Easy Air Fryer Squash

Last summer, I bought way too many squash at the farmer’s market, and you know that moment when you’re all excited about eating more veggies, but then suddenly you’re staring at a pile of them on your counter and you’re thinking, what on earth am I gonna do with all this.

Yes that was me and some of them even got soft before I could cook them so I felt guilty, yet one night I pulled out my air fryer and thought why not and that’s when Air Fryer Squash came to life and I chopped them quickly, and tossed them with a little oil and, then I pushed a button and just like that it felt like magic because Air Fryer Squash was the answer to my veggie overload.

And here’s the thing because squash doesn’t always sound exciting since let’s be honest it’s not pizza and it’s not cookies but when Air Fryer Squash comes out golden and crispy on the edges, then it feels like a whole different story and my kids even started dipping the slices in ketchup like fries and I sat there asking myself why didn’t I try Air Fryer Squash sooner.

Seriously, have you ever just ignored a veggie until you found the one easy way to make it taste amazing, because if not, then you’re about to see how simple it can be.

ingredients

• 2 medium yellow squash (or zucchini)
• 1–2 tablespoons olive oil (or any light cooking oil)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese (optional)

ingredients notes

• You can use yellow squash or zucchini; they’re cousins and taste almost the same.
• Olive oil helps the squash slices turn golden in the air fryer, but if you don’t have olive oil, you can use sunflower oil, avocado oil, or even a tiny spray of cooking spray.
• Salt and pepper are the basics; they make everything taste better.
• Garlic powder and paprika add extra flavor if you like a little more punch.
• Parmesan cheese makes the squash taste cheesy and crispy, but you don’t have to add it if you don’t want to.

How to make Air Fryer Squash?

step 1: wash and cut the squash

Take your squash and wash it under cool water. Then, use a knife to cut off both ends. Slice the squash into round pieces about the size of coins—neither too thin nor too thick. If the slices are too thin, they might burn quickly. If they’re too thick, they’ll take too long to cook. Aim for slices about ¼ inch thick.

step 2: season the squash

Put all the slices in a big bowl. Drizzle the oil on top and sprinkle the salt, pepper, and any extra seasonings like garlic powder or paprika. If you’re using parmesan cheese, you can sprinkle it here too. Use your hands or a spoon to toss the squash until every slice looks coated.

step 3: preheat the air fryer

Turn your air fryer on and set it to 400°F (200°C) for about 3–5 minutes. Preheating makes sure the squash starts cooking right away and gets that nice golden color.

step 4: add the squash to the basket

Spread the squash slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t pile them up too much, or they won’t cook evenly. If you have a lot of squash, you can cook them in two batches instead of crowding the basket.

step 5: cook the squash

Set the timer for 10–12 minutes. About halfway through (around 5–6 minutes), open the basket and flip the slices so both sides get golden. Close it back up and let them finish cooking until they look crispy on the edges and soft in the middle.

step 6: cool and enjoy

Carefully take the squash out of the basket (it will be hot). Let them cool for a minute so they don’t burn your tongue. Serve them plain, with your favorite dip, or next to your dinner.

kitchen equipment you need

• Air fryer
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Mixing bowl
• Spoon (or your clean hands for mixing)
• Measuring spoons
• Tongs or spatula (to flip the squash)

storage options!

If you make too much air fryer squash, don’t worry, you can save it. Let the squash cool down first, then put it in a container with a lid. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. To warm it back up, pop it in the air fryer for 3–4 minutes at 350°F, and it will get crispy again. You can also warm it in the microwave, but it won’t be as crunchy. Freezing is not the best idea because squash has a lot of water, and it can turn mushy once thawed.

variations!

Air fryer squash is like a blank canvas; you can make it taste so many different ways. Want it cheesy? Add shredded mozzarella or parmesan. Want it spicy? Sprinkle chili powder, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce before cooking. You can even make it taste like pizza by adding oregano, basil, and a little marinara sauce for dipping. For a sweeter version, sprinkle a tiny bit of cinnamon and sugar, though that works best with butternut squash. The fun part is that you can change the seasonings every time and never get bored.

What to enjoy with Air Fryer Squash?

You can enjoy Air Fryer Squash next to grilled chicken or with a big juicy burger and it’s perfect alongside roasted fish or tucked next to a plate of spaghetti, and it even works with scrambled eggs for breakfast and of course it goes amazing with a fresh salad and here’s my favorite twist since I love it with my Zucchini Brownies on the side and yes sweet plus savory might sound odd but trust me it works.

And here’s my little struggle because I used to get stuck on side dishes, and I’d stand in the kitchen asking myself what goes with this meal, and I’d get frustrated.

When I had veggies going soft in the fridge, and once I found out how versatile Air Fryer Squash really is, I stopped worrying and started having fun with it, and seriously, have you ever had one of those moments where a simple recipe solved a kitchen headache? If not, then you’re in the right place.

Tips for making the best air fryer squash

The secret to making the best air fryer squash is all about balance. Don’t slice the squash too thin, or it’ll burn before it cooks. Don’t slice it too thick, or it won’t get crispy. Make sure the slices are all about the same size so they cook evenly. Don’t crowd the basket—air needs to move around the squash to make it crispy. Toss the slices halfway through cooking so both sides turn golden. And most importantly, season well. Squash is naturally mild, so adding enough salt, pepper, and spices makes it taste amazing.

FAQ

what is air fryer squash made of?

It’s made of fresh squash slices, a little oil, and simple seasonings like salt and pepper.

what does air fryer squash taste like?

It tastes soft, slightly sweet, and mild inside, with a little crispy crunch on the edges.

can i use zucchini instead of yellow squash?

Yes, zucchini works exactly the same way in this recipe.

do i need to peel the squash?

No, the skin is soft and safe to eat. You can keep it on.

how do i make it extra crispy?

Use less oil, don’t overcrowd the basket, and cook for a few extra minutes. Adding parmesan helps too.

can i cook frozen squash in the air fryer?

Fresh works best, but if you use frozen, pat it dry first so it’s not soggy.

what dips go well with air fryer squash?

Ketchup, ranch, cheese sauce, marinara, or even honey mustard taste great with it.

how long does it take to cook?

It takes about 10–12 minutes in the air fryer.

is air fryer squash healthy?

Yes, it’s low in calories, has fiber, vitamins, and needs very little oil.

can i cut the squash into sticks instead of slices?

Yes, you can cut them into fry-shaped sticks and cook them the same way.

how do i reheat leftovers?

Put them back in the air fryer at 350°F for about 3–4 minutes to make them crispy again.

can i make this recipe without oil?

Yes, you can, but the squash won’t be as golden or crispy. A tiny spray of oil makes a big difference.