If you’re searching for a snack or side that perfectly blends crunch, savoriness, and a pop of spicy tang, you’ve got to try this Crispy Air Fryer Yellow Squash with Spicy Dipping Sauce Recipe. It transforms humble yellow squash into irresistibly crispy rounds coated with a flavorful crust, cooked to perfection in the air fryer. What’s better is the creamy, smoky spicy dipping sauce that brings every bite alive—making it a true crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you’re whipping this up for a quick appetizer or a delightful side, this recipe hits all the right notes with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, everyday ingredients that magically come together to create a crunchy, flavorful snack that’s anything but ordinary. Each ingredient plays a key role, whether adding crisp texture, depth of flavor, or a pop of color that brightens up your plate.
- 2 medium yellow squashes: The star ingredient, sliced thin for maximum crispiness in the air fryer.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Helps the coating stick and adds a light base layer.
- 2 large eggs: Acts as the perfect binder between the flour and breadcrumb layers.
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs: Provides that signature crunch and texture you want from fried veggies.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a savory, nutty flavor that enriches the crust.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Infuses each bite with subtle, aromatic garlicky goodness.
- 1/2 tsp paprika: Brings a mild smoky warmth and beautiful color to the coating.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that elevate all other flavors.
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray: Ensures a golden, crispy finish in the air fryer.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: A bright, fresh garnish that completes the dish visually and flavor-wise.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: The creamy base of the spicy dipping sauce.
- 2 tbsp ketchup: Adds sweetness and balances the spice in the dipping sauce.
- 1 tsp smoked paprika or hot sauce (optional): Provides a smoky kick or heat to amp up the sauce.
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Yellow Squash with Spicy Dipping Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Start by setting your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This ensures it’s hot and ready to give your yellow squash slices that perfect crispy exterior from the moment they hit the basket. Preheating is key for evenly cooked, golden results.
Step 2: Prepare Your Coating Stations
Set up three shallow bowls to streamline the breading process. In the first bowl, mix the all-purpose flour with salt and pepper for a subtly seasoned base. The second bowl holds beaten eggs, which will help the breading stick. The third bowl contains the panko breadcrumbs combined with Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper for a flavorful, crunchy topping. Having these prepped makes breading each squash slice quick and easy.
Step 3: Bread the Yellow Squash
Dip each yellow squash round first into the flour mixture, coating lightly to create a sticky base. Next, dunk it into the beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off. Finally, press the slice firmly into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring each slice is thoroughly coated for that irresistible crunch. Taking your time here means every piece will cook up beautifully crisp.
Step 4: Arrange and Spray in the Air Fryer
Lay the breaded squash slices in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Avoid stacking or overcrowding, so hot air can circulate and crisp every edge. Lightly mist them with cooking spray to promote golden browning. This small step taps into all the air fryer’s magic.
Step 5: Air Fry to Golden Perfection
Cook the squash for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Keep an eye on the color and tenderness; you want crunchy outsides with tender squash inside. Depending on your air fryer’s model and how thick the slices are, you might adjust timing slightly. This quick cooking process is a dream for busy cooks.
Step 6: Make the Spicy Dipping Sauce
While the squash cooks, mix together mayonnaise, ketchup, and smoked paprika or hot sauce in a small bowl. This creamy, smoky, slightly spicy sauce pairs perfectly with the golden, crunchy squash rounds and adds that extra layer of flavor that keeps everyone dipping back for more.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the air fryer, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top of the squash for a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness. Serve the Crispy Air Fryer Yellow Squash with Spicy Dipping Sauce Recipe immediately with the sauce on the side to enjoy that satisfying crunch and creamy dip combo.
How to Serve Crispy Air Fryer Yellow Squash with Spicy Dipping Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley isn’t the only way to garnish these crispy rounds. Try a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or a light dusting of grated Parmesan for an extra savory touch. A wedge of lemon on the side adds a zesty contrast that brightens the whole dish beautifully.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides such as crisp garden salads, tangy coleslaw, or even a creamy cucumber yogurt salad. For a heartier meal, serve alongside grilled chicken or fish for a balanced plate full of texture and vibrant flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve these crispy squash rounds stacked in a colorful tower or arranged in an inviting circular pattern around a small bowl of dipping sauce. For a party, place individual portions in small cups or mini paper cones for easy grab-and-go snacking that looks fantastic and tastes even better.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover crispy yellow squash, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep their crispness, separate layers with paper towels that absorb any extra moisture.
Freezing
This recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the breaded, uncooked squash slices on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. When ready, air fry directly from frozen—just add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time for perfect crispiness.
Reheating
To bring leftover or frozen Air Fryer Yellow Squash back to life, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for about 3-5 minutes. This will revive the crunch without drying out the squash. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make them soggy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of squash in this recipe?
Absolutely! While yellow squash is ideal for its texture and mild flavor, zucchini or pattypan squash work just as well. Just slice them to a similar thickness for even cooking and crispiness.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Replace the eggs with a flax egg or aquafaba, use vegan mayonnaise, and ensure your breadcrumbs are free of dairy or egg. The crispy coating and spicy dipping sauce still come together wonderfully.
Can I bake the squash instead of air frying?
You can bake them at 425°F on a parchment-lined pan for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. While they won’t be quite as crispy, you’ll still get nice golden crusts and tender squash.
How spicy is the dipping sauce?
The spice level depends on the amount and type of hot sauce or smoked paprika you add. The recipe is flexible, so feel free to adjust the heat to suit your taste, from mild smoky flavor to a real spicy kick.
What’s the best way to slice the squash?
Slice the yellow squash into uniform 1/4-inch rounds to ensure even cooking. If slices are too thick, they may stay soggy inside; too thin, and they might over-crisp or burn quickly.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Crispy Air Fryer Yellow Squash with Spicy Dipping Sauce Recipe—it’s quick, fun to make, and full of layered flavors and textures that everyone will love. It’s become one of my favorite ways to enjoy summer squash, turning a simple vegetable into a crunchy delight with a sauce that’s simply addictive. I promise once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again!
Print
Crispy Air Fryer Yellow Squash with Spicy Dipping Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Crispy Air Fryer Yellow Squash recipe offers a deliciously crunchy and healthy snack or side dish. Coated in a seasoned panko and Parmesan crust, these yellow squash rounds are air fried to golden perfection and served with a tangy homemade dipping sauce, making them a delightful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Yellow Squash
- 2 medium yellow squashes, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
Breading
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Dipping Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp smoked paprika or hot sauce (optional)
Other
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the optimal temperature for cooking the yellow squash rounds to a crispy finish.
- Prepare Breading Stations: Set up three shallow bowls. In the first, combine flour with salt and pepper. Beat eggs in the second bowl. In the third bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to create the seasoned breadcrumb mixture.
- Coat Squash Slices: Dip each yellow squash slice first into the flour mixture for a light coating, then into the beaten eggs to moisten, and finally press it thoroughly into the breadcrumb mixture to ensure an even and crispy crust.
- Arrange in Air Fryer: Place the breaded squash slices in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd for even cooking. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray to promote crispiness.
- Air Fry the Squash: Cook the squash rounds for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time, until they turn golden brown and tender. Adjust cooking time based on your air fryer model if needed.
- Make the Dipping Sauce: While the squash cooks, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, and smoked paprika or hot sauce in a small bowl until smooth, creating a flavorful dipping sauce to accompany the crispy squash.
- Serve: Once done, transfer the crispy yellow squash rounds to a serving plate, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve hot alongside the prepared dipping sauce.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, avoid overlapping the squash slices in the air fryer basket.
- Adjust the seasoning in the breadcrumb mix to suit your taste preference.
- Use low-fat mayonnaise or Greek yogurt as a lighter alternative for the dipping sauce.
- To make it spicier, add hot sauce in the breadcrumb mix or increase the smoked paprika in the dipping sauce.
- Cook times may vary depending on the brand and model of your air fryer, so keep an eye during the last few minutes to prevent burning.
