
- Step 3: Air fry for 6-8 minutes.
- Step 5: Transfer the zucchini from the air fryer to a serving plate and sprinkle the squash with flaky sea salt and torn basil. Enjoy hot!
Top Tip
Add squash slices to the air fryer basket in a single layer. An overcrowded air fryer basket prevents hot air from circulating evenly, resulting in vegetables that are at best not crispy and at worst, soggy! Place the squash slices in a single layer so the airflow remains unobstructed and create nice and evenly crisped zucchini.
Tips for the Perfect....
Air frying squash is truly the most convenient way to cook up this vegetable, but with these suggestions, you’ll get the best squash possible.
- Flip halfway through. Remove the air fryer basket at the halfway mark and give it a toss so the slices aren’t sitting in the same spot the entire time. All sides should have a chance to cook thoroughly.
- Keep the zucchini slices thin. Cut the zucchini into about 1 cm-thick slices. The thicker the zucchini slices, the longer it’ll take to cook through. Thin slices will give you the crunchy, chip-like experience we’re going for.
- Serve with a dipping sauce. Air fryer yellow squash or zucchini fries taste even better dipped in a yummy sauce! A Sriracha mayo sauce, ranch, or whipped feta and ricotta cheese dip would taste amazing.
Recipe Variations
Think outside the box with air fryer squash! This adaptable summer vegetable can be enjoyed in so many ways. Here are just a few variations to experiment with:
- Combine summer squash — Choosing between zucchini or yellow squash? Embrace the best of this summer delight and use one of each in this recipe. It also makes it more colorful, especially topped with basil leaves or other fresh herbs.
- A Mediterranean twist — Switch up the flavoring with oregano or Italian seasoning and crumbled feta sprinkled on top. My mouth is watering just typing that!
- Go long — Slice the squash lengthwise into spears or fries, making a crispy handheld snack that’s perfect for dipping.
💡Recipe FAQ
Yes, you can mix zucchini and yellow squash in this recipe. However, firmer squashes like butternut squash or spaghetti squash require a different cooking method.
Yes, this is a process called “dredging” — egg mixture wash, flour batter, and a spritz of cooking spray to build a crust. This is a good method for adhering all the yummy seasonings to the individual squash fries.
Leftovers can be kept in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Be sure the zucchini fries are completely cool before packaging them up for storage. Reheat the squash in a 350°F air fryer for 3-4 minutes or until hot.
Yes, you can freeze air-fried squash in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Reheat them from frozen in a 350°F air fryer for 5-6 minutes or until hot.
Related Recipes
If you tried this Air Fryer Squash Recipe or any other of the delicious recipes on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Thanks for visiting!
📖 Recipe
📖 Recipe
Air Fryer Squash
Equipment
- 1 air fryer
- 1 mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 2 zucchini squash
- ½ teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
- 3 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- pinch flaky sea salt
- 3-4 fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 425 degrees. Cut the ends off of the zucchini and thinly slice the zucchini.
- Toss zucchini, olive oil, parmesan, and lemon pepper in a mixing bowl.
- In the tray of the air fryer arrange the squash in a single layer. You may need to do this in 2 batches.
- Air fry at 425 for 8 minutes until golden brown. Repeat with the other half.
- Plate and garnish with freshly torn basil.
Notes
- Add squash slices to the air fryer basket in a single layer. An overcrowded air fryer basket prevents hot air from circulating evenly, resulting in vegetables that are at best not crispy and at worst, soggy! Place the squash slices in a single layer so the airflow remains unobstructed and create nicely and evenly crisped zucchini.
- Flip halfway through. Remove the air fryer basket at the halfway mark and give it a toss so the slices aren’t sitting in the same spot the entire time. All sides should have a chance to cook thoroughly.
- Keep the zucchini slices thin. Cut the zucchini into about 1 cm-thick slices. The thicker the zucchini slices, the longer it’ll take to cook through. Thin slices will give you the crunchy, chip-like experience we’re going for.
- Serve with a dipping sauce. Air fryer yellow squash or zucchini taste even better dipped in a yummy sauce! A Sriracha mayo sauce, ranch,or whipped feta and ricotta cheese dip would all taste amazing.
Carmy says
I love that you used the air fryer for this! Looks SO crispy.
Sara Ayesh says
Thank you!! I've been loving my air fryer so much.