Is Squash Good in the Air Fryer? A Complete Guide

Cooking squash in an air fryer is becoming increasingly popular due to its speed, ease, and ability to produce crispy, delicious vegetables without the need for excessive oil. Whether you’re using summer squash, zucchini, or winter varieties like butternut squash, the air fryer can work wonders. In this article, we’ll explore whether squash is a good choice for the air fryer, how to prepare it, and tips for achieving the best results.

Is Squash Really Good in the Air Fryer?

Squash, particularly summer varieties like zucchini and yellow squash, is perfect for air frying. Air frying cooks vegetables with hot air circulation, making them crispy on the outside while retaining their natural flavors and nutrients. Compared to traditional frying, air frying uses much less oil, making it a healthier option.

Not only is air frying squash fast and simple, but it also preserves the natural sweetness and flavor of the squash without turning it mushy. If you’re wondering if squash really works in the air fryer, the answer is a resounding “yes.” The air fryer enhances the texture and flavors of squash, making it a popular choice for home cooks and busy families.

Types of Squash to Use in the Air Fryer

There are many varieties of squash that you can cook in an air fryer, but some are better suited for this method than others. Here’s a look at the most popular types:

Summer Squash

• Zucchini: Zucchini is one of the most commonly air-fried vegetables. Its mild flavor and high water content make it a perfect match for the crispy finish that the air fryer provides.
• Yellow Squash: Yellow squash, with its slightly sweeter flavor, is another excellent option for air frying. When sliced into rounds, it crisps up nicely.

Winter Squash

• Butternut Squash: Butternut squash is a bit firmer than summer squash, and it cooks well in the air fryer, achieving a tender yet crispy texture. It’s a bit denser, so it takes slightly longer to cook than zucchini.
• Delicata Squash: Delicata squash, known for its sweet, creamy flavor, is also a great choice for air frying, especially since its skin is edible.

Benefits of Air Frying Squash

Air frying squash offers several advantages over other cooking methods, including:

• Healthier Cooking: The air fryer uses significantly less oil than traditional frying, making it a healthier way to cook squash.
• Faster Cooking: Squash takes much less time to cook in the air fryer than in the oven. You can have a crispy, flavorful dish in just 15-20 minutes.
• Better Texture: The air fryer produces a crispy exterior while keeping the interior of the squash tender and flavorful. This makes it an ideal way to prepare squash without it becoming mushy.

How to Prepare Squash for the Air Fryer

Preparing squash for the air fryer is simple and straightforward. Follow these easy steps to ensure the best results:

1. Select Your Squash

• Choose small to medium-sized squash for the best texture and flavor. Larger squash tends to be more watery and may not crisp up as well.
• Peel or leave the skin on: For most squash varieties, you can leave the skin on (such as zucchini and yellow squash). However, for winter squash like butternut, you may want to peel it for a smoother texture.

2. Slice the Squash

• Cut the squash into uniform pieces. This helps it cook evenly.
  • For summer squash, cut it into thin rounds or half-moons.
  • For winter squash, peel and cube the squash into bite-sized pieces.

3. Season the Squash

• Simple seasoning: Coat the squash lightly with olive oil, salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs or spices (e.g., garlic powder, paprika, thyme).
• For a crispy finish, you can add a dusting of cornmeal or Parmesan cheese for extra texture.

4. Preheat the Air Fryer

• Preheating the air fryer is essential for even cooking and a crispy finish. Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it heat for a few minutes before adding your squash.

Air Fryer Settings and Cooking Time

The next step is to set the right temperature and cooking time. Air fryers vary slightly by model, but here are some general guidelines:

Temperature

• Most squash varieties cook best at 375°F (190°C). This temperature ensures that the squash gets crispy without burning or overcooking.

Cooking Time

• Summer Squash (Zucchini/Yellow Squash): 10-12 minutes at 375°F.
• Winter Squash (Butternut, Acorn, Delicata): 15-18 minutes at 375°F.

How to Arrange the Squash

• Arrange the squash pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking. If you need to cook more squash, do it in batches.

Shaking the Basket

• Halfway through cooking, shake the basket or flip the squash pieces to promote even crisping and prevent sticking.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Air Frying Squash

To get the perfect air-fried squash, it’s essential to avoid a few common mistakes:

1. Overcrowding the Basket

• If you overcrowd the basket, the hot air can’t circulate properly, resulting in uneven cooking and less crispy squash.

2. Not Preheating the Air Fryer

• Always preheat the air fryer for the best results. Failing to preheat can cause the squash to cook unevenly and may result in a soggy texture.

3. Overcooking or Undercooking the Squash

• Watch the cooking time closely. If squash is overcooked, it can turn mushy, while undercooked squash will be too hard. Adjust the time according to the type of squash you’re using.

How to Get Crispy Squash in the Air Fryer

Achieving crispy squash in the air fryer requires the right technique:

1. Light Coating of Oil

• A light misting of olive oil or spray oil helps to crisp up the exterior while keeping the squash tender inside. Avoid drenching the squash in oil, as it can cause it to become soggy.

2. Use Breading or Seasoning

• For extra crispiness, you can coat the squash in bread crumbs, cornmeal, or a mixture of Parmesan cheese and herbs. This creates a crunchy exterior while the squash inside stays soft.

3. Don’t Overcrowd the Basket

• Cook in small batches to ensure proper air circulation around the squash for the crispiest texture.

What to Serve with Air Fried Squash

Air-fried squash makes a great side dish, but it can also be paired with a variety of meals. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Pair with Protein: Air-fried squash pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, turkey, or fish. The crispy texture complements savory meats.
• Serve in Salads: Toss air-fried squash into salads for added flavor and texture.
• Dip Sauces: Serve with a tangy dipping sauce, such as ranch, tzatziki, or marinara sauce.

Is Air Fried Squash Healthier?

Air frying squash is healthier than other cooking methods like deep frying. Here’s why:

• Less Oil: Air frying uses little to no oil, making it a lower-fat alternative to traditional frying.
• Retains Nutrients: Because air frying cooks the squash quickly, it helps retain more of the vitamins and nutrients compared to longer cooking methods like boiling or roasting.

FAQs

Can you air fry squash without oil?

Yes, you can air fry squash without oil, but it might not achieve the same level of crispiness as when oil is used. The air fryer relies on hot air circulation to cook the food, and while it does a great job of crisping up vegetables, the oil helps create that golden, crunchy exterior. Without oil, the squash may cook to a tender texture, but it won’t have the same crisp, fried-like finish. For the healthiest results, a light spray of olive oil or any cooking spray can be used to achieve that desirable crispiness while keeping the dish relatively low in fat. If you’re looking to minimize oil, consider using just a small mist of spray to coat the squash evenly.

Why is my air fried squash soggy?

Soggy squash is a common issue, but it can be avoided with a few simple steps. The primary reason for soggy squash is overcrowding the air fryer basket. When too many pieces are placed in the basket, the hot air cannot circulate properly, resulting in uneven cooking. This can cause parts of the squash to become soggy instead of crispy. To prevent this, always arrange the squash in a single layer with some space between the pieces. Additionally, make sure you’re using enough oil. While air frying requires much less oil than traditional frying, a light coating of oil helps promote a crispy texture. Another tip is to shake the basket halfway through the cooking process to ensure even crisping.

What temperature is best for air frying squash?

The ideal temperature for air frying squash is 375°F (190°C). This temperature allows the squash to cook quickly while achieving a crisp exterior and tender interior. If your squash is thicker, such as butternut squash, you may want to increase the temperature slightly or adjust the cooking time accordingly.

How long does it take to cook squash in an air fryer?

Cooking times for squash in the air fryer depend on the type of squash and its size. Here’s a general guideline:

• Summer Squash (Zucchini, Yellow Squash): 10-12 minutes at 375°F.
• Winter Squash (Butternut, Delicata): 15-18 minutes at 375°F.

The cooking time may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model, so it’s a good idea to check the squash periodically for doneness.

Can you cook frozen squash in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook frozen squash in the air fryer, and it’s incredibly easy! However, frozen squash tends to release more moisture during cooking, which can affect the final texture. To get the best results, increase the cooking time by a few minutes—usually, frozen squash will take about 18-22 minutes to cook at 375°F. Make sure to shake the basket halfway through to ensure the squash cooks evenly. If you’re cooking frozen squash, avoid overcrowding the basket to allow for the best air circulation.

Conclusion

Air frying squash is not only convenient but also a game-changer when it comes to preparing a healthy, flavorful dish. Whether you’re cooking zucchini, butternut squash, delicata squash, or any other variety, the air fryer can significantly enhance the natural flavors while providing a crispy, golden texture on the outside, and keeping the inside tender and moist. This method is a fantastic way to enjoy the versatility of squash without the need for excessive oil, making it a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods.

One of the key advantages of air frying squash is its speed. In just 15-20 minutes, you can have a perfectly cooked dish ready to serve. Simply preheat your air fryer, season your squash to your liking, and make sure you avoid overcrowding the basket for the best results. Air frying allows for even cooking, which ensures that each piece of squash is cooked to perfection—crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

For extra flavor, you can experiment with various seasoning blends or even coat the squash in breadcrumbs or Parmesan cheese for an added crunch. Whether as a side dish, snack, or part of a salad, air-fried squash is sure to become a staple in your healthy eating routine. With these simple tips and tricks, you can enjoy crispy, tender squash every time. Happy cooking!