Yellow Squash in the Air Fryer
Yellow squash is mild and watery, and it tends to go limp in a skillet. Air fryer yellow squash cooks in about 10 minutes at 400 °F, with golden edges and a tender center and no breading at all. You will also find the times for spears and thin chips, and a short answer for butternut squash.
- Temperature
- 400°F200 °C
- Total time
- 18min
- Prep time
- 8min
- Servings
- 4
- Per serving
- 55kcal
Why the air fryer works for yellow squash
Yellow squash, also called summer squash, has thin skin and soft, watery flesh. That makes it easy to overcook, and it gets soggy in a covered pan. Hot, dry air in the air fryer wicks moisture from the cut surface so that the edges brown and sweeten while the inside stays creamy.
The result is a side that tastes more like the grill than the stove. Yellow squash in the air fryer needs only a spoonful of oil and some dry seasoning, and it cooks in 10 minutes. The same method works for green zucchini, and a mixed batch of the two looks good on the plate.
How to make yellow squash in the air fryer
Tap a time to start a timer.
- Slice Trim the ends of the squash. Cut it in half lengthwise, then into ½-inch thick half-moons. Cut the pieces to the same thickness so they finish together.
- Season Toss the squash in a bowl with the oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder and Italian seasoning until every piece is lightly coated. Season right before cooking, because salt draws out water if the squash sits.
- Preheat Preheat the air fryer to 400 °F for .
- Cook Spread the squash in a single layer in the basket. Cook for , shaking after . Cook in two batches if the basket is small, because crowded pieces steam instead of browning.
- Check and serve The squash is ready when the edges are golden and a fork slides in easily. It softens quickly, so check at . Serve hot.
Times and temperatures
| Yellow Squash | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Half-moons, ½ inchShake after 5 min | 400 °F (200 °C) | 10 min |
| Spears | 400 °F (200 °C) | 10–12 min |
| Thin chipsSingle layer, dry well | 375 °F (190 °C) | 8–10 min |
| Halved lengthwiseCut side up | 400 °F (200 °C) | 12–14 min |
| Butternut cubes, 1 inchShake 3 times | 400 °F (200 °C) | 15–18 min |
Times are a guide and depend on the size and wattage of your air fryer. See also air fryer cooking times for all foods.
Tips
- Pick small to medium squash. Squash under 8 inches has thin skin and few seeds. Large ones are watery and bitter, and cook less evenly.
- Do not peel. The skin holds the slices together and adds color. Wash the squash and trim only the ends.
- Season at the last minute. Salt pulls moisture from the cut surfaces. Toss the squash with the oil and seasoning and put it straight into the hot basket.
What to serve with yellow squash
Yellow squash is a classic summer side for chicken thighs, hamburgers and pork chops, and works as a base for a pasta night with tomato sauce. For a mixed tray, add zucchini or mushrooms, and serve a barbecue-style dinner with corn on the cob.
Storing and reheating
Cooked squash keeps for 2 to 3 days in a sealed container in the refrigerator, but it gets softer. Reheat it in the air fryer at 350 °F for 2–3 minutes. It is also good chopped into an omelet, scrambled eggs or a frittata.
Variations
- Parmesan: Sprinkle the squash with 2 tbsp grated Parmesan in the last 2 minutes of cooking (not vegan or dairy-free).
- Squash and onions: Add 1 sliced small onion to the bowl; it cooks at the same time as the squash.
- Breaded: Dip the slices in egg, then in panko mixed with Parmesan, spray with oil and cook at 400 °F for 8–10 minutes, flipping once (not vegan, dairy-free or gluten-free).
- Squash casserole topping: Use the cooked squash in a casserole with cheese and cracker crumbs, then bake (not vegan, dairy-free or gluten-free).
- Butternut Squash: For a dedicated recipe, see air fryer butternut squash.
- Acorn Squash: For a dedicated recipe, see air fryer acorn squash.
If it does not turn out right
- The squash is watery and limp
- Too much moisture or too many pieces in the basket. Dry the slices after cutting, cook them in a single layer, and do not salt them long before cooking.
- The slices are mushy
- They were too thin or cooked too long. Cut them ½ inch thick and take them out as soon as they are golden.
- The squash is not browning
- Make sure the air fryer is preheated, the oil covers every piece and the basket is not overfilled. Keep the temperature at 400 °F.
Questions and answers
How long do you cook yellow squash in the air fryer?
Half-moons cut ½ inch thick take 10 minutes at 400 °F, shaking once. Spears take 10–12 minutes, and thin chips about 8–10 minutes at 375 °F.
Can you cook yellow squash in the air fryer without breading?
Yes, and this recipe does. A coating of oil and dry seasoning is enough to brown the squash. For a crunchy version, use the breading method on the zucchini page, which works just as well for yellow squash.
Can you cook zucchini and yellow squash together?
Yes. They are nearly identical in texture and cook at the same speed, so cut them to the same thickness and cook them together for 10 minutes at 400 °F.
How long does butternut squash take in the air fryer?
Butternut squash is much denser. Cubes of 1 inch take 15–18 minutes at 400 °F, shaking three times. A halved squash, scooped out, takes 25–30 minutes at 375 °F.
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