If you're swimming in summer squash and wondering what to do with it, this Air Fryer Zucchini and Yellow Squash recipe is your new go-to. In just minutes, you can transform fresh zucchini and yellow squash into golden, crispy bites with a tender center-no breading, no deep fryer, and absolutely no fuss.
Whether you're craving a healthy side dish, a light snack, or a way to jazz up dinner, this easy air fryer recipe delivers all the flavor with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy summer weekends, it's a delicious way to use up garden produce while keeping things light, gluten-free, and satisfying.
Read on for all the loving details to make Air Fryer Zucchini and Yellow Squash.
Featured Ingredients
Read below about a few of the ingredients used to make Air Fryer Zucchini and Yellow Squash.
Zucchini & Yellow Squash - These soft-skinned summer vegetables are the stars of this recipe. Both are mild in flavor, quick to cook, and easy to find at grocery stores or farmers' markets during the warmer months. If you have a backyard garden, chances are you've got an abundance of zucchini or yellow squash ready to use.
Olive Oil - Just a light drizzle is all you need! Using too much oil in the air fryer can prevent your squash from crisping up and may leave it soggy. A neutral oil like avocado or olive oil adds just enough moisture to help the seasonings stick and promote golden edges without weighing the vegetables down.
Seasonings - A simple sprinkle of salt and pepper brings out the squash's natural sweetness, but feel free to get creative. Garlic powder, onion powder, Italian herbs, or a dash of smoked paprika can elevate the flavor, depending on the rest of your meal. See the Serving Suggestions section below for seasoning ideas to complement different cuisines and main dishes.
Tools for the job
- Air fryer
- Cutting board and sharp knife (paid link)
- Bowl
- Measuring spoons
How to make Air Fryer Zucchini and Yellow Squash
- Preheat your air fryer according to the manufacturer's instructions. This helps the squash cook evenly and crisp up right from the start.
- Slice the zucchini and yellow squash into thick, evenly sized pieces-either full rounds or half-moons work well. Uniform cuts ensure everything cooks at the same pace, giving you perfectly tender bites every time.
- Add the squash to a large bowl and sprinkle with salt to draw out some moisture. Let the squash sit for 10-15 minutes, then rinse off the salt and pat dry. This will give you the crispiest outside, but you can skip this step and still get delicious air-fried squash!
- After patting it dry, drizzle or spray on a little olive oil. Sprinkle your chosen seasonings over the top, then toss everything together until the squash is well coated.
- Arrange the squash in a single layer in the air fryer basket, being careful not to overcrowd. Give them some space so they crisp instead of steaming. Air fry at your machine's hottest temp for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket or flipping the squash halfway through for even browning. (My machine took 12 minutes)
- Work in batches if needed, depending on the size of your air fryer. For larger amounts, keep cooked batches warm on a baking sheet in a 270°F oven while you finish the rest.
Hot Tip!
Keeping it crisp:
- Always preheat the air fryer before adding the vegetables. This will ensure they are tender on the inside and have that "air-crisped" texture on the outside.
- "Sweat" the veggies by presalting for 15 minutes, then rinse and pat dry.
- Seasoning with dry spices like my Anything Seasoning Blend, which lends to a crisper exterior.
Serving suggestions for Air Fryer Zucchini and Yellow Squash
- Serve alongside grilled meats like chicken, steak, or salmon.
- Add to a grain bowl with quinoa, feta, and a drizzle of lemon-tahini dressing.
- Pair with marinara or garlic aioli for dipping as an appetizer.
- Toss into pasta dishes or cold pasta salads for texture and flavor.
- Layer into wraps or pita sandwiches with hummus and greens.
Substitutions and Variations of Air Fried Squash
- Parmesan Crusted - Add grated Parmesan cheese before air frying for extra flavor and a crispier finish.
- Spice it Up - Sprinkle with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, or chili flakes before cooking.
- Breaded Option - Toss squash slices in beaten egg and coat with gluten-free breadcrumbs before air frying.
- Other Veggies - Use the same method for pattypan squash or baby eggplant.
Leftover Air Fryer Zucchini and Yellow Squash
- Leftovers can be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. I like to add a handful to my morning eggs.
- Air fryer zucchini and yellow squash can be reheated a few different ways:
- On the stove - In a nonstick skillet over medium heat, cook the vegetables covered for 5 minutes, flip and continue to cook uncovered until heated through.
- In the oven - On a sheet pan at 350°F for 10-12 minutes.
- In the air fryer - Preheat to 350°F and warm up the veggies for 5-10 minutes or until warmed through.
FAQ's
Although technically two different types of squash, they are both summer squashes, and they are very similar in flavor and texture. These two squashes are entirely interchangeable in recipes as they act the same way when cooked. Yellow squash is a tad sweeter than zucchini.
There is no reason to peel zucchini or summer squash; they are all edible, and most have very tender skin when they're raw.
Preparing them this way will not make them crispy, but it will give them a nice amount of browning and caramelization.
Preheat the air fryer. Don't use too much oil. Don't overcook it.
Smell is your first indicator. If it's offensive, toss it! Also, do not use the vegetable if it's bendable or dents when you press your finger on it. Check the inside. If it is spongy, webbed, or has a hole through the middle, it's probably past its date. Small gouges can sometimes overripen quickly, but often they can be cut off, and the squash is still okay to eat.
Eat your vegetables!
Here are a few more recipes to get a serving a veggies into your meal:
Print
Air Fryer Zucchini and Yellow Squash
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2-4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside-this Air Fryer Zucchini and Squash is a quick and healthy way to enjoy summer vegetables. With just a touch of oil and simple seasonings, these golden bites make the perfect side dish, snack, or easy add-in for bowls and wraps. Ready in under 20 minutes, this recipe is gluten-free, vegan-friendly, low-carb, and perfect for clean summer eating.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs zucchini and yellow squash
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer according to your machine's instructions.
- Slice the zucchini and yellow squash into thick pieces and add to a bowl.
- Sprinkle with salt and let sit for 10-15 minutes to sweat the vegetables, then rinse with water and pat very dry with a towel or paper towel.
- Pour the measured oil and any other seasonings over the top and toss well to combine.
- Fill, but don't overcrowd the air fryer basket, and cook for 10-15 minutes, tossing once halfway through. Not all air fryer baskets are the same size, so cook them in batches if necessary.
- Cook until the edges are browning and brown spots start to form on the flesh.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side dish
- Method: Air fryer
- Cuisine: American
Comments
No Comments