From Garden to Golden: Easy Air Fryer Fried Squash Recipe You’ll Crave
I’ll never forget the first time I had Southern fried squash—it was on my grandma’s back porch in Georgia, late summer, cicadas buzzing, and the air thick with the smell of cornmeal frying in a cast-iron skillet. It was golden, crispy, salty perfection. But as much as I loved it, I always felt guilty indulging too often, especially once I started cooking for my own family.
Fast forward a few years and countless cooking experiments later, I finally nailed a version of this Southern classic that captures everything I love about fried squash—without all the oil and mess. And the secret weapon? My air fryer.
In this post, I’m going to walk you through one of my favorite fried squash recipes using the air fryer, complete with exact measurements, my go-to pantry tricks, and three kitchen tools I swear by. Whether you’ve got a garden full of yellow squash or just picked some up at the farmer’s market, this easy, crispy recipe will become your go-to summer side dish.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It’s air fryer friendly: No deep frying, no hot oil splatters, no guilt.
Crispy, golden goodness: Thanks to a smart combo of cornmeal, flour, panko, and bread crumbs.
Healthy-ish & satisfying: Less oil, more crunch. It's a feel-good indulgence.
Totally doable: Whether you're a kitchen pro or a weeknight warrior, this recipe is truly easy.
Let’s dive into how to cook fried squash in the air fryer—Southern style, but make it healthy!
What You’ll Need: Ingredients with Measurements
Here’s the exact breakdown for the best golden, crispy squash you’ll ever make in your air fryer:
Main Ingredients
Pro Tip: Want to spice things up? Add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder to the breadcrumb mix.
Step-by-Step: How to Cook Fried Squash in the Air Fryer
Step 1: Prep Your Squash
Wash and slice your yellow squash into ¼-inch thick rounds. Lay them out on a baking sheet and sprinkle both sides with 1 teaspoon salt. Let them sit for 15–20 minutes to draw out excess moisture (this makes them crispier). Pat dry with paper towels.
Step 2: Set Up Your Dredging Station
You’ll need three shallow bowls:
1. Flour bowl: Add ½ cup all-purpose flour.
2. Egg wash bowl: Whisk together 2 eggs and 2 tablespoons of milk.
3. Crumb coating bowl: Combine ½ cup cornmeal, ¼ cup panko, ¼ cup plain bread crumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Coat the Squash
Dip each squash round into the flour, then the egg wash, then coat thoroughly in the crumb mixture. Press gently to ensure the coating sticks.
Step 4: Load the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Arrange squash rounds in a single layer in the basket (you may need to do this in batches). Lightly spray both sides with olive oil spray.
Step 5: Air Fry to Golden Perfection
Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. Serve hot with your favorite dip or just enjoy them as-is!
Why This Recipe Works (and Tastes So Good)
The magic happens in the texture. The blend of cornmeal and panko gives you that Southern crunch without deep frying. The flour helps the coating stick, and the bread crumbs create a tender-crisp bite that’s irresistible.
And because it’s made in the air fryer, you’re getting the best of both worlds—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, with way less oil than traditional frying.
My Favorite Kitchen Tools (Amazon Finds I Love)
As someone who’s tested dozens of recipes (and gadgets), I have a few tools I can’t live without when making air fryer recipes like this one. Here are three I personally recommend—perfect for home cooks who want easy wins in the kitchen.
1. COSORI Pro II Air Fryer Oven Combo (5.8QT)
This is the air fryer I use daily. It’s roomy enough to fit an entire batch of squash, has customizable presets, and heats evenly every time. The square basket gives you more space, which is essential when crisping up veggies without crowding.
Check it out on Amazon – If you’re serious about air fryer healthy recipes, this is a must-have.
2. OXO Good Grips 3-Piece Mixing Bowl Set
Perfect for setting up your dredging station without making a mess. The non-slip bottoms are a game changer, especially when you're working with egg wash and flour.
Shop on Amazon – Ditch the random bowls and upgrade to something that works with you, not against you.
3. Misto Oil Sprayer for Olive Oil
Forget those store-bought sprays with weird additives. This refillable oil sprayer lets you control how much oil you use—perfect for lightly coating your squash before air frying for max crispiness.
Buy it on Amazon – Cleaner, greener, and it saves you money in the long run.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
I love serving air fryer fried squash as a snack while dinner’s cooking—or as a side to something light like grilled chicken, turkey burgers, or a big summer salad.
Want to make it a full Southern spread? Pair it with:
Dips That Pair Well:
Why Women (Like You and Me) Love This Recipe
I created this recipe thinking about women like myself—busy, balancing families or work or both, but still wanting to cook something delicious and maybe a little nostalgic.
It’s not just about food—it’s about reclaiming that sense of comfort and creativity in the kitchen. Whether you’re cooking with your kids, feeding a partner, or making something just for you, this recipe is the perfect balance of easy, healthy, and completely crave-worthy.
FAQ: Quick Answers Before You Fry
Q: Can I use zucchini instead of yellow squash?
Absolutely! Zucchini works just as well. Just slice it the same way and follow the exact recipe.
Q: Do I need to flip the squash while air frying?
Yes! Flipping halfway ensures even browning and a crispy texture on both sides.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes. Just substitute the flour, panko, and bread crumbs for your favorite gluten-free versions.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5–6 minutes to bring back that crisp.
Final Thoughts: A Summer Favorite, Reinvented
There’s something magical about Southern-style fried squash. It’s rustic, comforting, and full of flavor. And now, thanks to the air fryer, it’s easier and healthier than ever. I’ve made this recipe more times than I can count—on quiet Sunday nights, for girls’ brunches, even just for myself on a random Tuesday—and it never disappoints.
So go ahead—grab those squash from the garden or market, pull out your air fryer, and let’s make something golden.
Tried this recipe?
Leave a comment below, tag me on Instagram, or shoot me a message! I’d love to see how it turned out.
And if you’re hungry for more air fryer healthy recipes or want more Southern-inspired dishes with a twist, make sure to subscribe to the blog—I’ve got more goodness coming your way!
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