Air Fryer Yellow Squash

Air Fryer Yellow Squash is a quick and easy side dish that is perfect in the Air Fryer. The squash turns out flavorful and tender and you don’t have to stand over a hot stove to make it happen. Win – Win!

The other day, one of my neighbors was giving away some fresh squash from his garden.

He put them in a basket on his front porch and said “come and get them.”

But I was too late!

I was disappointed that I didn’t get any because fresh yellow summer squash is so good and so easy to make in the Air Fryer.

Summer squash is one of my favorite veggies, but when I’m making other dishes, I don’t have the time to babysit the squash in a skillet on the stove.

Now that I have an Air Fryer, I don’t have to babysit my food.

I was just throw the squash in the Air Fryer, shake it a few times, and let it cook to perfection.

So easy.

Why I Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Substitutions
How to Make Air Fryer Yellow Squash
Key to Success #1 – Consistent Sizing
Key to Success #2 – Do The Shake
Key to Success #3 – Mix Things Up
Handpicked Recipe Favorites from My Kitchen, Just for You!
Frequently Asked Questions

Why I Love This Recipe

First off, let me just say how effortless it is to whip up this dish.

No need to spend hours in the kitchen!

The air fryer does almost all the hard work, freeing me up to focus on other parts of the meal or simply relax.

Secondly, the end result is a glorious mix of tender and flavorful squash that’s perfect every single time.

Whether you’re preparing a family dinner or hosting a casual get-together, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Yellow squash: The star of the show! Yellow squash is mild and versatile, allowing the seasoning to shine.
Extra virgin olive oil: This helps achieve that crispy texture we all love. If you’re counting calories, you can use a light spray oil instead.
Kosher salt and black pepper: Simple yet effective. You can also sub in other seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, or even Italian herbs.

How to Make Air Fryer Yellow Squash

Prep your squash: Cleaning and cutting your yellow squash into 1/2 inch half-moons is the first step. It’s quick and ensures even cooking.
Season: Toss the squash with extra virgin olive oil and your chosen seasonings. Trust me, this little step packs a flavor punch.
Air fry: Place the squash in the air fryer, set the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, and let it cook for 10 minutes. A quick shake halfway through helps the squash cook evenly. Repeat until the squash is tender and slightly browned, usually about 25-30 minutes in total.

Pro Tips and Serving Suggestions

For an added burst of flavor, try sprinkling some Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs like basil or parsley over the squash right before serving.

If you’re looking to add more variety to your plate, toss in some bell peppers or onions into the mix.

Storage is a breeze, too—just pop any leftovers in an airtight container and they’ll keep in the fridge for up to three days.

Reheating is simple; just nuke them in the air fryer again for a few minutes to bring back some of that crispy goodness.

Key to Success #1 – Consistent Sizing

The key to even cooking is cutting your vegetables into consistent sizes.

When I saute squash in a skillet, I like to cut them into thin slices.

But in the Air Fryer, I prefer to cut them into 1/2-inch discs or half-moons.

This depends on whether I have really large squash or smaller ones.

Key to Success #2 – Do The Shake

One of the best things about Air Fryer cooking is how you can just shake the fry basket around a few times during the cooking process to help evenly distribute the food.

This helps make sure your squash or other vegetables don’t cook unevenly and get overly browned in spots.

I tend to err on the side of shaking too often but it really does help to keep things evenly brown and crispy.

Key to Success #3 – Mix Things Up

You can use this basic cooking method to make many combinations of vegetables – squash and zucchini, squash and onions, squash and zucchini and carrots – whatever you prefer!

You can also spice things up with seasoning blends.

Sometimes I like to use simple salt and/or pepper.

Sometimes I like to sprinkle on a little Mrs Dash seasoning.

Mrs Dash has several seasoning blends that are really good on vegetables, like the Mrs Dash Garlic & Herb Seasoning Blend.

However you season them up, you can’t go wrong with this Air Fryer Squash recipe.

It’s a healthy and delicious way to get veggies on your plate.

This Air Fryer Squash is delicious served with Air Fryer Chicken, either whole roasted chicken or chicken breast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of squash?

Absolutely! You can substitute yellow squash with zucchini or other varieties of squash. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as it may vary slightly.

What other seasonings can I use?

Feel free to experiment with different seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, or Italian seasoning. The key is to tailor it to your taste preferences.

Can I add other vegetables to the mix?

Yes, you can add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or even thinly sliced carrots. Just ensure that all veggies are cut into similar sizes for even cooking.

How do I know when the squash is done?

The squash should be tender and slightly browned. You can check for tenderness by piercing a piece with a fork. If it goes through easily, it’s done!

Is it possible to make this recipe without oil?

While the oil helps achieve a crispy texture, you can make this dish without it. Just be aware that the squash may be a bit less crispy.

How should I store leftovers?

Store any leftover squash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain some of the crispiness.

So there you have it—a delightful, easy-to-make side dish that’s sure to impress.

I can’t wait for you to try this recipe out. Let me know how it turns out in the comments below.

Happy cooking!